ʻAʻala Park

A Slice of Honolulu History

Tucked in the heart of Honolulu, ʻAʻala Park spans 6.69 acres of urban greenspace with roots that run deep in Hawaiian soil. Nestled in the Kapālama Ahupuaʻa (traditional Hawaiian land division) of Oʻahu's Kona District, this park has been a community fixture since the early 1900s.

Before concrete and basketball hoops, this area was known for its intricate network of Hawaiian fishponds and wetlands. When the park was established in the early 20th century, it quickly became the place to be - hosting political rallies, ethnic celebrations, and local sports leagues that brought the community together.

Cultural Heartbeat

The cultural pulse of ʻAʻala Park has never really stopped beating. Back in the day, you could watch Sumo Wrestling competitions, join martial arts classes, or take in traditional hula performances that were the centerpiece of community gatherings.

Today, that tradition lives on. The park still hosts vibrant cultural celebrations, including colorful Lunar New Year festivals and the Urban Makahiki (Hawaiian New Year celebration), keeping its role as a cultural crossroads alive in modern Honolulu.

Community Anchor

ʻAʻala Park's importance was bolstered by its location across from the city's main train station. Though the park has weathered its share of challenges over the decades - from safety issues to periods of underuse - it remains an important community space.

Recent years have seen a push to breathe new life into the park, with efforts aimed at creating a more welcoming environment for everyone. You'll find the park at its liveliest in the morning hours, when families and recreation seekers come out to enjoy the space.

Places to Play

If you're a skater or a basketball enthusiast, ʻAʻala Park has something for you. The skate park stands out as one of Honolulu's original skateboarding venues, featuring an array of ramps, stairs, rails, and ledges that challenge boarders of all abilities.

The basketball court is home to pick-up games and casual shooting sessions. For the little ones, there's a dedicated playground with climbing structures and slides.

The dog park features separate areas for large and small dogs where you can let your furry friends run free.

Space to Breathe

ʻAʻala Park has open, grassy areas where you can lounge with a book or have a picnic. Paved pathways wind throughout for walking or jogging.

When the Hawaiian sun gets intense, you can seek shelter under the park's trees, which create natural shade for cooling off. Picnic areas complete with trash bins make outdoor meals convenient and enjoyable.

Looking Forward

The future of ʻAʻala Park is being shaped by the very community it serves. The Trust for Public Land has partnered with the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center to involve local residents in reimagining what the park could be.

Through collaborative design sessions, these efforts aim to address ongoing challenges while honoring the park's deep historical and cultural significance. The goal is to preserve this historically significant space for future generations.