Kakaʻako Waterfront Park

Park History

Kakaʻako Waterfront Park opened in November 1992 on what was once a municipal landfill that operated until the 1960s - a pretty remarkable transformation for 35 acres of public green space. The park sits just off Ala Moana Boulevard at the end of Cooke Street along the Honolulu shoreline.

Landscape Features

What makes this park truly unique are its rolling, grass-covered hills that sit right beside the ocean. These distinctive mounds offer excellent panoramic views of the Pacific, Diamond Head, and the Honolulu skyline. Locals have turned these hills into natural playgrounds, often bringing cardboard to slide down them (a tradition worth witnessing!).

While there's no sandy beach here, concrete stairs provide access to the water. The shoreline features a seawall and large boulders rather than sand. Just a heads-up if you're planning to swim - the water is generally clear, but watch out for the rocky bottom when entering.

Looking southeast toward Diamond Head and the Honolulu waterfront

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation Opportunities

Kakaʻako Waterfront Park has become a favorite spot for Honolulu's surf community, especially experienced surfers who flock to the breaks known as "Point Panic" (exclusively reserved for bodysurfers), "Flies," and "Incinerators." If fishing is more your style, you'll often spot locals casting lines along the shoreline.

The park's paved walking and jogging paths wind through the hills and along the waterfront, nice for morning or evening exercise. The spacious grassy areas are excellent for spreading out a blanket for picnics, flying kites, or just lounging with a good book.

The park offers good sunset viewing opportunities. The unobstructed ocean views are quite nice each evening, without the crowds you'll find at more touristy spots. If you're visiting during winter (November-March), grab your binoculars - the elevated vantage points make for excellent whale watching opportunities.

Leaning palms line the grassy waterfront area on a breezy day

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Facilities and Amenities

You'll find all the essentials here for a comfortable visit. Picnic areas with tables are scattered within the park, with some tucked into shaded spots. Planning a cookout? Barbecue grills are available for those inspired to grill outdoors.

Clean restrooms and shower facilities make it convenient to spend a full day exploring. Parking is free, but remember that the gates close at 7 PM when the park closes.

A surfer rides an enormous wave

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Memorials and Facilities

The park is home to two significant memorials: the Ehime Maru Memorial, which honors the victims of a tragic 2001 submarine accident, and a thoughtful Victim Memorial sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

For events and performances, the park's amphitheater occasionally hosts concerts, adding a cultural dimension to this natural space.

The Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head seen from the park's shoreline

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Wildlife

As you explore, you might make some furry friends among the resident feral cats that call the shoreline rocks home. Many of these cats are well cared for by dedicated locals who bring food, and some have grown quite friendly toward visitors. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the various feathered residents, including some colorful roosters strutting about the grounds.

Open green lawns stretch toward the ocean

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Nearby Attractions

Right next to the park sits the John A. Burns School of Medicine, part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, adding an educational presence to the area.

In late 2019, management of Kakaʻako Waterfront Park transferred from the Hawaii Community Development Corporation to the city of Honolulu.