Kewalo Basin Park — Attraction in Honolulu

Built in 1990, the Kewalo Basin Park is a triangular peninsula that is located on the ocean edge of the Kewalo Basin at the westernmost point of Ala Moana Regional Park. Shhhh, this park is somewhat undiscovered by most residents and even fewer visitors would visit here. There's a small parking lot that's open and free to the public and access to the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Hookupu Center (Green Jobs & Training Center) and next to this center, you'll find the Harbor Master. But, this park's main draws are its beautiful wide promenade (similar to the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park), a pergola, public restrooms and showers, and a jetty from which you can get unobstructed views at the ocean's edge.

Looking West, across the Kewalo channel, you can easily see the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park and back up into the Kewalo Basin Harbor. If you stand on the jetty and look East, you're at ocean edge and can get fabulous views for that perfect photo opportunity of Diamond Head, Waikiki, Ala Moana Regional Park, and Magic Island. In the past, my husband and I would come here on Friday nights to watch the Hilton Hawaiian Resorts' fireworks display and/or watch from afar the annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Festival on Memorial Day. It can get windy so be prepared and hold onto your hat or don't wear loose clothes as the gusts may move you along like a kite.

There are a couple of significant bronze statues here. The first statue that greets you at the entrance of this park is Saint Marianne Cope, OSF who tirelessly worked on the island of Molokai with patients affected with leprosy (Hansen's Disease) bringing them new healthcare standards, joy, and dignity. The second bronze statue is called 'Ano Lani; Ano Honua (A Heavenly Nature; An Earthly Nature). This statue represents a Hawaiian legend where a Hawaiian man called "Kapoi" showed kindness to an owl or pueo in Kewalo. That pueo or owl became Kapois protector as he saved Kapoi's life during a famous battle in Waikīkī. The eight diamond forms in the sculpture represent our eight Hawaiian islands that are "protected" by the pueo/owl that sits atop. If you look down at the promenade, you'll also see the diamond shape which is traditionally found on tapa cloth (bark cloth).

This park also houses the newly opened (November 2019) and first of its kind Hookupu Center which focuses on encouraging and preparing local youths to become leaders in the green jobs sector. Kupu (Hawai'i's leading environmental education non-profit organization) opened this center with the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. This center is also available for public events/catering through a rental program. Since the Ho'okupu Center, this triangular peninsula has seen a 90% drop in homeless people. But, you still shouldn't let your guard down.

If you have a chance to check out this park, I'd recommend it for its views and tranquility. If you surf, there are stairs to access the water as there is no sandy beach to...

Kewalo Basin Park is a waterfront park located in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. Here’s why tourists should consider checking it out:

Beautiful Location: Kewalo Basin Park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Honolulu skyline. Visitors can enjoy the sight of boats and yachts docked at the marina and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Recreational Activities: The park provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the waterfront, go jogging or cycling on the scenic paths, or simply relax and have a picnic while enjoying the ocean breeze. Water Sports and Fishing: Kewalo Basin Park is a popular spot for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. It offers opportunities for activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sport fishing. Tourists can rent equipment or book guided tours to explore the ocean and engage in these exciting activities. Dining and Shopping: Adjacent to Kewalo Basin Park, there are dining establishments and shops where visitors can indulge in local cuisine, grab a refreshing drink, or find unique souvenirs. This provides a convenient option for grabbing a bite to eat or engaging in some retail therapy after enjoying the park. Cultural Experience: The park is located in close proximity to the Ala Moana area, which is known for its cultural attractions, including the Ala Moana Center (one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world) and the Neal S. Blaisdell Center (a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and events).

Overall, Kewalo Basin Park offers a picturesque setting, recreational activities, water sports opportunities, and convenient access to nearby attractions. It’s a place where tourists can unwind, enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii, and engage in various activities that showcase the vibrant coastal lifestyle...

We parked here to hang out for the day. Used the bathrooms - please note that there are no doors on bathroom stalls, but they were clean. We walked around for awhile and came back to get our chairs. But when we came came back to the car it was gone. Our car was towed. There is a man there taking pictures in a red truck of anyone who steps one foot off the park. If you take one step off the park, your car gets towed. This is not posted that you have to remain in the park . Our other friend was out surfing. The Honolulu Towing company whas very rude . We had to pay 147 cash to get our car back. There should be signs that say you cannot take one step off the parking lot. This appears to be a tourist and Haoli scam. Basically our car was taken as hostage in less than an hour and we had to do whatever...