Kapiolani Park, Honolulu

Named for Queen Kapiolani, the consort of King David Kalakaua, this is Hawaii's largest, oldest public park.

Queen Kapiolani lived between 1834-99. She was named for her great-aunt, High Chiefess Kapiolani, who made a dramatic display of her conversion to Christianity and defied the volcano goddess, Pele. Queen Kapiolani traveled to London for Queen Victoria's 50th Jubilee, along with Princess Liliuokalani. She also established the Kapiolani Maternity Home, where mothers and their newborn babies could receive post-natal medical care. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, she moved to her home in Waikiki, where she died at age 64.

Kapiolani Park was made a park because the land was largely unsuitable for anything else. Archibald Cleghorn, a Scotsman who married into Hawaiian royalty, designed the park's landscaping and plantings. After the royal family was overthrown, the park was given to the Republic of Hawaii. Legally, it was decreed that the park be permanently set aside as a public park, with no part of it going up for sale or lease, and no entrance fees. The park is home to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell, tennis and basketball courts; soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and rugby fields; an archery range; and a bandstand.

Why You Should Visit:
On one hand, it is clean, quiet and peaceful – full of beautiful flowering shrubs, trees, and gorgeous birds.
On the other hand, it also is the site of many festivals, craft fairs, art sports, art shows and music events.

Tip:
Check the schedule when you arrive so as not to miss some free entertainment and local flare. And make sure you have your sunscreen with you!