Kapiolani Park History

Kapiolani Regional Park in the Honolulu Waikiki area is Hawaii’s oldest and largest public park and home to some of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, including historic Diamond Head and the Honolulu Zoo. Founded by Hawaii’s King Kalakaua in the late 19th century, Kapiolani Park, or Kapi’olani Park as it is known is the native Hawaiian language, is a sprawling 500-acre preserve listed on the state of Hawaii’s Historic Register. Of particular note are the many 100-year-old and older Banyan Trees growing in Kapiolani Park. To learn more about the history of Kapiolani Beach Park in Honolulu, Hawaii, visit
www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/sites_to_see/kapiolani_park.htm.

Kapiolani Park Highlights

Honolulu Zoo in Kapiolani Park.

When King David Kalakaua founded the park in 1870, he named it after his Queen consort, Kapi’ olani. Today, Kapiolani Regional Park is home to one of the world’s most famous and well-respected zoos, the Honolulu Zoo. The residence of more than 1,200 animals, the inhabitants of the Honolulu Zoo are housed in habitats designed especially for them, including a Sumatran tiger, orangutans, exotic birds and lemurs. To learn more about the animals and exhibits at the Honolulu Zoo, visit their website at www.honoluluzoo.org.

Kapiolani Park Sports & Recreation.

Enjoy great outdoor recreation and sports at Kapiolani Park. Pick your passion. There are soccer fields, tennis courts, a 3-mile jogging track and  an archery range. Kapiolani Park is even part of the Honolulu Marathon Course. The Honolulu Cricket Club is also located on the grounds of Kapiolani Park and is home to Hawaii’s only cricket club. For lunch after the game, pack a picnic to experience the beauty of Hawaii while dining al fresco. Visit the Kapiolani Bandstand to take in a show at the park. Free concerts are performed every Sunday afternoon by the Royal Hawaiian Band.