The largest and oldest park in Hawaii is located on the east end of Waikiki and anchored by the most recognized volcanic crater in the world. When you fly in on your Seattle to Hawaii vacation, you often see Diamond Head and the park before you see Waikiki. Queen Kapi’olani Park and the Diamond Head State Monument are also a big part of Waikiki’s history. When I lived in Waikiki, one of the places I would go when I needed to see some trees other than Palm in variety was this park. I was brought up in Northern California where big trees are the norm, not the exception, and Kapi’olani Park has some magnificent tall Ironwood trees. The history of the park starts with the desire to have a dry horse racing track, and King Kalakaua decided in 1876 on the dry plain at the foot of Diamond Head crater was the perfect place. The following year the park was named after Queen Kapi’olani and designated as the first Hawaiian public space. As is always the case in Hawaii, a group of businessmen convinced the King to lease parts of the park to them for a dollar per year. They did well and put a lot of their profits from various ventures into the design and maintenance of much of the parks unique and abundant landscaping.
In addition to the parks grounds, there are also 3 main attractions within the parks boundaries that draw locals and visitors alike. The first is the Waikiki Shell. This is the spectacular outdoor music venue that had hosted the very famous Kodak Hula Show since 1937. Unfortunately that show has been canceled, but “The Shell” continues to host many musical events throughout the year. Included in the history of this amphitheater, that seats up to 7500 in chairs and on the lawn, are many performances by the legends of music from all over the world. Some names you may know are Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in 1960, Jimi Hendricks in 1969, and most famously for locals, is the first concert by Cecilio and Kapono in 1974. One of my favorite duos’s that play there often is The Brothers Casimero. If you have ever heard these two guys sing, you know that The Waikiki Shell is the perfect venue for their voices.
The second main attraction is The Honolulu Zoo, which was loosely started by Kapi’olani Park administrator Ben Hollinger in 1914. The Zoo with the modest start of a single monkey now houses almost a 1000 animals, birds, and reptiles. Seeing a zoo like this right next to Waikiki, in paradise, seems a little out of place until you actually get inside. The animal exhibits areas have been upgraded to give the animals the most room and enrichment as possible. The decidedly tropical feel is welcoming to the people on a Seattle to Hawaii vacation, as well as to the animals. The variety is surprising also in that you have enough of the big animals like Hippos. Giraffes, and Cheetahs to keep the kids interested, yet they also include a fair amount of birds and reptiles to keep the curious happy too. If you have a few hours, the Honolulu Zoo is a good place to spend it. I don’t want you to get the idea that the 3 main attractions are the only things to do in Kapi’olani Park; there is also an excellent aquarium, tennis courts, an archery range, and a popular 2 mile jogging course around the edge of the park. The point here is that this one of the great urban parks in the United States that is well worth a visit to its attractions or just for a stroll through its expansive grounds.
The final attraction here is The Diamond Head Monument, known by many as Le’ahi, which can be seen from just about anywhere in Waikiki. According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, the English name came from the British who believed they found valuable diamonds in the crater. Yeah, right. As popular as the Diamond Head State Monument is, the walking trail to the summit isn’t right for everyone. Built in 1908, a significant hike is required to get to the crater. Perfect for those looking for little adventure, the walk includes almost two hundred steps and mysterious underground tunnels. Many people will marvel at the view from the top, but one of the main attractions of Le’ahi is the infrastructure that is within the crater. This is where the “Fire Control Station” was built in 1917 to oversee all of Waikiki and the surrounding area’s safety. Whether you drive up or take the hike, the history of Diamond Head is fascinating and well worth your time on your Seattle to Hawaii vacation.
That’s it for today; tomorrow we dine and explore the nightlife options in Waikiki.
Fergy
