Kuhio Beach Park: A fun place to swim, visit landmarks, free hula and water activities

One of the most popular sections of Waikiki Beach area is at Kuhio Beach. Although most tourist cannot really differentiate where Kuhio Beach is in Waikiki, Kuhio does have a lot more landmarks and activities that do attract visitors to this particular area including the famous sculpture of the Duke Statue always bedecked in fresh flower leis. You can swim in the protected waters, do some fun water adventure, or just lounge and have a fun day beach day planned.

The Beach is also known as Kuhio ponds because of concrete walls that stretch out 40 feet out into the ocean and create a protected enclosure area that is kid friendly to swim in and a popular family friendly spot to swim in.

Kuhio Beach Location

The Kuhio beach area starts around the Maoana Surfrider hotel and the Kapahulu groin or the cement wall that protects from the open ocean waters.

The wall was built in 1951 to protect the beach area and now the area by the cement wall is a popular surfing and body boarding spot. The remainder of the enclosure is a family friendly water enclosure that is calm and shallow for swimming in.

Here’s the Google map location at Kuhio beach.

A brief history of Kuhio Beach

Kuhio Beach Park was named after Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole who was born in 1871. Prince Kuhio had a home called Pualeilani (meaning “flower from the wreath of heaven”). It was located here and he lived here with his wife Princess Elizabeth Kahanu and eventually opened a section for the public to use the beach. After his death the property was given to the city and the park was officially dedicated in 1940.

The beach area is now named in his honor for all the contributions and good deeds he did for the people of Hawaii including deeding this beach area for the general public to enjoy

Further outside of the protected enclosures is the surfing areas at Queen’s and Canoes where they hold annual surfing competitions in this area Waikiki.

Activities at Kuhio Beach

Kuhio Beach Park in Waikiki offers a range of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy:

Swimming: The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for a refreshing swim.

Sunbathing: Relax on the golden sands and soak up the Hawaiian sun.

Surfing: Beginners can take surf lessons, and experienced surfers can catch waves.

Hula Shows: Enjoy free hula performances at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound.

Beach Volleyball: Join a game on the designated courts.

Snorkeling: Explore the underwater world in the clear, shallow areas of the pond enclosure or closer to the rocky areas.

Paddleboarding: Rent a paddleboard and glide along the coast.

Picnicking: Have a beachside picnic at the park’s facilities.

Beachcombing: Search for seashells and unique beach treasures.

People Watching: Watch the vibrant beach scene and street performers.

Hawaiian Cultural Activities: Participate in lei-making or ukulele lessons.

Scenic Walks: Stroll along the beachfront promenade for stunning views.

Shopping: Explore nearby boutiques and souvenir shops.

Dining: Savor Hawaiian cuisine at beachside restaurants.

Fireworks: Enjoy weekly Friday night firework show at the HIlton Hawaiian beach area.

With its diverse range of activities and its stunning location along the iconic Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach Park provides endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in the heart of Oahu.

Check out these fantastic adventure and recreation activities

Looking for fun activities to do on Kuhio and Waikiki, check these out!

Oahu: Waikiki Sunset Catamaran Sail and Swim

Oahu: Waikiki Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Excursion

Oahu: Beginner Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

Oahu: Pa’ina Luau Waikiki at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort

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Amenities at Kuhio Beach

Around the beach area are some limited parking areas, concession stands, water recreation rentals, restrooms, showers, handicap access and lifeguards. Here’s a list of amenities you can find at Kuhio:

Amenities at Kuhio Beach

1. Beach Features

• Sandy shoreline ideal for sunbathing and swimming
• Calm waters protected by offshore breakwaters (good for families and beginner swimmers)
• Designated surfing and bodyboarding areas nearby

2. Safety & Accessibility

• Lifeguard stations (typically staffed during daytime hours)
• ADA-accessible walkways and beach mats
• Ramps leading to the beach area

3. Restrooms & Showers

• Public restrooms located near the beach
• Outdoor showers for rinsing off sand and saltwater

4. Seating & Shaded Areas

• Benches and shaded seating under palm trees and pavilions
• Stone walls and grassy areas for informal seating or picnics

5. Recreational Features

• Duke Kahanamoku Statue (popular photo spot and landmark)
• Hula mound with free hula shows and live performances on scheduled evenings
• Beach volleyball courts occasionally set up

6. Food & Drink

• Food trucks and snack vendors along Kalakaua Avenue
• Close proximity to cafes, restaurants, and ABC stores

7. Parking & Transportation

• Metered street parking (limited)
• Nearby paid parking lots and garages
• Easily accessible by bus or walking from Waikiki hotels

8. Nearby Attractions

• Close to Waikiki Beach Walk and shopping centers
• Short walk to Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park

Important Monuments at Kuhio

There are three other important monuments located at Kuhio Beach that are typically photo ops for visitors to take pictures. These include:

Duke Kahanamoku Statue – festooned with fresh flower leis and other displays, visitors come to see the statue and take pictures of this iconic ambassador of Aloha and the gorgeous Waikiki beach fronting the statue

The Prince Kuhio Statue was created by sculptor Sean Browne and was dedicated in 2002.

The Stones of Kapaemahu, also known as the Wizard stones which represents the four legendary Hawaiian men: Kapaemahu, Kahaloa, Kapuni and Kinohi, who came to Hawaii from a faraway land.

In Hawaii they were famous for their great wisdom and healing powers.

Free events at Kuhio Beach

There are free music and hula performances at Kuhio beach area by the giant banyan tree where a variety of small bands and hula halau (hula troops) perform free to the public. The shows happen on Saturdays from 6:30 to 7:30. In winter from the months of November to January the times change from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

The event starts close to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and listen to the conch shell sounding for the start of the performance.

For information on the show, call 808-843-8002

Check more details to the shows here for more information

Here’s a hula performance preview of the Kuhio shows below

Here’s a video highlight to visiting Kuhio beach below

Details to visiting Kuhio Beach Park

Kuhio Beach Park Hours open 24 / 7

Location: 2453 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Hula Events here at Kuhio Beach

Find out more about ocean safety in Hawaii here.

Weather and best time to visit Waikiki, Oahu

Waikiki, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, is a renowned tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of activities. The best time to visit Waikiki depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the type of experience you’re seeking. Here’s a breakdown of Waikiki’s weather and the ideal times to plan your trip:

Weather Overview:

• Year-Round Tropical Climate: Waikiki enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. It has two primary seasons: a dry season (summer) and a wetter season (winter). However, even during the wetter season, rainfall tends to be brief and intermittent.
• Summer (June to August): Waikiki’s summer months are warm and relatively dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). These months offer plenty of sunshine and are ideal for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor exploration. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
• Fall (September to November): Fall is a fantastic time to visit Waikiki. The weather remains warm, with temperatures between 73°F and 87°F (23°C to 31°C). Rainfall is minimal during this time, and you can enjoy Waikiki with fewer crowds. It’s an excellent time for both outdoor activities and cultural events.
• Winter (December to February): Waikiki’s winter is mild, with temperatures averaging between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C). This is the rainy season, especially on the windward (eastern) side of the island. While you might encounter some rain, it’s still possible to enjoy Waikiki’s attractions, and you’ll find fewer tourists during this time.
• Spring (March to May): Spring is similar to fall, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 69°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). The island starts to dry out from the winter rains, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Spring is an excellent time to visit for both weather and smaller crowds.

Best Times to Visit Waikiki:

• Late Spring (April to June): This period offers great weather with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities, relax on the beach, and explore the vibrant Waikiki area without the peak summer crowds.
• Fall (September to November): Fall is another fantastic time to visit Waikiki. The weather is still warm, and you can enjoy the city with fewer tourists, making it easier to find accommodations and enjoy popular attractions.

Considerations:

• Peak Tourist Season: If you don’t mind larger crowds and higher prices, visiting during the summer (June to August) can still be enjoyable, especially if you plan well in advance.
• Water Activities: Waikiki is a paradise for water activities, including surfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Be sure to check ocean conditions and surf reports for safety.
• Festivals and Events: Waikiki hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, so check the event calendar to see if any align with your travel dates.

In conclusion, Waikiki’s tropical climate means you can visit year-round, but late spring and fall offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, any time of year can be a great time to explore this iconic Hawaiian destination and enjoy all that Waikiki has to offer.

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Best restaurants in Waikiki

Conclusion to visiting Kuhio Beach Park in Waikiki

If you want to be right in the center of all activity in Waikiki then head out to Kuhio Beach Park

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Author Bio – Noel Morata

Noel Morata is a freelance photographer/journalist and travel and lifestyle blogger. Having lived in Hawaii for over 15 years, I’ve explored all the historic and cultural sites, tried delicious traditional food, fusion and local style dishes and learned a lot about growing and sustainability.

Hawaii for me is ever changing and I visit many of these places regularly for inspiration, changes that may occur, seasonality and cultural practices. I hope to share with you all the fascinating things and places I’ve learned grown appreciation for and hope that you will find the information helpful to visiting the islands.

Kuhio Beach is one of my favorite spots to hang out in Waikiki Beach with a variety of water activities and cultural sites to visit and photograph and I love the free hula shows and music offered to visitors.