After a few days enjoying O’ahu’s exciting sights and nightlife, take some time to relax in Kualoa Regional Park, a palm-lined park featuring a white-sand beach, calm waters and fantastic views of Mokoli’i Island (Chinaman’s Hat). Explore this picturesque park by foot or kayak and learn about its sacred significance to the ancient Hawai’ians.
Bring a picnic and beach gear for a full day of relaxing in the park. Explore the grassy area at the waterfront or take in some Hawai’ian sunshine on the soft white sand. Note the special cultural atmosphere of the park, which is a sacred ceremonial site for the Hokule’a people. In ancient Hawai’ian tradition, chiefs would bring their children here to teach them about their heritage.
Look out to Mokoli’i Island, jutting upward from the ocean. According to folklore, this craggy island rock is a piece of a dragon’s tail, thrown into the bay by Hi’iaka, sister to the goddess Pele. Take a boat tour to the island from Kane’ohe Bay to learn about the site’s history or enjoy the 600-yard (548.6 meter) trip on a kayak. Do not attempt to swim there as the turning tide can make the journey extremely dangerous.
Enjoy a leisurely and safe swim at the south end of the park, where a stone barrier creates tranquil and protected shallows. Here, you can also find two ancient Hawai’ian fishponds: Moli’i and Apua. Fly kites on the beach or explore the park’s leafy areas on a horseback tour.
Have a picnic lunch at the park’s recreational area and take in the ocean views. Mountains to the west provide a beautiful backdrop. The site is also a great spot to camp and base your adventures in Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park and Kualoa Beach.
Reach Kualoa Beach Park from the main coastal road that traverses the central eastern side of O’ahu. The park is open daily and free to enter, but camping permits cost extra.
