Department of Parks and Recreation > Kapi’olani Regional Park
Kapi‘olani Regional Park
A gift from a King, named after his Queen
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About the Park
The history of Kapiʻolani Regional Park goes back in time to the days of people strolling in the park over a bridge to Makee Island, which is now the location of the entrance of the Honolulu Zoo. This 200 acre park has not changed much in over 144 years. People can still leisurely appreciate and enjoy this park that was dedicated by a King. Kapiʻolani Regional Park sits on prime land in Waikīkī, where it continues to be one of our city’s most popular parks. Kapiʻolani Regional Park is one of the largest and is the second oldest public park on Oʻahu. It is as popular today as when it was started as King Kalākaua’s playground for polo fields.
In 1877, King David Kalākaua dedicated this Royal Land as a public space. 1893 was the date of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. The land was conveyed to the Republic of Hawaiʻi and managed by the Honolulu Parks Commission. Through legislation, “the park was set aside as a free public park and recreation ground, that forbade the sale or lease of the land in the park and prohibited charging any entrance fees.”
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has preserved and has maintained this large green open space with many outdoor recreational activities since 1913. Kapiʻolani Regional Park also includes the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikīkī Shell which are all now held under a Public Charitable Trust, as a free and open public park. Kapiʻolani Park was named after the King’s beloved wife, Queen Kapiʻolani. Mahalo to Dana Anne Yee, FASLA for the research, many of the modern-day photos, and original design of this website. This current, redesigned website launched in 2025.
Current Events
From casual picnics and sports games, to world-famous marathons, parades, and cultural events; there are a wide variety of activities at this historic park! Those events with approved permits will be posted through our Parks and Recreation Online System (PROS). Click the PROS image to be taken to this park's dedicated page, with the calendar of approved, permitted events. Below are some of the City-sponsored events that add life to the Queen's Park! To get a permit for your event call: (808) 768-4624
(Storied Places) Installation
At Kapi‘olani Park’s former archery range (by the Don A. Andrews Diamond Head Tennis Center), Oʻahu artist Koloikeao Anthony uses vibrant, symbolic imagery to represent kiʻi (ancestral guardians) who will “stand watch” through a powerful series of graphic panels mounted on existing signposts. Set just below the historic Papaʻenaʻena Heiau, Anthony’s work challenges popularized tiki imagery and reimagines the presence of Kū, an important figure in Hawaiian belief systems, as a living force in today’s world.
The Park's History
The 1800s
Queen Kapiʻolani Napelakapuokakaʻe
Queen Kapiʻolani Napelakapuokakaʻe lived from 1834 to 1899. She was the queen and consort of Moʻi (King) Kalākaua of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. Dedication ceremonies for the park were held on Kamehameha Day, June 11, 1877. Kapiʻolani Park was named after Queen Kapiʻolani, wife of the reigning King David Kalākaua. The King named Kapiʻolani Park in Wakīkī in honor of the Queen. Kapi‘olani means the Arch of Heaven. (The arch of the rainbow signifies the presence of Royalty). Queen Kapiʻolani reigned for seventeen years and was much beloved by the Hawaiian people. The Queen’s motto, “Kūlia I Ka Nu‘u - Strive for the Highest,” exemplified her care for the health and welfare of the Hawaiian people. (A sculpture of Queen Kapiʻolani can be seen along Kalākaua Avenue near the Bandstand.) Kapiʻolani lived out the remainder of her life at her private residence Pualelani in Waikīkī where the Hyatt Regency Wakīkī now stands. Photography by: J.J. Williams, circa 1800's.
Waikīkī Ahupua‘a, Kona District, O‘ahu
The Ahupua‘a of Waikīkī included the land from the mountain to the sea. These Royal Lands were located at the southwest base of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head). Photo courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
Horse Drawn Tramcars
Horse drawn tramcars on King Street, Honolulu, with Ali‘iōlani Hale in the background. The original Trolley Car Station was built in this location at Kapiʻolani Park. The Honolulu Rapid Transit & Land Co. (HTR) was founded on June 6, 1898, during the same time that Hawaiʻi was annexed by the United States. Street Car operations began in Honolulu in 1901 and operated until 1941 when it was replaced by trolley buses until 1957. The Trolley Street Car Line originally ran from downtown Honolulu to the end of the line at Kapiʻolani Park, across from the Honolulu Aquarium founded in 1904. In 1975, the historical Trolley Car Station was reconstructed as a volunteer citizens project. The public bus transportation system was renamed TheBus and it is still in operation by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. Today, the Trolley Car Station at Kapiʻolani Regional Park continues to be maintained by the City and County of Honolulu. Photo Credit: R.J. Baker Collection – Hawaiian Kingdom 1974-1893, the Kalākaua Dynasty, by Ralph Simpson Kuykendall.
The Bandstand
The first Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand was located near the present day Honolulu Zoo entrance and Kapahulu Avenue. To reach the islands you either rowed by boat or walked on one of the several narrow wooden plank bridges. The Royal Hawaiian Band performed on Sunday afternoons. Picnickers, strollers, and romantic sweethearts frequented this secluded spot. In 1836, King Kalākaua formed the "Kings Band". The Royal Hawaiian Band continues this long tradition of playing at the Bandstand and performing at concerts, parades, and ceremonies around town to this day. The physical Bandstand structure has changed 4 times.1890s: 1st Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand near Makee Island. 1926: 2nd Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand built after the completion of the 1920's Ala Wai Canal project. 1968: 3rd Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand designed by Wilson, Okamoto & Associates. 2000: 4th Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand designed in the Contemporary Hawaiian Victorian style. Photograph courtesy of: Hawai'i State Archives.
Polo Fields in 1876
Photo courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
1876: Kapiʻolani Park Association Certificate of Stock
The Kapiʻolani Park Association was formed when a group of people were interested in establishing a park and fairground. Among them was His Majesty King David Kalākaua, who offered 200 acres in Waikīkī. The Kapiʻolani Park Association convinced King Kalākaua to offer 200 shares at $50 each, entitling each shareholder to bid on 30-year leases at $1 per year. Kapiʻolani Park. Document courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
1876: Kapiʻolani Park Association Certificate
Kapiʻolani Park Association Certificate No. 10, Transfer of Stock, to owner James Makee. Document courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
Date Palms
Circa 1880 historical photo of a girl at the base of a palm. Date Palms, Phoenix dactylifera were planted during the days of the old Hawaiian Kingdom. Date palms, originally from Saudi Arabia, were imported to Hawai'i from Southern California. The City and County of Honolulu maintains these historical Date Palms to this day. Photo courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
Ironwood Trees
A double row of Ironwood Trees, Casuarina equistefolia, lined the King’s Carriage Road, which led the way to the Royal viewing platform at the Polo Field Raceway. The pathway was made of crushed coral. In 1888, Archibald Scott Cleghorn was the first Vice President and later the President of the Kapi‘olani Park Association. In 1900, Archibald Scott Cleghorn was the first Parks Commissioner for the City and County of Honolulu. He designed the Kapiʻolani Park landscape with a double row of Ironwood Trees that are still growing today. Photograph courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives. See these Ironwoods' Exceptional Tree Nomination Application.
1886 Penny-Farthing Bicycle
This name came from the British penny and farthing coins, the former being much larger than the latter so that the side view resembles a larger penny leading to a smaller farthing. Bicycling remained the province of the urban well-to-do men who rode bicycles in the 1890's. Photograph courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
Summer Picnic: Circa 1890
Dedication ceremonies for the park were held on Kamehameha Day, June 11, 1877. King David Kalākaua gave a speech with the Royal Family in attendance, followed by horse racing at the Polo Fields. Photograph courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
Summer Picnic: Who was there
Summer Picnic with: Dr. John Scott Boyd Pratt (1866-1932), Sarah Catherine Dickson (Pratt) (1862-1902), Mrs. Albert Francis Judd (Agnes Hall Boyd) (1834-1943), Agnes Elizabeth Judd (1873-1953), Chief Justice Albert Francis Judd (1839-1900), Sophie Boyd Judd (Cooke) (1883-1966), Dr. James Robert Judd (1876-1947), Allan Wilkes Judd (1879-1947), Dr. Francis Day, Julie Judd Swanzy, Albert Francis Judd Jr. (1874-1939). Information by: John Scott B. Pratt, Jr. (June 1977)
Kapi'olani Park Map Circa 1883
200 acre park with Makee Island and the 1st Bandstand, located on the bottom left side of the map. Map provided by: State of Hawai‘i, Department of Accounting and General Services, Land Survey Division.
1898 Camp McKinley
A U.S. Army tent camp named Camp McKinley. The Spanish American War brought this first American military post to Hawaiʻi. Photo courtesy of: Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation.
August 5th 1899 Makee Island
To get to Makee Island and the other islands you either travelled by row boat or walked on the narrow wooden plank bridges. Picnickers, strollers, and romantic sweethearts, enjoyed this secluded spot. Makee ʻAilana is a song written about Makee Island. Hula O Makee was also written about Makee Island. Photography courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives
August 5th, 1899 Makee Island
Water flows naturally from the Koʻolau Mountains to the sea. Islands were created among these water ways. Makee Island, the largest island was located at the present day Honolulu Zoo entrance and Kapahulu Avenue. Photo courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives. Eaton Magoon's Collection.
1899 Makee Island
The island was named after Captain James Makee (1813-1879), a whaling ship commander, rancher, and sugar planter from ‘Ulupalakua, Maui. He was the first president of the Kapi‘olani Park Association. Photography courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives
1899 Makee Island
To get to Makee Island and the other islands you either travelled by row boat or walked on the narrow wooden plank bridges. Picnickers, strollers, and romantic sweethearts, enjoyed this secluded spot. Photography courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives
1899 Makee Island
Makee 'Ailana is a song written about Makee Island. See Sonny Chillingworth's performance of Makee 'Ailana. Sonny worked for the City by day and a musician at night. Hula O Makee was also written about Makee Island. See Ho'okena's performance. Video courtesy of: Chris Kamaka. Photography courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives
The 1900s
Ironwood Trees
A double row of Ironwood Trees, Casuarina equistefolia, lined the King’s Carriage Road, which led the way to the Royal viewing platform at the Polo Field Raceway. In 1888, Archibald Scott Cleghorn was the first Vice President and later the President of the Kapi‘olani Park Association. In 1900, Archibald Scott Cleghorn was the first Parks Commissioner for the City and County of Honolulu. He designed the Kapiʻolani Park landscape with a double row of Ironwood Trees that are still growing today. Photograph courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives. See these Ironwoods' Exceptional Tree Nomination Application.
1919 The Phoenix Fountain
The Phoenix Fountain was a replica of a fountain in Hibiya Park, Tokyo, Japan gifted by Hawaiʻi's Japanese people in commemoration of the coronation of Emperor Yoshihito of Japan. Image Source: Vintage Postcard.
1922 Indian Banyan Trees
Many of the grand Indian Banyan Trees, Ficus benghalensis are Exceptional Trees protected by Act 105 by the Hawai`i State Legislature and regulated by the City Council and the County Arborist Advisory Committee. Indian Banyan Trees were planted in 1922 to 1923 at Kapiʻolani Park. Thirteen-year-old Lowell Dillingham's summer project was assigned to him by his mother to plant these trees, as documented in the Exceptional Tree nomination form. The Exceptional Tree nomination application form was submitted by the Kapiʻolani Park Trust, Honolulu City Council in 1996. The Banyan Trees continue to be a major landscape feature at Kapiʻolani Park, providing shade trees for park users in the picnic areas. Today, the original Banyan Trees at the Honolulu Zoo along the Monsarrat Avenue fence area, are still standing and they are believed to have been planted as part of the Makee Island landscape. Photo courtesy of: Hawai‘i State Archives. See this banyan's Exceptional Tree Nomination Application.
1926 The Bandstand
The 2nd Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand was located near Makee Island, near the present day Honolulu Zoo. The Royal Hawaiian Band performed on Sunday afternoons. Photograph courtesy of: Hawaiʻi State Archives.
1930s American Clipper Airplane
Pan American Clipper airplane flying over Kapi‘olani Park. The Clipper plane was also known as the “Gibralter of the Pacific." Photograph Courtesy of: the Hawaiʻi State Archives.
1943 the Phoenix Fountain
Around 1943, The Phoenix Fountain was torn down after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In the mid 1940’s, the Parks Department commissioned a simple replacement fountain designed by Architect Albert Ely Ives. Photography courtesy of: the City and County of Honolulu Archives, Records Management Analyst Municipal Records Center.
1992 Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places
In 1992, Kapi‘olani Regional Park was listed on the Hawai‘i State Register of Historic Places. This beautiful park space is free and open to the public to be enjoyed by all the people of Hawai‘i, malihini (visitors) and kama‘āina (locals) alike. Kapi‘olani Regional Park is one of the largest public parks and the second oldest park on O‘ahu. It is maintained with care by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.
The 2000s
2018 Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain
The Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain. A horse drawn carriage strolling around the Kapi‘olani Regional Park. In 1967, Walter and Louise Dillingham Foundation donated the current Dillingham Fountain in memory of Louise G. Dillingham, who had served on the Department of Parks and Recreation Board from 1931 until 1964. In 2020, the fountain was repaired with new pumps, light fixtures, and plumbing.
2019 Donald A. Andrews Diamond Head Tennis Center
In April 2019, the tennis center located at the based of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) was renamed after the 35-year City Tennis Specialist and longtime tennis advocate Donald Alfred Andrews. This was conducted in accordance with Honolulu City Council Resolution 18-264 to commemorate Andrew's contributions to the tennis Center, the sport of tennis, and the entire Hawai‘i tennis community.
Present Day
Kapi‘olani Regional Park remains the same as when King David Kalākaua dedicated this park in 1877. Today, all the people of Hawai'i still can leisurely enjoy this public park. Kapi‘olani Regional Park exemplifies the dedication of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide a leisure lifestyle and enhancement of a wonderful quality of life for all the people of Hawai'i, malihini (visitors) and kama‘āina (locals) alike.
