Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, Honolulu, Hawaii

Since we moved to the Kaka'ako neighborhood of Honolulu a few weeks ago, we've been busy exploring. Exploring the restaurants and hangouts in our own neighborhood like the Blue Tree Cafe and Italica. And exploring the rest of the island like the Banzai Pipeline, Turtle Beach and the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail.

Lahui by Sean K. L. Browne represents the Hawaiian fish hook

There's been so much to see that we neglected the waterfront in our own neighborhood. Just behind the John A. Burns Medical School at the University of Hawaii is our own bit of the Pacific, the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.

A pavilion overlooking the ocean

There is a beautiful, wide promenade where folks walk their dogs (even though pets are technically prohibited here), kids play, and surfers jump in the water. We saw lots of surfers and boogie boarders and a bunch of kids swimming in the perfect blue water. I was surprised by the size of the waves since the North Shore of Oahu is known for its surfing. The waves at Kaka'ako are definitely smaller, but surfers were enjoying them nonetheless. 

Walking dogs along the promenade. Note that there is no beach, just a rocky seawall

Families also enjoy the park. We saw extended families picnicking and it looked like they were enjoying themselves so much that we walked back to organic grocer Down To Earth and got our own picnic. There are a couple pavilions where you can set up your meal, but be aware that you're right on the ocean and the wind will blow away anything that isn't weighted down.

Surfers getting ready to go in

After lunch, we walked to the end of the promenade which has a great view west to Waikiki and Diamond Head. And, if you look west, I bet this would be a great place to watch the sunset. We'll come back and check that out sometime.

View to Waikiki and Diamond Head

But, the park hasn't always been so beautiful. As recently as October, 2017 it was shut down because of a huge homeless population that had taken over the park. Damage to the facilities from people tapping into the electricity, lack of sanitary facilities, and several people getting bit by dogs led the park becoming a sore spot for the community. Kaka'ako Waterfront Park was even said to be the largest homeless encampment in the country.

A surfer enjoying some nice waves

As a result, the park, which was owned and operated by the state, was shut down. At the time, the state said the park would be shut down indefinitely, the homeless would be swept out, and the park would be patrolled by security to make sure no one entered the grounds.

Stairway leading to the water at Point Panic

Now, let me pause to say that I have strong feelings about homelessness in the U.S. The problem is especially acute in Hawaii, including my neighborhood of Kaka'ako. Having the police sweep the homeless out of their encampments in parks does absolutely nothing to solve the problem. It simply moves the people to a new location. I've personally seen the police ask homeless people in a small park near my house to leave. They did so and two days later they were back again. The problem is not the people, it is the way that our government and we, as a society choose to deal with homeless people. And, until we deal with the underlying problems that cause homelessness, like housing affordability, job training, and mental illness, the problem will persist no matter how many sweeps the police conduct.

Kakaako Waterfront Park is also called Point Panic

That said, ownership of Kaka'ako Waterfront Park was eventually transferred from the state to the city, who set out to rehab the park. Facilities were repaired and the are was landscaped. Security was put in place which prevents anyone from camping out overnight. 

Folks enjoying a day at the park

The park was reopened in January. Many folks were skeptical, as people often are when governments try to solve problems. But, let me say that the job that the city has done is amazing. This is not a tourist spot, but a park for the people of Kaka'ako. Kids, adults, families, surfers, sun worshipers, athletes. Everyone is having a good time here five months after the park has reopened.

View over the rocks to Point Panic

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