Waipahu, HI is a small, vibrant island town with some wonderful natural surroundings. The town’s name itself means “Bursting Water,” referring to the abundance of natural springs throughout the area. From its position near the center of the island of Oahu, Waipahu offers easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful state parks. Here are four of the best of them.
4 Amazing State Parks in Driving Distance of Waipahu, HI
Heʻeia State Park
This gorgeous, 18-acre state park rests on the island’s windward shore a short drive away. It’s a quiet, idyllic spot filled with breathtaking views of beaches, palm trees, forests, and the ocean. The scenic location makes it a popular place for weddings. You’ll frequently see couples and families enjoying a quiet picnic on the well-maintained grass or sand.
Here, you can soak up the sun on the beach or enjoy some snorkeling in turquoise waters teeming with fish. There are also kayak rental services in the park providing kayaks, snorkeling equipment, towels, and other things you might need.
Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park
If you’ve watched Hollywood movies like Jurassic World or King Kong, then you might already have seen this breathtakingly beautiful state park. With rolling meadows and a backdrop of towering volcanic mountainous scenery, it feels like another world from a time long past.
You can roam through the park as you wish or choose from a number of different tours, some of which show you the locations of famous movie scenes. One favorite with the kids is the zip-lining tour, which takes you through all of the park’s best spots as you zip from tree to tree.
Mālaekahana State Recreation Area
For a slightly lesser-known and visited park, head to the northernmost peninsula of the island, where you’ll find a picturesque stretch of tropical woodland and peaceful beaches cupped within a quiet cove. It’s an ideal place for a few days of camping, with a well-equipped campground near the water.
Despite its remoteness, the park is well-maintained with plenty of bathroom facilities and trash cans along the beach. You can settle down for an afternoon of picnicking and reading. Or if you’re in a more energetic mood, go crab hunting with your kids, or swim out to explore the coral reefs and smaller islands.
Kaʻena Point State Park
To the northwest of town, you’ll come to this stunning state park situated on a rugged and remote volcanic coastline. The scenery here is rather dramatic, to say the least. The name of the park means “the heat,” referring to its volcanic atmosphere and incredible rock formations.
It’s a perfect spot for hikers, offering well-maintained pathways, and sightings of sunbathing seals and roosting albatrosses along the way. Surfers also enjoy the magnificent waves on this stretch of coastline. Visit toward the end of the day and you’ll be rewarded with one of Hawaii’s finest sunsets.
Once you’ve had a fantastic day out at one of these excellent parks, visit Tony Nissan. For the last 35 years, we’ve been providing the island’s drivers with great cars and great customer service.
Image by bluartpapelaria from Pixabay
Connect with us
