With
few exceptions, because of the salt air, flowers do not flourish near
ocean shores except for those on the specially tended private
grounds of estates and hotels. Our garden locations boast lush tropical
greenery in natural settings.
The
only waterfall location we recommend is on the grounds of the Pagoda
Restaurant and Hotel near Waikiki, by reservation only. However, both
the Kahala Mandarin Oriental and the Hilton Hawaiian Village offer
waterfall locations - at a much more substantial fee. All other waterfall
locations are popular - and usually crowded - tourist attractions,
require some walking, and are inland where it tends to be rainy and
wet. There are no accessible waterfalls near the ocean on this island.
Additional site fees are indicated.
For enlargement, click on any photo.
Magic
Island
(Waikiki, Honolulu area)
Free! Minutes from Waikiki, a sheltered,
crescent beach backed by a magnificent vista of Diamond Head and the
famous Ala Wai Yacht Harbor highlights one of Honolulu's most popular
parks. Free parking and facilities, it tends to be crowded during
the day. However, the beach is relatively empty by late afternoon
and the sunsets can be spectacular.
Waialae
Beach Park
(Waikiki,
Kahala, Honolulu are)
Free! Easily accessible, this is the perfect
“bare-foot on the beach location on the shores of Honolulu's premier
residential neighborhood. Public facilities and free parking
make this a popular family beach with the stunning backdrop of the
majestic Koolau mountains.
Kakaako Waterfront Park
(Honolulu
area)
Free!
With its spacious, rolling lawns
and vine-covered trellises, this downtown seaside oasis is one of Honolulu's
best-kept secrets. Its highest point offers a sweeping view of
Honolulu, from Diamond Head in Waikiki to the Aloha Tower at Honolulu
Harbor. Plenty of free parking.
Pagoda
Hotel Waterfall Gardens
(Waikiki, Ala Moana, Honolulu area)
$175.00 (two-hour limit)
A sparkling waterfall cascading into
landscaped ponds filled with rare, Japanese koi, the prized, colorful
carp. Minutes from Waikiki.
Kualoa
Ranch - Moli'i Gardens
(North Shore of Oahu - beyond Honolulu)
$375.00 A scenic, 45-minute drive from Waikiki, through serene rainforests
to Kualoa Ranch, nestled on the ocean at the foot of the Koolau
Mountains on the Windward side of Oahu. Lush, tropical gardens provide
an intimate setting.
First Christian Church of Honolulu
(Waikiki,
Ala Moana, Honolulu area - Indoor Venue)
$295.00 A lovely sanctuary highlighted by a brilliant,
contemporary stained-glass window framed in a tropical garden setting.
Rate includes professional organist, soloist, two candelabras with
candles, and Unity Candle ceremony, if desired. One hour limit.
Usually available during those rare days of inclement weather.
