Kuhio Beach Park

Kuhio Beach Park is a central Waikiki beach section with protected swimming areas, Waikiki Walls, the Duke statue, hula shows and easy city access.

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Kuhio Beach, Oahu

Kuhio Beach Park is part of Waikiki Beach, located between the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Kapahulu Groin (The Wall), which was built in 1951 as part of the Waikiki Beach Improvement Project. It is an extension of a storm drain that runs under Kapahulu Avenue. The project also included building a low wall on the Diamond Head side of the groin and importing sand to create the beaches on both sides. Today, this area right in front of the groin is a popular surf spot among bodyboarders. Surfboards are not allowed here. To the west of the beach park are two of Waikiki's popular surf sites, Queen's and Canoes.

Three popular landmarks are located in Kuhio Beach Park: the Prince Kuhio Statue, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Stones of Kapaemahu. The Prince Kuhio Statue was created by sculptor Sean Browne and was dedicated in 2002. The Duke Kahanamoku Statue was created by sculptor Jan-Michelle Sawyer and dedicated in 1990, the hundredth anniversary of Duke's birth. He is considered the “Father of Modern Surfing,” a great Hawaiian waterman, Olympic swimmer, surfer and canoeist. The Stones of Kapaemahu, also known as the Wizard Stones, represent four legendary men: Kapaemahu, Kahaloa, Kapuni and Kinohi, who came to Hawaii from a faraway land. In Hawaii they were famous for their great wisdom and healing powers.

If you were in Waikiki between January and April of 2012, you may have wondered why there was a large barge offshore and construction going on right on popular Kuhio Beach. It's because the beach was literally disappearing due to the erosive force of the ocean. So the City decided that it was again time for a sand replenishment project. A barge collected about 24,000 cubic yards of sand offshore and pumped it through a pipe to the beach. Some local residents were concerned that the sand was taken from the same area where ashes of the deceased have been scattered for generations, including the ashes of Don Ho and Duke Kahanamoku. Prior to the start of the 4-month project, the state held a blessing ceremony, and officials from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources told the people that work crews were sensitive to their concerns. The beach is wider now than it was before.

Kuhio Beach Park was named after Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, born in 1871. His home, Pualeilani (meaning “flower from the wreath of heaven”) used to stand here, and he lived here with his wife Princess Elizabeth Kahanu.

Key Features

Central Waikiki beach section along Kalakaua Avenue
Protected swimming areas inside the concrete walls
Waikiki Walls bodyboarding and surf-watching area
Duke Kahanamoku statue nearby
Kuhio Beach Hula Mound near the beach
Close to Queen's Surf Beach, Kapiolani Park and the Waikiki Police Substation
Restaurants, shops and hotels are steps from the sand
Popular for swimming, bodyboarding, sunset walks and Waikiki photos
Beach can fill up quickly during sunny afternoons, weekends and sunset hours
Check signs, lifeguard guidance and surf before entering the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there walls at Kuhio Beach Park?

The concrete walls help form protected swimming areas that are calmer on many days than the open water outside. They also give this part of Waikiki its “Kuhio Ponds” nickname.

What is Waikiki Walls?

Waikiki Walls is the well-known wall area at Kuhio Beach where bodyboarders and surf watchers often gather. Conditions change with swell and crowds, so it is a place to watch the water carefully before getting in.

Who was Prince Kuhio?

Kuhio Beach is named for Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, a Hawaiian prince who later served as Hawaii's delegate to the U.S. Congress. His name appears in several important places and roads across Hawaii.

Where is the Kuhio Beach hula show held?

The hula show is held at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. It is an outdoor Waikiki tradition, and the schedule can change for weather, parades or special events.

How is Kuhio Beach different from Queen's Surf Beach?

Kuhio Beach has the protected wall areas, the Duke statue and the hula mound nearby. Queen's Surf Beach is farther toward Kapiolani Park and has a slightly more open park-edge setting at the east end of Waikiki.