Kaneohe is a beautiful town located on the eastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. It offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Kaneohe:
1. Byodo-In Temple
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byodo-In_(Hawaii)
Byodo-In Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple located in the valley of the Ko’olau Mountains in Kaneohe, Hawaii. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, and was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple is surrounded by lush gardens and a large reflecting pond, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors. The entrance to the temple is marked by a large wooden gate, which leads to a courtyard with a large bronze bell. Visitors are invited to ring the bell, which is said to bring good luck and blessings.
2. Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
Image Source: https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/honolulu-botanical-gardens/182-site-dpr-cat/569-ho-omaluhia-botanical-garden.html
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located in Kaneohe, Hawaii. The garden is part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens and covers over 400 acres, with a large man-made lake at its center. The garden is home to over 4000 species of plants from around the world, including many tropical and subtropical species. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and see a wide range of plants, from towering trees to delicate flowers and ferns.
3. Kāneʻohe Bay
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%81ne%CA%BBohe_Bay
The bay is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and stunning mountain scenery. One of the most popular activities in the bay is snorkeling, as the waters are home to a wide range of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear and explore the reefs on their own or take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
4. He’eia State Park
Image Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/heeia-state-park/
He’eia State Park is a beautiful park located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the eastern coast of Oahu. The park is situated on the shore of Kaneohe Bay and offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. One of the main features of the park is the He’eia Fishpond, a traditional Hawaiian fishpond that was used for aquaculture for centuries. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fishpond and learn about its history and importance in Hawaiian culture.
5. Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Digging Hill
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Puu Maelieli Digging Hill is a unique and lesser-known attraction located in Kaneohe, Hawaii. This hill is known for its distinctive reddish-brown soil, which is believed to have healing properties in Hawaiian culture. Visitors can take part in a traditional Hawaiian practice known as “pu’u kohola,” or digging hill, which involves digging into the soil with a special tool called an ‘o’o to create a pit. Visitors can then lie in the pit and cover themselves with the soil, allowing the healing properties of the earth to rejuvenate their body and spirit.
6. Waipuhia Falls
Image Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/waipuhia-falls-upside-down-waterfall
Waipuhia Falls, also known as the “Upside-Down Waterfall,” is a stunning waterfall located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the eastern coast of Oahu. The waterfall is unique in that it appears to flow upward due to the wind blowing the water back up the cliff face. Visitors can hike to the waterfall on a trail that starts at the end of a residential street. The hike is approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as moderate, with some steep and rocky sections. Along the way, hikers will pass through lush tropical forest and cross several streams.
7. Friendship Garden
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The Friendship Garden is a peaceful and serene park located in Kaneohe, Hawaii. This park is dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the people of Hawaii and Japan and features a variety of Japanese-inspired gardens and structures. Visitors can stroll through the various gardens, including the bonsai garden, koi pond garden, and zen garden, and enjoy the beautiful flowers and landscaping. The park also features a tea house and a traditional Japanese bridge that provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and bay.
8. Hamama Falls
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Hamama Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. The waterfall is approximately 40 feet high and drops into a deep pool, surrounded by lush tropical forest. The hike to Hamama Falls is approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as moderate, with some steep and rocky sections. Along the way, hikers will pass through lush jungle and cross several streams. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks.
9. Mokuoloe (Coconut) Island
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_Island_(Oahu_Island)
Coconut Island, also known as Moku o Loʻe, is a small island located in Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The island is owned by the State of Hawaii and is part of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, which is affiliated with the University of Hawaii. The island is home to a marine research facility that conducts research on a variety of marine organisms, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and sharks. The research facility offers tours to the public, allowing visitors to learn about the research being conducted and the marine life of Kaneohe Bay.
10. Pyramid Rock Beach
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Pyramid Rock Beach is a scenic and secluded beach located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the eastern coast of Oahu. The beach gets its name from the large pyramid-shaped rock formation located offshore, which adds to the beach’s stunning scenery. The beach is a hidden gem and is popular with locals but is often overlooked by tourists, making it a great destination for those looking for a quieter and more secluded beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby mountains.
11. Laenani Neighborhood Park
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Laenani Neighborhood Park is a beautiful and peaceful park located in Kaneohe, Hawaii. The park is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers stunning views of the nearby mountains. The park features a variety of amenities, including a playground, basketball court, and picnic tables, making it a great destination for families and groups. Visitors can also explore the walking paths that wind through the park, taking in the natural beauty of Hawaii.
12. Mamalahoe Statue
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The Mamalahoe Statue is a bronze sculpture located in Kaneohe, Hawaii. The statue depicts Kamehameha the Great, a Hawaiian king who united the Hawaiian Islands under one rule in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The statue was created by local artist Jan Gordon Fisher and was dedicated in 2002. It stands in front of the Kaneohe District Park, where it serves as a symbol of Hawaiian history and culture.
13. Kapapa Island
Image Source: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1728346
The Windward Mall is a shopping center located in the town of Kaneohe, on the eastern side of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The mall is the largest shopping center in Windward Oahu, with over 110 stores and restaurants. The Windward Mall features a wide variety of stores, including national chains like Macy’s, Sears, and Ross Dress for Less, as well as local retailers and specialty shops. Visitors can also find a variety of restaurants, ranging from fast food to sit-down dining options.
14. Kualoa Ranch
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kualoa_Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch located in the town of Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The ranch is known for its beautiful landscapes and its history as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0. Visitors to Kualoa Ranch can enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, ATV tours, zip-lining, and jungle expeditions. The ranch also offers guided tours of its many scenic locations, including its stunning coastline, dense forests, and lush valleys.
Kaneohe is a great destination for anyone looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you are interested in nature, culture, or shopping, Kaneohe offers something for everyone. From stunning beaches and water sports to cultural attractions and community events, this charming town is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hawaii.
Places and Things To Do
