{"id":32748,"date":"2015-10-16T09:20:04","date_gmt":"2015-10-16T19:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.hawaii.com\/?post_type=oahu&p=32748"},"modified":"2025-04-17T17:16:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T03:16:03","slug":"kakaako","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/kakaako\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaka\u02bbako: Honolulu’s Urban Lifestyle Neighborhood"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kaka\u02bbako Waterfront Park looking out over surfers at Kewalo Basin. (Photo: Napua Heen \/ Hawaii.com)<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Kaka\u02bbako is a lively urban center in Honolulu, Hawai\u02bbi on the island of O\u02bbahu. It sits on the southern shoreline between the areas of Ala Moana and Waik\u012bk\u012b to its east and Downtown Honolulu to its west. Kaka\u02bbako touches the ocean at the Kaka\u02bbako Waterfront Park, Kewalo Harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park. To the north are the valley communities of Nu\u02bbuanu, Pauoa and Makiki.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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A neighborhood brimming with a mix of fine dining and street food eateries, Kaka\u02bbako is Hawai\u02bbi’s urban mecca. There’s just so much to do here. Shopping options are plentiful. Entertainment is growing with the best yet to come. Residents, business owners and visitors have created such a synergy that Kaka\u02bbako is on the rise. No worries, though. You can still find a peaceful corner in a coffee shop or stroll down to the ocean for a quiet time of relaxation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Down by the Seaside<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Kaka\u02bbako Waterfront Park<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Kaka\u02bbako Waterfront Park is about 35 acres of grassy knolls set along the water. It is the perfect place to have a picnic or watch the sunset. The hills form a grassy amphitheater which is the venue for some of Hawai\u02bbi’s lively outdoor concerts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There is a wide sidewalk adjacent to the ocean. Children enjoy riding their bikes along this sidewalk and the meandering paved pathways that go through the park. This also makes for excellent jogging conditions, especially if you go for sunset.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Local boys Khahlil and Lewis had just finished up a session at Kewalos when I snapped this shot. The waves were great that day. Thanks for stopping to talk story, guys! Photo courtesy of Napua Heen\/ Hawaii.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There is no sandy beach here. Kaka\u02bbako Waterfront is better suited for surfing and body surfing. Kewalos<\/em>, named for Kewalo Basin, is a popular surf spot you can get to by paddling across a small channel. Point Panics<\/em> is the best spot for body surfing. Swim with caution here and make sure you have fins. The waves are strong and they break against large boulders.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ala Moana Beach Park<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’d like to get your toes sandy, travel a little ways in the Diamond Head direction. You’ll find yourself at the 100-acre Ala Moana Beach Park, complete with a very long stretch of white sand and calm waters that are perfect for children and standup paddle boarding. Ala Moana is also a great place for jogging.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

53 By The Sea<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Photo courtesy of Napua Heen\/ Hawaii.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Perched on the water’s edge overlooking Kewalo Basin is an exquisite restaurant named 53 By The Sea. This five star establishment offers fine dining, private dining, wedding and special event services, and a regal atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Photo courtesy of Loretta Yajima\/ Hawaii Chidren’s Discovery Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A wonderful place to take the little ones is the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. This is an indoor, hands-on learning museum of sorts. Children can touch everything! Best of all? Parents love the air-conditioning and having a place to let the tots roam freely on a rainy day. The Discovery Center is just mauka<\/em>, toward the mountain of, Kaka\u02bbako Waterfront Park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

John A. Burns School of Medicine<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Photo courtesy of Napua Heen\/ Hawaii.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On the opposite side of the parking lot from the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center are two very special places: the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the University of Hawai\u02bbi Cancer Center. These facilities are a source of pride for local residents because of the biomedical research that goes on here and the number of physicians that are educated to care for Hawai\u02bbi residents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ward Village<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n