Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park

Keeping it Kaimuki...A mini park that I knew that I never knew lol! With just a few weeks to enjoy the tree a top the hill lit so beautifully and bright it's a place that I rarely get to enjoy and take in at my leisure since parking in the area is quite the real challenge.This year I did have some bucket list places that I really wanted to visit and why not start at a place that's been in my neighborhood since not knowing is quite shameful and decided Christmas Eve was the night that I needed to see it so I arrived early before the sunset and luckily did find parking right across the street and am happy to finally take it all in.It does sit right a top the fire station and there is a path that will take you straight up there which is all dirt so a rainy day will make climbing a challenge so it is something to keep in mind as there isn't any seating or covering as well but was surprised to find many to take the trip up to enjoy the sunset and tree along with the stunning view of Kaimuki and beyond.A free place to take it all in and enjoy and wished I did come up earlier to enjoy the sunset as this place is totally recommended and will be back.Thank you!

Who would've thought this tiny little hill in Kaimuki would make for the perfect picnic spot? This tiny little park nicknamed "Christmas tree park," lights up during the holidays (literally). It's been a while since I've last been here and the last time I was here, I'm pretty sure the lights on top of the Kaimuki Christmas tree were broken. This park is breezy with not too many places to sit, aside from the wall that lines the front of the park--so bring a picnic blanket! There are a few trees that line the park but I'd also highly recommend bringing an umbrella, the Kaimuki sun can be pretty brutal! There's no restrooms here so go before you visit. There's a small incline you'll have to climb to get to the top but nothing too crazy. All in all this is a great place to stop to enjoy the view of the quaint neighborhood of Kaimuki.

One of my favorite parks in town area. Day and night it gives you both different views of the city area. Love when it's Christmas season and have the lights up for the money. Who ever sponsors to have the lights thank you so much for keeping the tradition going up strong. So people keep it cool we don't want things to disappear in the future makings. I would definitely recommend this spot prob for special occasions if you don't catch a crowd.

Ever notice in December a lit up Christmas tree over the Kaimuki fire station? That's where this little well maintained grassy mini park is. There's no parking, no benches, and otherwise no amenities aside from I think a trash can. There is however, an amazing view of the city from Hawaii Kai all the way out to Ewa Beach as a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Couples will sometimes come here just to watch the city at night as it's quiet and peaceful. A fair number of dog owners let their dogs stretch their legs here playing fetch. Now, let's get back to that artificial metal tree. The city only lights it up during December at night using donations to fund the electrical cost. Jake Shimabukuro came to the rescue a few years later helping organize a rewiring and repair of the lights. Unfortunately, time and the environment have taken a toll and about half the lights don't work anymore. Note, photographers, you can't get a decent shot of the lit tree at the same time with Hilton Hawaiian's Friday fireworks. Angle just isn't there and distance is too far. It can get exceptionally windy, especially at night so bring a jacket. Access is either by a maintenance road or a trail near the fire station. Parking is whatever you can find on Kaimuki's crowded streets. It's an excellent place to bring your kids and dog if you live in the area and it's still worth coming to at night during December to view the tree.

This is a special park in that its a top of an off shoot from Diamond head crater volcano. There is a steep paved driveway that you walk up in 2 minutes for a commanding 360 degree view of craters, oceans, city and mountains. Takes 2 minutes to walk the perimeter. Its grassy.No restrooms, benches or water fountains. This late day, it transformed to a dog park, it seemed. Great view for sunsets!

This park is a beautiful and quiet place to come have a picnic or get a good view of the city. During the wintertime the Christmas tree is lit up.You will have to find street parking and walk up to the park which can make it a challenge for older people. There are also no bathrooms or water fountains so it's not great for an extended visit.The park is located right above the fire station. The posted hours on the sign are slightly different than listed on Yelp, with the park not actually closing till 10pm. However, you should be mindful & respectful of the neighborhood and keep the noise level to a minimum.This is a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset and a really peaceful place to just hang out and have a picnic.

***DATE NIGHT APPROVED LOCATION!***Most locals know this park by "Christmas Tree Park"The reason being is because there is a man-made pole there from the remnants​ of a once radio tower that is lined​ with Christmas​ lights that are​ configured in the shape of a Christmas​ tree. As winter comes and the holidays is approaching after thanksgiving usually the lights are turned on at night in green and can be seen from different areas in Honolulu​. Its quite beautiful.FAST FACTS: Please be mindful of the residents that live near this park, especially when going in the evening. The park does​ have hours, and there have​ been ​incidences of police coming in at night because of noise complaints but other than that if you come here and practice respect, by not being too noisy, obnoxious​ then you'll​ definitely​ avoid having to be put​ in that situation.PARKING: Its residential​ street, so you can only park along the side streets in front of homes.DAY: This park is really peaceful with breathtaking​ panoramic views of the city, Manoa, Waialae, Kahala and also Hawaii Kai. I recommend coming here as later in the day around 1-2hrs before sunset. Its much ​cooler and if your a dog owner its a perfect time as other dog owners also come around this time and play around here. There are trash bins so no problem not having a place to dispose of​ garbage. There are lots of room here to place a mat on the comfortable grass. Perfect for picnics, and just lounging while waiting for the sunset.NIGHT: In the evening you'll be surrounded by​ the lights of Honolulu​​. When it is not winter time this park is pitch dark​ and is only lit by the surrounding city and neighborhood lights. As breathtaking as it is during the daytime​, the night view is another treat on its own. Its another story when its a full moon​, a view worth seeing.Overall this park is one of a few date night spots I​ recommend on going to after dinner or dessert (Via Gelato down the road). It's​ a great place to talk, reflect, relax, and just to find a peaceful place to just unwind​ while looking at the ​quiet and peaceful ambiance of the city in the evening. SYOY! 05/10/18

This little park is so majestic. There are two sets of steps on the Koko Head Avenue side or a steep slope up on the Oceanview Avenue side to enter. Once up the views are amazing. Great for pictures, picnics, or just to get away for awhile. At night while driving on the H-1 for a brief moment you can see the lights of the tree.

Passive, active, maxi, mini.Public parks in Hawaii come in all shapes and sizes- there are some that are as small as a tiny residential lot while others can humongous in size over rolling hills and valleys.Puu O Kaimuki was once known as Menehune Hill and for Kaimuki folk, da bunker hill above and behind da Kaimuki fire station. That's because there was once an abandoned flat bunker type of bldg,loose rocks and keawe brush that made for great exploring during our wonder years. This was our battlefield, jungle, alien planet, you name it- a great place to imagine what adventures would lie ahead for some twenty somethings minus ten.Today, the area consists of a nice level grassy area that has spectacular views of Diamond Head, the Honolulu skyline, Wilhelmina Rise and Kokohead (when the trees and brush are trimmed back) There is a bldg that has cell-type antennas located on top. Official entry is via Ocean View drive which is just around the corner from the fire station.Usually on the night of the Kaimuki Christmas Parade there is a tree lighting ceremony on top of that hill where the lighted string tree can be seen by many parts of Kaimuki and when traveling on the freeway. The tree shines throughout the night during the Christmas holidays.This park is considered a passive mini park meaning it's not large (less than an acre) and does not have lights, table or benches. It is a daytime park, do not recommend going at night as it can get sketchy- posted hours are there for a reason.Really nice at sunset, would not stay there too much later than that. Still worth a visit during the day. There used to be geocaches there, not sure if it still holds true.Buy some snacks from the Crack Seed Store, walk up the asphalt walkway and daydream about the fun that decades of Kaimuki kids had up on bunker hill. Listen, can you hear their laughter? It's from that glorious and wonderful past known as small kid time.

I had no idea that Pu'u O Kaimuki Mini Park existed until my professor mentioned it. It is wonderful to have a professor that likes taking field trips. This park is the perfect place to see multiple sides of Oahu with sweeping views. You can see as far as Waianae on one side, Hawaii Kai on another, and Diamond Head. There's even the ocean to see. This park is also the place to find the popular Kaimuki Christmas tree. It is a metal tree decorated with lights. One thing that may be tough is getting to the top. There is a ramp that is a little steep on one side, and a staircase on the other side. That seems to be the only way to get up to the field where the park is.There are no restrooms here and parking is street parking only. Best time to come is during the day as the street parking often fills up at night.