The Best Playgrounds on O‘ahu

With basketball courts, ocean views and amazing play structures, these playgrounds are among our favorites from across the island.

22 hours ago

Jasmine Chagnon,

Editor’s Note: This article, first published in March 2023, has been updated with new photos from our April 2025 issue.

When you just need a way for your kiddo to burn off energy, sometimes the best thing to do is let them run around your neighborhood playground. There’s actually a lot of benefits to playground play. In fact, pediatric physical therapist Dr. Suma Metla wrote about it here. So when in doubt or short on time, head to one of the hundreds of playgrounds on O‘ahu.

Below are just a few of the best playgrounds on O‘ahu according to our team of contributors (and their keiki). We’re always exploring more and would love to know which ones you’d like us to review next! Feel free to email your recommendations or suggestions to web@honolulumagazine.com.

Kuli‘ou‘ou Neighborhood Park. Photo: Jasmine Chagnon

Booth District Park. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Booth District Park

Abundant shade, swings and a mini zip line
2341 Kaneali‘i Ave., Pauoa

Hale‘iwa Beach Park Playground

Oceanside, with room to roam
62-449 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa

UPDATE: The park offers lots of options for play, but the playground itself is in need of repair. Best to hold off on this one until its slide gets fixed!