Friendship Garden in Kaneohe

by Lisa on September 2, 2011

A nice little hike can be found in Friendship Garden in Kaneohe.  We often head here in the late afternoon when we want to adventure outdoors but don’t have a lot of time.  
Friendship Garden is on the side of a hill so you are walking uphill or downhill most of the time.  There are lots of beautiful trees to see along the way and quite a bit of shade.  The edge of the trail is a bit steep in some places but the last time we went our 3 year old hiked the whole loop on her own and only needed help in a couple places.

The trails in the park form two loops so you can choose to do the big loop (which incorporates parts of the small loop) or just do the small loop by itself.  We usually do the big loop and also add in a side trip to the ridge lookout where this is part of the panoramic view you will see:
From the lookout you can continue up the mountain and get up onto the ridge trail but the footing is tricky getting up onto the ridge and although we did it once I wouldn’t really recommend that part of the trail for small children.
It’s a short hike but our kids seem to associate hiking with snacking so we usually take some food along to enjoy at the ridge lookout or on the stairs near the garden’s entrance.
Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  This park is located on Kokokahi Place in Kaneohe at the top of the hill, just before the road curves and heads downhill.
Directions:  The turn for Kokokahi Place is off of Kaneohe Bay Drive between the Bay View Golf Course and the H-3.  Kokokahi Place is across from the YWCA and you will turn Mauka (toward the mountains).  Follow this road to the top and you’ll see the stone sign (see top of post) on the mauka side of the road.
Hours:  Open during daylight hours.
Parking:  There is a pull-out in front of the garden that can accommodate a car or two.  There is also limited street parking in the neighborhood.  If you are going with friends, carpool or consider parking elsewhere and shuttling to the trailhead.
Facilities:  No restrooms or other facilities here.
Other:  There can be a lot of mosquitoes, especially near the beginning of the trail so I would highly recommend bug spray!  We also take water and snacks whenever we go.
Cost:  Free
More info:  Here’s a link to a trail map which will help you find your way around since trail junctions are not marked.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Gem September 3, 2011 at 5:50 am

I never heard of this place before!

I think my boys would love this!

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