Kapi'olani Park, in Waikiki, with a view toward Diamond Head

A tranquil 300-acre preserve of verdant lawns, massive banyan trees, and pleasant picnic groves, Kapi'olani Park at the southern end of Waikiki, just beyond where the main drags of Kalakaua Avenue, Monsarrat Avenue, and Kapahulu Avenue meet. It's famed for its knockout views of Diamond Head Crater, and a walk through this beautiful swath of nature offers a wonderful contrast from the busy beach scene (including gay-popular Queen's Surf Beach) that lies just to the west of it. The park is home to a number of attractions, from tennis courts and recreation fields to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell concert amphitheater. The park is named for Queen Kapi'olani, and having been established in 1876, it's the oldest public park in the state.