Take in a fire show, let the kids loose on a gorgeous playground, or play a round of mini-golf within a beautifully-manicured botanical garden. Whether you’re looking for action or relaxation, you’ll find it here. Typical community parks pale in comparison to Anaina Hou, which serves as a destination in itself.
Anaina Hou is a sprawling park with a gorgeous Hawaii-place-themed playground, mini-golf, and botanical garden area, cafe, and access to a 4.5-mile walking/jogging trail. You’ll find carefully-maintained grounds and facilities, clean restrooms, and a welcoming environment that invites you to come in and stay awhile.
Some of our favorite Anaina Hou Community Park activities include…
The Playground
Instead of generic playground equipment, the Anaina Hou playground features Hawaii-specific designs: volcanoes kids can climb in and on, canoes to practice sailing, and a sugar cane train to explore. Custom-designed swing sets, slides, and other interactive areas allow children of all ages to explore and learn a little more about Hawaiian history and culture while running wild and free.
Mini Golf and Botanical Garden
Anaina Hou’s 18-hole mini-golf course runs through an immaculately-maintained garden; enjoy putt-putting around while taking in gorgeous specimens of local flora. A huge variety of mini-golf challenges keep the course engaging for even the most avid putters; expect water hazards, pipe shots, and other obstacles that’ll keep things fun for everyone. Prices are reasonable and kids 3 and under are always free with a paying adult.
Cafe
Need to wet your whistle? Stop in at the cafe for shave ice, gelato, espresso-based coffee drink, or beer or wine on tap. The cafe is currently only open on weekends and offers a limited menu of snack-like treats, but you can expect high-quality beverages, shave ice, and gelato every time.
Anaina Hou offers space for events like weddings, reunions, and large get-togethers, but it’s also a general gathering place for the community–which includes locals who call Kauai home and visitors alike. For a low-key stopping point during a fully-loaded vacation, Anaina Hou might be the refreshing break you need–especially if you have little ones in tow.
Anaina Hou Community Park is located in the village of Kilauea on Kauai’s North Shore. The nearby Wai Koa Loop Trail is a popular stop for walkers and joggers to log a few miles in spellbinding surroundings. Anaina Hou is just down the road from Princeville and a short drive from some of Kauai’s best North Shore beaches.
Insider Tips:
-Access to the Wai Koa Loop Trail is not available from the community park. The public can access that trail via the nearby Kauai North Shore Dog Park.
-Stop by for a fire show on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, and prepare to be enchanted by the swirling lights of expert fire twirlers. Make sure to buy tickets in advance to guarantee your spot!