Ed L.
Yelp
Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life in Honolulu, alway from the car engines that honk at you to remind yourself that city life isn't so hot, but it's reality for many citizens on this island, you come to a place like Heeia state park and you forget your troubles - as they float away.
I've known about Heeia state park since about 3 years ago, when I decided to go holo holo around the island by TheBus. You still can though via route 55 to Haleiwa via Kaneohe. On the way there, you can stop by Heeia State park and the adjacent Heeia boat harbor, both have bus stops parked in front of the entrances going north into the country, but only at Heeia boat harbor is where the bus stop to go town / Ala Moana Shopping center bound. I've learned only recently that Heeia state park and the surrounding area is a magnet for people who play Pokémon Go. I took it upon myself to visit here for a few hours and made it a day trip from the urban sprawl that is Honolulu. I arrived here on New Year's Day 2017 and it was pretty quiet. This state park definitely has that natural beauty attached to it and you can see the Heeia fish ponds while on the overlook. While the park itself is generally small and basically boasts just a small parking lot and a gift shop, it's one of those community parks that the state had set up on the windward side of Oahu just to have that green space for locals and tourists alike to enjoy as they pass through this part of the island. I myself did enjoy the serenity and quietness that came with Heeia state park. Granted that I was here on New Year's Day at around 1:30pm, it was quite nice and saw just a handful of people walking around.
The overall experience here at Heeia State park was good. It was interesting to see a house built within the state park, but that's probably the office and gift shop. It looked like private property to me with people hanging out on the bench outside. There wasn't anyone around that could say where's what, but considering that Heeia state park is generally a small state park with an asphalt road leading from Kamehameha Highway in. You should come for the views of the water front, as it comes into view for all to enjoy. The enjoyable views of Heeia fishponds was particularly nice and had a calming and soothing effect that most things in nature does anyway. I probably had spent a good hour or so here at the Heeia state park enjoying the scene and playing my Pokémon Go before heading out to Heeia boat harbor to check things out. Heeia state park is located at 46-465 Kamehameha highway in Kaneohe. It's technically north on the outskirts of Kaneohe town, so best believe to fire up that car of yours or take route 55 bus out of Kaneohe.
There is parking here, but not by much though. Best bet is to come here early and secure prime parking. The best part about Heeia state park is that it's free. Yup, free admission, so you can come here and enjoy the open spaces that your tax dollars are doing to help protect development from spoiling such pristine views and locales. There's a plethora of things to do while here at the Heeia state park, but you can use your own imagination for most things. Have a picnic and enjoy the scenery would be top in my book or just enjoy the water scenery while you are up here. I'm sure the sunrise from th water is always breathtaking and very cool to see. While you are here, don't forget to check the gift shop and see what there is for sale. I have not been to the gift shop, just because it was New Year's day when I came here. Nonetheless, I would like to make a return trip here when I have time to do so again in good time. While this park is connected to the Heeia boat harbor, it has it's own identity and is unique charm, especially when it's right on the way from Kaneohe to Kahuku. For what it's worth, come for the beauty and stay for the bliss. You may be enlightened on a day trip here. While there is one secluded beach here, chances are you can have fun with friends for a good 5 hours on the weekend if you wanted to. Perfect for get togethers and barbecues just past Kaneohe town.
4.0 stars for the scenery and the serenity. Perfect way to get away from the urban style of Honolulu.
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