Kapiolani Park is a large green area with shade from many palm trees, just east of Waikiki and before you get to the Aquarium. It has a beach front, separated from Waikiki with a cement barrier break that extends out into the water. It is usually less crowded on this side of the beach, although the beach itself is very narrow. This is a good place to hang out if you are picnicking with family and friends, want a little shade from the hot sun, or just want to be away from the mad crowds on Waikiki beach. There are a couple of large facilities here, where you can change clothes after a day in the sand and surf. This is where more locals hang out than tourists, because it is a little bit of a walk down from Hotel Row. If you are driving here, there are a lot of street spaces on the road just in front of this park. I parked for free and spent a couple of nice hours here.