Waikele HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waikele, Hawaii.
1. Waikele Premium Outlets
PREMIUM BRAND SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Waikele Premium Outlets is a popular shopping destination on Oahu offering a variety of brand-name retailers at discounted prices. Visitors can enjoy an open-air shopping experience with numerous stores to explore. The outlets attract both tourists and locals looking for deals on premium brands.
2. Waikele Center
OPEN-AIR SHOPPING COMPLEX
Waikele Center is a sprawling open-air shopping complex that houses an enticing selection of brand-name retailers and restaurants. This bustling shopping hub beckons both locals and tourists alike with its diverse array of retail outlets and dining options. Located at 94-849 Lumiaina St, it's an ideal spot for retail therapy while exploring Oahu.
3. Waikele Country Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Waikele Country Club offers golfers a premier experience with well-maintained courses and stunning Hawaiian landscapes. The club provides a challenging yet enjoyable game for players of all skill levels. Visitors appreciate the professional service and beautiful surroundings that make for a memorable golfing experience.
4. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
HISTORIC WWII MEMORIAL
Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in American history, the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. The memorial offers visitors a chance to learn about this significant historical event through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. With a 4.7 rating, it stands as one of the most important historical sites on Oahu.
5. USS Arizona Memorial
SOLEMN WAR MONUMENT
The USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant tribute to the 1,177 sailors who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Visitors can take a boat to the white memorial structure that sits above the sunken battleship where oil still leaks from the ship's hull, often referred to as the 'tears of the Arizona.' With a 4.7 rating from over 27,000 reviews, it's considered a must-visit historical site that offers a moving and educational experience.
6. Waikele Stream Petroglyphs
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN ROCK ART
The Waikele Stream Petroglyphs feature approximately 12 ancient Hawaiian rock carvings located on the north side of Waikele Stream. These fascinating petroglyphs depict human figures with triangular bodies and were first officially recorded in 1964. The site offers visitors a rare glimpse into Hawaii's pre-contact indigenous culture and artistic expressions.
7. Hawaii Convertible Tours
SCENIC OPEN-AIR DRIVES
Hawaii Convertible Tours offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Oahu through private guided tours in convertible vehicles. Visitors can feel the island breeze while taking in panoramic views of coastal scenery, mountain landscapes, and cultural landmarks. The personalized tour experience allows guests to customize their itinerary based on their interests and desired pace.
8. Waikele Stream Caves
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN SHELTERS
The Waikele Stream Caves consist of five rockshelters and caves containing traditional pre-Contact Hawaiian artifacts. Located along cliff faces and steep palis of Waikele Stream between Mililani and H-1, these archaeological sites provide fascinating insights into ancient Hawaiian life and culture. The caves represent an important historical resource that helps document the indigenous history of the area.
9. Hapupu Heiau
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN TEMPLE
Hapupu Heiau was once an important religious site in the Waipahu 'Ili adjacent to Waikele Stream. This ancient temple was possibly associated with human sacrifice at some point in its history, with local legends claiming a chief named Hao was slain there by the high chief of O'ahu around 1650. Though the physical structure was destroyed by the 1930s, the site remains culturally significant in understanding Hawaiian religious practices and political history.
10. Waikele Elementary School Garden
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY GARDEN
Waikele Elementary School Garden serves as both an educational resource and community gathering space for local residents. The garden features native Hawaiian plants alongside vegetables and fruits that students help cultivate as part of their science curriculum. Visitors can appreciate the garden's role in preserving traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices while educating the next generation about sustainability and local ecology.
11. Ka Makana Ali'i
WEST OAHU SHOPPING CENTER
Ka Makana Ali'i is a premier shopping center located a short drive from Waikele, offering over 100 shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The modern open-air mall features both local boutiques and major national brands, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. Visitors appreciate the center's Hawaiian-inspired architecture and frequent cultural events that celebrate local heritage.
12. Wet'n'Wild Hawaii
TROPICAL WATER ADVENTURE
Wet'n'Wild Hawaii is the state's only water park, located just a short drive from Waikele with over 25 exhilarating water attractions. The park offers everything from extreme thrill slides for adrenaline seekers to gentle attractions for younger children and families. Visitors can enjoy a full day of tropical fun with wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides set against the backdrop of Hawaii's beautiful mountain scenery.
13. Patsy T. Mink Regional Park
MODERN RECREATIONAL COMPLEX
Patsy T. Mink Regional Park is a spacious recreational complex named after Hawaii's beloved congresswoman who was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The park features baseball fields, soccer pitches, basketball courts, and walking paths that serve the local community. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and open spaces that provide opportunities for both organized sports and casual outdoor enjoyment.
14. Waikele Community Park
LOCAL GATHERING SPACE
Waikele Community Park serves as a vibrant hub for local recreation and community events throughout the year. The park offers sports facilities, playground equipment, and open green spaces for families and individuals to enjoy. Regular community festivals, farmers markets, and cultural celebrations make this park an important social center for Waikele residents and visitors alike.
15. Filipino Community Center
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Filipino Community Center stands as the largest Filipino cultural center outside of the Philippines, celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Filipino Americans in Hawaii. The center hosts regular cultural events, educational programs, and community services that promote understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture. Visitors can explore exhibits on Filipino history in Hawaii, participate in traditional dance classes, or enjoy authentic cuisine during special events.