Kaneohe, HI

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Veronica Carmona Photography
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Takahiro Masuda
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Takahiro Masuda
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Takahiro Masuda
This city on O'ahu’s windward side is protected from the wild Pacific Ocean and offers plenty of non-beach activities.

Kāne’ohe is one of O'ahu’s larger cities. It’s nestled on the shores of Kāne’ohe Bay, a large sheltered body of water protected by a coral reef. Look for the large U.S. Marine Corps base at the end of the peninsula forming the reef. The bay is a good place to enjoy sailing and kayaking in relatively calm waters. Follow locals to the “Sandbar,” a temporary landmass that appears in the bay during low tide. 

Back on land, visit Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. The 400-acre (160-hectare) park has free entry and offers a convenient drive-through option to see endangered and rare plants from the Philippines, Hawaii, Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Polynesia, Melanesia, Malaysia and tropical America. You can also bike, jog or hike through the park for closer views or try fishing in the manmade lake. Register at the visitor center for additional activities including crafts, nature walks, cloud-watching or camping some of these have small fees. 

In nearby Kahaluu, visit the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, home to the Byodo-In Temple, a Japanese-style temple built in 1968 to commemorate 100 years of Japanese presence on O’ahu. Inside the temple, look for the large golden Amida Buddha and a replica of a 900-year-old sacred bell. In the park there is a wildlife area with peacocks, black swans and 100-year-old koi. Enjoy local performance artists and artisans who appear by invitation to perform or display products. Visit the traditional Japanese teahouse, now serving as a gift shop and visitor services center. You will find the temple a serene place to come for quiet worship or contemplation.  

For a more active experience, golf at a different course three days in a row, all within a few minutes’ drive from the center of Kāne’ohe. Pali is public, while Ko’olau and Bayview are private, but open to visitors. As with most golf courses in Hawaii, you’ll find excellent course conditions, lush greenery and beautiful views. Ko’olau’s setting adjacent to a mountain range creates an unusual course design.

Kāne’ohe is 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Honolulu. You’ll find plenty to do here without ever visiting a beach.

Where to stay in Kaneohe

Do yourself a favor and stop at this candy-striped food truck for delicious Malasadas. Try one of every flavor!

Heʻeia

You'll enjoy the shopping and historic sites in Heʻeia. You might want to make time for a stop at Kaneohe Bay or He'eia State Park.

Heʻeia
Sunrise east side Kahaluu Hawaii. 
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Kahaluʻu

Snorkeling, beaches, and mountain views are some highlights of Kahaluʻu. Make a stop by Kāne‘ohe Bay or Kahaluu Beach while you're exploring.

Kahaluʻu
The Byodo-In Temple, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Ahuimanu

The mountain views and monuments are a few reasons travelers visit Ahuimanu. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Kahaluu Beach and He'eia State Park, a few notable attractions nearby.

Ahuimanu
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥43,654 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
¥43,654
¥61,183 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,031 reviews)
"It is a bea"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥60,402 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
¥60,402
¥80,816 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (8,236 reviews)
"Our family of 5 stayed in the Tapa tower in a family suite. The room was large and we had plenty of space. Tapa tower seamed more updated than some of the other areas of the property. Pros- Lots of things to do within walking distance. Great beach area right off of the resort. Live music nightly ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥32,456 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
¥32,456
¥47,328 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,262 reviews)
"The hotel is in a great location to everything and the rooms are spacious."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
3 out of 5
201 Ohua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 hot tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,601 reviews)
"We would go back. Its a great location and value. Because these are technically condos, some of the rooms are dated. Of the 3 rooms we, reserve this past week, 1 was fantastic. 1 was OK, and 1 was unacceptable. After 2 more rooms, we got one that was OK. The staff was extremely accommodating. Free ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
3 out of 5
445 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,015 reviews)
"It was great but there was no faucet in the kitchen."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,939 reviews)
"Parking was sucked 😖 there was a very rude lady she even want to call the police on us .. She wanted to over charge us for parking 😩 No house keeping x11 days 🙁 Air conditioning was in issue 😨 Evething else was ok 👍"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Kaneohe

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
25
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
18
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Stacy

We loved staying away from all the touristy areas.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Really nice area. Stunning views. Not close to amenities or food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

No question, 100% better than Waikiki. So beautiful

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It is unfortunate that the vacation rentals on the windward side have had to stop advertising because of the permit laws in Hawaii suddenly being enforced. Kaneohe Bay and Kailua Beach are lovely, and still maintain a somewhat local feel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice quiet area, it is at the North shore so it is much more relaxed .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very nice and nature

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