Playground Guide: Wilson Community Park in Kāhala
With climbing nets and a futuristic-looking slide, here’s the perfect spot to unleash your keiki’s inner superhero.
We first visited Wilson Community Park (4901 Kilauea Avenue) after my 5-year-old son’s basketball practices on the adjacent courts. Playing on the playground became a reward for a practice well-done. In fact, the coaches (the dads), asked each kid to make 3 successful free-throws before they could escape to the jungle gym. Truth be told, I think the team enjoyed the playground more than dribbling, passing, and shooting. This place has become a favorite play spot ever since.
Photo: Laura Dornbush
What You Need to Know
Playground Equipment: With a combo of metal and plastic attractions, Wilson Community Park has two slides—a metal one which looks like it came from outer space, and the other a racing slide with two lanes. There are plenty of bars to hang from—two high bars and monkey bars. Climbing apparatus include a ladder leading up to a “headquarters” and two nets. A fireman’s pole acts as an alternative escape route.
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Other Amenities: With all that the playground has going for it, the other amenities are lacking, namely benches and picnic tables. I end up standing or squatting on a curb while my son plays. However, there are restrooms (bring your own TP and soap!) and two water fountains. The park pavilion hosts Department of Parks & Recreation classes and Summer Fun programs (registration required).
Unique Offerings: The climbing nets and ‘web spinner’ as my son calls it lend to Spiderman role play. When not in use by teams, take advantage of the expansive baseball fields to fly a kite and the basketball courts for roller skating or learning to ride a bike. There is even a pickleball court, but you’ll need to BYON (bring your own net).
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Best For: The playground equipment is designed for ages 5-12. Heads-up: there is not much for toddlers to do on their own here, especially when the equipment is packed with older kids.
Best Time To Visit: For a social atmosphere, visit as neighboring Wilson Elementary lets out of school in the afternoons, or on weekends when the connected fields are used for baseball games. If you’re looking for quiet, head over on weekday mornings.
Parking: There is no parking lot, so you’ll need to hunt for street parking. Note the street signs on the ‘ewa side of the park, as there are restrictions certain times of the day.
Photo: Laura Dornbush
My Favorite Thing about this Playground: As a parent, by far the best part is the shade from a massive monkeypod tree to keep us cool at any time of day. I also appreciate the artificial grass groundcover which cushions falls and doesn’t scrape little knees.
