Posted on: Friday, February 20, 2004

RECREATION
Today's run • Kapi'olani Park
Varied routes, facilities make Kapi'olani Park tops

The access to facilities and numerous routes make Kapi'olani Park a popular place for running. Gregory Yamamoto •The Honolulu Advertiser

Ratings key (1 star) Poor. No or few facilities, safety is low and parking is a chore. (2 stars) Fair. Parking, safety, facilities are adequate. (3 stars) Good. Course is worth looking into. (4 stars) Very good. Almost the best in parking, safety, facilities, maybe lacking more water fountains. (5 stars) Excellent. The best there is. Upcoming: Kapi'olani Park Running is one of the simplest forms of sports or recreation, and living in Hawai'i makes it even easier. There is no need for mittens, beanies or double layers of clothing. Instead, just slip on your four "S's" — shorts, shirt, socks, shoes — and head out the door. Finding a course to run, though, might not be that easy, with the traffic and lack of curbside space. If you prefer to stay in the comfort of your own neighborhood, near water and restrooms, then here are some suggested courses that might fit your needs and preferences. Starting with the Kailua area in July, The Advertiser began reviewing neighborhood courses on which to run. We'll try to run this feature once a month. Each course is rated according to how well it lives up to standards for a running course with regards to safety, facilities, parking.

•	Ironman qualifying race June 13 on Big Island
•	Catch of the Day
•	Sports notices
•	Map: Kapiolani runs

By Christian Friis
Special to The Advertiser

Kapi'olani Park might be the best place to run in Honolulu.

•	How it rates Facilities (water fountains and restrooms): 5 stars Safety: 4 stars Parking: 5 stars Rated: For everyone. Distance: 1.8 miles and up. Enjoyment Rating: Kapi'olani Park may be the best place for running and other activities on O'ahu with its running trails, drinking fountains and restrooms and proximity to the ocean.

It is a place where beginners and experienced runners can get their training in, whether it is a run, jog, walk or a swim nearby.

"I run in the Kapi'olani Park area because there are a lot of other runners," said Katey Mobley, 32. "It keeps me motivated seeing other people out on the road, and there is a friendly atmosphere among runners here."

The loop around the park provides views of Diamond Head and the ocean, as well as an option to run barefoot on the grass for most of the loop.

It is relatively safe since you don't cross any roads.

You also can find parking easily on the park's perimeter.

There are four restrooms around the park, including plenty of water fountains.

For runners who want to extend their distance, a run could include the zoo, which would add a mile, or a loop around Diamond Head, which would add another four miles.

A run on Diamond Head Road to Kahala Avenue to a turnaround at the gas station at Keala'olu and back to the park will give you an 8-mile run.

Although there are many water stops around Kapi'olani Park, water also is available at Wai'alae Beach Park,