Fort Ruger Park

It’s called Triangle Park by the locals, but formally, I would assume it’s called Fort Ruger Park. I’ve literally run through here during training runs and of course, during the Honolulu marathon since 2007.
The neighborhood that surrounds Fort Ruger Park is pretty astounding and amazing. The park is generally small and you can run the perimeter all day everyday for about 0.30 mile. This family friendly park is generally maintained beautifully and is a great example of how good the green space is used to beautify the community of Kahala. Great views, quiet space, and the prime ocean real estate, notwithstanding. Many island families and individuals come here to enjoy the green space here and just enjoy life, myself included. It’s nestled along the major intersection of Kahala Ave and Diamond Head Road. Many trees are here for shade and comfort. Plenty of things to do here, if you love the outdoors and need the breath of fresh air. I usually pass by here 3x a week to run and it’s always nice to see people just chilling here and enjoying life outside.
Fort Ruger park does not have any admissions fee, which makes it a public park for all to see. I’m glad that it isn’t an official dog park, although many dogs can play here with their owners in any given day. There is an official dog park nearby too, on 18^th Avenue and Diamond Head Road, next to KCC campus and the American Red Cross. Kind of smells, if you’re not used to being around dog waste. The location of Triangle Park /​Fort Ruger park is great. Not too far from anything and you can always stop by here just to relax and get away from the world. Many people use the park, as well as the Honolulu marathon clinic, which stops here on their daily Sunday meet ups for water and daily motivation, information, and pep talk. They say the grass is greener on the other side, but truthfully, the Park is maintained beautifully and is green all year round. There are 2 main water fountains on the Kahala Avenue side of the park, which is always good for runners, cyclists, weekend warriors, and other users of the park.
For me, this is basically my neighborhood, or extended neighborhood, as I regularly come here on an as needed basis. People are friendly as they come here. Happy people equals happy communities, as I always liked to believe. There is street parking around Fort Ruger Park itself, as well as nearby street parking — all free, if you can find it. You’re in a residential area, so be mindful of acceptable noise levels at any point of the day or night. It’s nice to come here and enjoy the outdoors once in a while — the beach is always close by here. You’re about 5 — 10 minutes away from Waikiki and about 0.5 mile from the slopes of Diamond Head crater state monument. So, if you intend to hit up Diamond Head for a morning, best bet would be to come out here to Fort Ruger Park to rest and recover. Come stay awhile and you will be glad you did!
Almost mile 9 and mile 25 on the Honolulu marathon course.
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Triangle Park was officially renamed on Veterans’ Day November 2008 as «Fort Ruger the Operation Red Wings Medal of Honor Park». Operation Red Wings is the name of a 2005 mission in Afghanistan in which 19 soldiers and 1 sailor were killed. Lt. Michael Murphy led a four-​man SEAL Team from Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor SEAL Delivery Team 1 that was ambushed. The task was to find a key Taliban leader hiding in Asadabad’s mountainous terrain. All team members perished while trying to rescue Lt. Murphy’s team. The honor is befitting this park’s location as it is a gateway from Kahala Avenue to Fort Ruger under the majestic view of Diamond Head State Monument.
The park is an isosceles triangle shaped park that measures about a quarter-​mile around. The three sides are Paikau Street, Diamond Head Road and Kahala Avenue. It’s a great location to begin and end a walk or run around Diamond Head. Often, it is used as a «refreshment» stop during the Symphony Run and the Honolulu Marathon. During the PGA Sony Open, attendees or some volunteers park here and catch shuttle buses into Waialae Country Club.

small park bounded by diamond head road, kahala avenue, and paikau street, just east of the diamond head crater. while on a morning run around diamond head and back to waikiki, i happen to stumble upon this park so i paused to see if there was any significance to this plot of land. at the front of this plot of lush green grass was a plaque, dedicating this park to one branch of the military, honoring those who fought for our country. it was a pretty cool memorial, but if you run past this park, you might miss it, so be sure to stop by the diamond head and kahala end of this park to learn a bit of history about this site. aside from the memorial plaque, there isn’t much else here, no picnic tables, benches or recreational equipment.