Things To Do
in Hawaiian Gardens
Hawaiian Gardens is a compact city in southeast Los Angeles County best known for its casino and tightly knit residential neighborhoods. It sits inland from the coast, surrounded by larger suburbs such as Long Beach, Lakewood and Bellflower, and serves as a quiet, working-class community. The city’s cultural life reflects Southern California’s diversity, with a strong Latino presence alongside Filipino and other Asian communities.
Visitors typically use Hawaiian Gardens as a low-key base for exploring nearby beaches, parks and the greater Los Angeles metro area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a refreshing stroll through the beautiful Hawaiian Gardens Park, where you can enjoy the vibrant flora and catch sight of local wildlife. Grab a light breakfast at a nearby café, sampling some delicious acai bowls or fresh fruit smoothies. Engage in a morning yoga session in the park for a peaceful and revitalizing start to your day.
After lunch at a local eatery, dive into the cultural heritage of Hawaiian Gardens by visiting the nearby Korean Friendship Bell, a stunning symbol of international friendship. Spend your afternoon exploring local shops and boutiques, where you can find unique souvenirs and artisanal goods. Don’t miss the chance to interact with friendly locals and learn about the community's history and traditions.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of the area's popular restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood and regional dishes. Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk through the Plaza at Hawaiian Gardens, soaking in the evening atmosphere filled with music and laughter. End your night with a relaxing drive around town, admiring the lights and charm of this magical community.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the stunning beaches nearby, where the golden sands await. Pack a picnic and don’t forget your sunscreen while you explore the serene coastline or try your hand at paddleboarding. Enjoy some beach volleyball with friends or simply relax while listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
After a satisfying lunch, join a guided snorkeling tour that allows you to explore the underwater beauty of the area. Swim alongside colorful fish and vibrant corals, creating memories of the stunning marine life. As the afternoon progresses, capture the breathtaking scenery and perhaps take a dip to cool off from the sun.
Return to Hawaiian Gardens to unwind after a day of adventure, enjoying dinner at a beachfront restaurant with an incredible ocean view. Watch the sunset over the horizon, painting the sky with an array of colors as you reflect on a day well spent. Conclude your evening with a beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the starry skies.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket (standard) | $12-16 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, small-city atmosphere with easy access to larger coastal and urban attractions
- Diverse, authentic local food options influenced by Latino and Filipino communities
- Close proximity to Long Beach beaches, shopping and cultural sites
- Lower accommodation costs compared with central Los Angeles
- Limited nightlife and tourist attractions within the city itself
- Car-dependent for many errands and excursions; public transit options are limited
- Typical urban safety issues such as vehicle break-ins in parts of the region
- Fewer hotel and upscale dining options directly in town
Places to Visit in Hawaiian Gardens
Visit one of these nice places.
The casino’s signage and exterior can make for classic small-city neon/night photography scenes.
A short drive away, the marina, Shoreline Village and waterfront promenades offer colorful boats, sunsets and urban-coastal vistas.
Wooded trails, ponds and bridges provide tranquil nature shots and wildlife photography opportunities close to the city.
Local commercial strips, murals and small markets capture everyday life and the cultural character of the community.
Food in Hawaiian Gardens
Hawaiian Gardens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simple carne asada, al pastor or carnitas tacos from local taco shops or trucks; often served with fresh cilantro, onions and salsa — widely available throughout the area.
Must-Try!
Dishes like adobo, lumpia and pancit at family-owned Filipino restaurants in the region; satisfying, affordable and common in Southeast LA County.
Fresh fish preparations and fish tacos found at nearby coastal towns like Long Beach and Seal Beach—great for a beachside meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small neighborhood markets and street vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods and prepared foods; look for taco stands and panaderias in commercial strips around the city.
Larger Asian grocery stores and markets in adjacent cities carry Filipino, Southeast Asian and East Asian ingredients and prepared foods worth exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally informal and friendly; a polite greeting and small talk are appreciated. Personal space is similar to other U.S. urban areas—respectful and relaxed.
Recognize the community’s multicultural makeup—show respect for traditions and language diversity, and ask before photographing people in private settings.
Keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas, especially at night, and follow posted parking and local ordinances.
Safety
Tipping in Hawaiian Gardens
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard U.S. tipping applies: around 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for taxi or rideshare drivers depending on distance, and small tips for hotel housekeeping or valets. Tipping at casual counter-service places is appreciated but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Keep some cash for small vendors, tips, or machines that may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summers are warm and dry with plenty of sunshine—expect temperatures in the comfortable to hot range; coastal areas nearby will be cooler and breezier. Peak travel and beach crowds occur in July–August.
Fall brings mild weather and lower humidity, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities, nearby hikes and beach visits with fewer crowds.
Winters are mild and wetter than other seasons but still temperate compared with much of the U.S.; occasional rainy days and cool nights are typical.
Spring is comfortable with blooming landscaping and moderate temperatures—good for hikes and exploring outdoor attractions before summer heat ramps up.
Hawaiian Gardens at Night
Hiking in Hawaiian Gardens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers rolling trails, panoramic views of the basin and moderate hikes that are popular with locals for morning exercise and weekend outings.
Located in Long Beach, this gentle, shaded park features boardwalks, ponds and easy walking trails suitable for families and photographers.
A mix of neighborhood trails and lookout points with short hikes and local vistas; good for a quick nature escape without a long drive.
A longer drive from Hawaiian Gardens but offers extensive trails, open-space landscapes and larger loop hikes for a full-day outdoor adventure.
Airports
How to reach Hawaiian Gardens by plane.
Closest commercial airport (roughly 15–25 minutes by car) with convenient regional flights and easy access to the coast and greater LA area.
Major international airport serving a wide range of domestic and international flights; typically 25–45 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Located in Orange County, about 35–50 minutes by car, convenient for some domestic flights and a quieter alternative to LAX.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A substantial portion of the population is Latino/Hispanic, with strong cultural influence on cuisine, community events and local businesses.
Filipino and other Asian residents contribute to the multicultural character, with family-owned restaurants, markets and community institutions.
Many households are working-class families who have lived in the area for generations or moved in for affordable residential options near larger job centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely followed at both the professional and community levels (NBA teams in the region attract many fans).
Baseball is popular, from youth leagues to supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers and other local teams.
At nearby beaches, surfing, volleyball and other beach sports are common recreational activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hawaiian Gardens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in tacos, rice-and-bean dishes, and many Asian restaurants offer tofu and vegetable-centric plates; ask staff about substitutions.
Vegan and gluten-free options are growing in the region; larger nearby cities (Long Beach) have dedicated vegan cafés and clearer gluten-free menus, but smaller local spots may require asking about preparation methods.
Most establishments are accustomed to requests about allergies; clearly communicate major allergies (nuts, shellfish) and familiar foods to avoid cross-contact when necessary.