Makalei Beach Park, Honolulu

This place just has an amazing vibe. If you are like me and like waking up before sunrise to run, I highly suggest starting from this park and running toward Diamond Head Rd. Here, sneak into other little parks along the way and get a nice run early with waves breaking on the sea wall. Hands down a wonderful experience. People are doing Tai Chi and yoga early in the morning with the sound of the constant and entrancing surf in the background. If you're feeling your oats, run up to the lookout past the light house on Diamond Head Road.

Water is more rough than Waikiki but nothing crazy, be careful of rocks under the water as some parts are shallow and unpredictable deeper parts, nothing crazy though. Sunset is amazing here. Especially with the added effect of the waves crashing against the wall. Parking to get here though can be tricky, I got lucky last time I visited!