Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Copyright: National Park Service Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Attractions - This was the site of important Hawaiian settlements before arrival of European explorers. It includes coastal areas, three large fishponds, a house site and other archeological remnants. Resources include fishponds, kahua (house site platforms), ki'i pöhaku (petroglyphs), hölua (stone slide) and heiau (religious site).

Because the park is still relatively undeveloped, there are very few facilities available within the park. There is a chemical toilet located at Kaloko Pond and at Ai'opio, there is also a composting toilet located along the trail leading from the south end of the park to Honokohau Beach.

The Kaloko road gate is open from 8:a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Visitors are welcome in the park after 3:30p.m., however, their vehicles need to be out of the Kaloko area before the gate closes. There is no overnight camping in the park.

Recreation - Visitors can hike along the coast through the park and enjoy other activities such as: picnicking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, bird-watching, and surfing. Other activities enjoyed in the park include backpacking, sea kayaking, SCUBA diving and viewing wildlife.

Climate - Kona climate is warm and humid. Temperatures range from the 70s in the winter to the 90s in the summer. Bring a hat, lots of sunscreen and water with you when you visit the park. Also remember good hiking shoes if you will be walking along the coastal trail because the lava makes for an uneven walking surface.

Location - Kaloko-Honoköhau is located at the base of Hualälai Volcano, along the Kona coast of the island of Hawai'i. It is three miles north of Kailua-Kona and three miles south of Kea hole-Kona International Airport, along Highway 19 (the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway). There is no park sign or visitor center (yet) in this newly established park, so a trip to the park headquarters may be helpful to get your bearings.