Along the western coastline of the Island of Hawai'i lies the hot, rugged lava of Kaloko-Honokohau. Some people find it difficult to understand why the ancient Hawaiians chose to settle upon these stark lava fields. The reason was, perhaps, a spiritual one, for there was a spirit in Kaloko-Honokohau. The Hawaiians who first came to the area felt its presence in every rock and and tree, in the gentle waters of shallow bays and in the tradewinds that gently swept across the lava flow. Perhaps you too will experience this spirit on your visit to this National Historical Park.
The Basics
Hours:
Hale Ho'okipa, the Visitor Contact Station, the Hawaii Natural History Association store, and the adjoining parking area are open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm daily.
The Kaloko road gate is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Visitors are welcome in the park after 5:00 pm, but vehicles must be removed from Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Contact Station and Kaloko parking area before the gates are locked and secured for the evening.
Camping is not permitted in the park.
Address:
73-4786 Kanalani Street., #14
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone:
808-326-9057
Phone:
808-329-6881
Fax:
808-329-2597
Map
Directions
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located on the west coast of the island of Hawai'i, approximately 3 miles south of the Keahole International Airport and 3 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona, on the ocean side of Highway 19. The visitor contact station, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Honokohau Harbor.
The Kaloko road gate is located across the highway from the Kaloko New Industrial Park (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center" building). You can also access the park from the south end, by way of Honokohau Boat harbor.
Climate
Weather in the park is typically hot and sunny with daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 80's.
Step back in time to the Hawai'i of yesterday. Explore how Hawaiians survived and thrived on such a seemingly hot, desolate and barren landscape. Marvel at the ingenuity and engineering skills used to construct the fishponds and fish trap. Immerse yourself in the clear blue Pacific Ocean and discover corals reefs and tropical fishes. Walk along the peaceful seashore, watch the sunset and feel the spirit of Kaloko-Honokohau.
Hiking
Walk along the footpaths used by Hawaiian people years ago. Take the Mamalahoa Trail and imagine what it would be like to lead your donkeys laden with produce on your way to the market. Take a portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail past heiau and house platforms that remain from long ago. The more recent Ala Hele Ike Trail will lead you from the visitor center to Honokohau Beach, passing native plants and stone walls and a corral that remain from the ranching days of the past as you hike along the trail.
The park provides the opportunity to spot some of the unique wildlife found in the Hawaiian Islands. An amazing number of migratory bird species fly to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park every winter to use the wetlands of 'Aimakapa Fishpond. Endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots make their home in the the Kaloko Fishpond. Along the shore, you can watch for sea turtles and shorebirds or may be lucky enough to see a Hawaiian monk seal hauled out on the beach basking in the sun.
Places To Go
Stop by to receive a park orientation at Hale Ho'okipa, the Visitor Contact Station and location of the Hawaii Natural History Association Bookstore. Walk along the gentle shores of Honokohau Beach. Marvel at the amazing engineering skills required to construct the two different types of fishponds found within the park. The are some of the unique places waiting to be explored on your visit to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
