Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Address:Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Tel: (808) 567-6802

Step back in time to the Hawai'i of yesteryear and discover incredible historical ruins! Go snorkeling, swimming and surfing in the Pacific Ocean and go bird watching to see a variety of migratory birds!

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1160 acre site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement where visitors can hike along a barren lava landscape and see evidence of how Native Hawaiians once lived and thrived in such a seemingly harsh environment. The Park is filled with interesting artifacts, including petroglyphs, fishponds, house site platforms, a stone slide, and even a heiau (religious site). The park has a beautiful and easily accessible marine reef, used by several dive boat operators, and is near fantastic beaches, tide pools, and Hawaii's scenic Kona Coast. Visitors should definitely take advantage of the superb diving here! Hikers will love the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail which traverses the park, and everyone will enjoy activities such as picnicking, fishing, snorkeling and swimming in coral reefs (also--keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles coming up for a gulp of air), bird-watching, and surfing too. The more recent Ala Hele Ike Trail winds from the visitor center to Honokohau Beach. Pay attention to your beautiful surroundings as you walk the trail—you'll pass exotic, native plants and stone walls and a corral that date back to the ranching days of Hawaiian history.

To get to beautiful Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, take the highway to the Kaloko New Industrial Park—the Kaloko road gate is located just across the street (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center" building). The Park is also accessible from the south end, via the Honokohau Boat Harbor.