Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1,160 acre area on the Kona coast. Established as a park in 1978, development and preservation is on going, but you do have to opportunity to explore two ancient fish ponds, `Aimakapa and Kaloko, as well as Ai'opio fish trap at Ai`opio Beach.
This hot, lava strewn landscape held great spiritual significance for the ancient Hawaiians who decided to settle here. They used their skills to establish fish ponds and traps to provide abundant sources of food and to build several heiau which can be seen today.
The park is also home to several species of birds including the Hawaiian stilt and the Hawaiian duck. A series of trails are provided for you explore this mana (energy) filled place. You may pick up a map at the Kaloko office in the Kaloko Industrial Park on Highway 19 near Kona. You may also get more information at the National Park Service website. Several excellent beaches with good swimming dot the coastline of this park as well as a few picnic areas. There are restrooms near the Kaloko Fishpond. The visitor contact station, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Honokohau Harbor. You may also access the southern end of the park by way of the Honokohau Boat harbor.
