Along the western coastline of the Island of Hawaiʻi lies the hot, rugged lava of Kaloko-Honokōhau. This seemingly barren and harsh landscape does not appear to be suitable for human existence, and yet, long before written history, the Hawaiian p...
The landscape between the two waysides is filled with dark volcanic rock and low green and tan vegetation.
Visitor Contact Station. Overview. 176 words. 3 paragraphs. This location includes two wayside panels. The first, titled Island Trails, is located on the east side of the visitor contact station’s building. The second panel, titled Walking in the path of ancestors, is near the parking lot, at the trail head.
‘Aimakapā Fishpond is a fishpond with a sandy beach. It is located in the middle of the parkʻs coastline. ‘Aimakapā Fishpond is a pond separated from the ocean by a sand berm that runs parallel to the sea. The pond formed naturally, and fresh water from springs mixes with seawater that enters through the channels during incoming tides.
‘Aiʻōpio Fishtrap is located at the shoreline on the south side of the park near Honokōhau Boat Harbor. It is the only fishtrap on the island of Hawai‘i.
‘Aiʻōpio Fishtrap is a beach area on the south side of the park near Honokōhau Boat Harbor. The small bay with rocky point is bordered by rocky lava headlands that encloses the area. Fish entered the pond at hightide through a narrow channel in the seawall. The four rectangular walled enclosures within the pond along the shoreline were probably used either as holding pens for netted fish or as lanes in which the fish were netted. A replica of a Hawaiian House (Hale) is located on the beach.
The petroglyphs of Honokōhau are unique. A master craftsman laboring with stone tools and human hands in the hot sun made these into distinctive works of art that have become reservoirs of information. This area is a boardwalk that is along the mauka-makai trail a half mile from the visitor center or it can be accessed from the beach area (follow the signs to the visitor center).
Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau
Grab your binoculars and set out on a birdwatching adventure along the Kona coastline. See the vibrant yellow saffron finch, hear the boisterous calls of the common Myna, and watch as the ʻAukuʻu (black crowned night heron) slightly stalks its prey.
Become a Junior Ranger at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP
Explore! Learn! Protect! Become a Junior Ranger at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Opportunities for all ages (even adults, see our Kupuna (elder) book! makes becoming a Junior Ranger an experience for the whole 'ohana (family).
Take a Lava Hike!
Many trails in the park were created in ancient times and others are from the historical era. These were trails for pack animals. The main park trail is a loop that circles the park and is 4.5 miles long or 7.2 kilometers. It is highly recommended to wear sturdy shoes, have sun protection and bring plenty of water. Many sections of the trail are rough and uneven and the ocean section can be effected by high tides and large surf.
Ocean Explorations
Imagine how the ancient Hawaiian people who lived here and used the ocean and its abundant resources. This is was a beautiful but difficult place to live hundreds of years ago. While you are here take a tidal pool walk (but be careful the rocks can be slippery!), or watch a beautiful sunset along the seashore. Fishing and gathering of some ocean resources are allowed and are managed by State of Hawaii regulations.
