The archaeological sites here in the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park date back centuries, but the park itself was established as recently as 1978 to enshrine the island’s rich heritage. Covering a huge 4.7 million-square-metre area from coastal spots to rainforests, both outdoor adventurers and history buffs head here in their droves.
Start off at the Hale Ho’okipa Visitor Center to get your bearings. Then head out on foot along one of the hiking trails that will take you all over the dramatic landscape. Explore the historic Mamalahoa Trail. Unfortunately, there are less than two kilometres that still remain today but it was once the island’s major passage route back in the 19th century.
In the heart of the park, you’ll find the ancient settlement of Honokōhau, which you can reach by following one of the trails from the visitor centre. Then check out Kaloka, or ‘fishpond’ in the traditional Hawaiian dialect. Formed by a manufactured seawall spanning 640 metres, Kaloko is a remarkable stone construction, and here you can learn more about how natives have lived off the water through the centuries.
If you want to stop off for lunch during your explorations, you’ll need to bring a picnic. Alternatively, you can head to the secluded beach, far removed from the busier spots around the rest of the Hawaiian coastline. Visitors come here to enjoy snorkelling and to get a close-up of the tropical fish swimming in the shallow waters.
Head north from Kailua-Kona on Highway 19 for less than five kilometres to reach the park. Though public transport isn’t an option to get here, you can find taxis to bring you to the visitor centre. The park is open every day, and it is free to park here as well as free to enter.
