Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

See the seawall at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, which was constructed without mortar and built at an angle to harness the wind’s power. View fishponds, abandoned homes, ancient temple ruins, petroglyph fields, canoe hale, and a freshwater-fed pool. This park is a fantastic place to go wildlife watching. 

Hiking Trails

• Ala Hu'ehu'e and Māmalahoa Loop

  This trail starts at the south entrance of the park and runs by the ancient fish trap before running along the beach. Leave extra time as you hike along the beach to enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean. You may see sea turtles on the beach. Then, walk around the edge of the park to return to your starting point. 

  Location

  South Entrance of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

  Length

  3.1 mile

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Ala Mauka Makai Trail

  The Ala Mauka Makai Trail starts at the visitors center. Hike past the ancient fishponds. About the midway point, take the petroglyph loop to see the ancient rock art left about 1200 AD. Then, head to Honokōhau Beach to see the Pacific Ocean. 

  Location

  Visitors Center at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park Trail

  This trail starts at the Hale Ho'okipa Welcome House, which is used as a visitor center. It heads along a dirt road to the ancient Kaloko Fishpond. Then, it passes over the Ki'i Pōhaku (petroglyph rock art) boardwalk to reach the Ai’ōpio Fishtrap before ending at Honokōhau Beach. 

  Location

  Hale Ho'okipa Welcome House, Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, south of 97 mile marker, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

  Length

  4.0 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Manini'owali Beach

  Manini'owali Beach is a secluded white sand beach on Kua Bay. Scramble over about 10 feet of lava rock to reach this location. It is a great place to see big waves in the winter. During the rest of the year, it is an ideal place to go snorkeling. 

  Location

  Manini'owali Beach, Kua Bay, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• Kanaloa Octopus Farm

  Take a tour of the Kanaloa Octopus Farm, where research is being done to solve marine aquaculture issues. See octopuses and learn more about this creature. You may be able to feed the octopuses. 

  Location

  73-4460 Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway Suite 138, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• The Vanillerie

  Learn how vanilla is grown by visiting The Vanillerie. Taste some of the different types of vanilla that they raise, and see vanilla in varying stages of maturity. 

  Location

  73-4301 Laui Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

Museums

• Huliheʻe Palace

  Workers originally constructed the Huliheʻe Palace of lava rock in 1844 to be a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. It is operated by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi to showcase furniture and artifacts. Many of the pieces come from the era of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. 

  Location

  75-5718 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum and Gallery

  View traditional Hawaiian quilts at Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum and Gallery. Trace a traditional Hawaiian quilt pattern to take home with you. Browse through the collection of quilts for sale. 

  Location

  75-5706 Kuakini Highway Apartment 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• Laupahoehoe Train Museum

  Learn the history of the Hilo Railroad by visiting the Laupahoehoe Train Museum. The railroad that was constructed to haul sugar from the Hamakua Coast to market was the most expensive railroad built anywhere in the world. See the station agent’s home and train memorabilia and watch an old engine run on a short track. 

  Location

  36 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaii 96764

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Dread Pirate Pottery

  Artist Laura Roberts is inspired by Hawaii’s natural side to create artwork in a variety of mediums. When she is not creating art, she works as a scuba instructor and boat captain. Shop at her store for Hawaii-inspired art. 

  Location

  73-4491 Kohanaiki Road #3-B, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• Kona Sports Center

  Find sports equipment and apparel at this store. You can also rent bikes and camping equipment. They rent, sell and repair e-bikes. 

  Location

  74-5035 Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway #1101, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• Foster’s Kitchen

  Get traditional Hawaiian cuisine at Foster’s Kitchen. This restaurant features an extensive gluten-free menu. They use local products whenever possible and choose non-GMO and organic products when possible. 

  Location

  75-5805 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

  Since 2004, diners have been loving the family vibe found at Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill. Get hand-cut steaks and locally caught fish at this restaurant, where the owners are usually on hand. They also feature fabulous cocktails. 

  Location

  75-5995 Kuakini Highway #L, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

How To Get To Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

If you are in Hilo, you need to drive clear across the Big Island to reach Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Start by getting on Saddle Road. Continue going straight to get onto Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Turn left onto Hawaii 190, which is also the Hawaii Belt Road. Turn right on Hina Lani Street and left on Hawaii 19. The park will be on the right in less than 1 mile. 

Address

Hale Ho'okipa Welcome House, Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, south of 97mile marker, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

Fee: Entry fee $0

You may find yourself struggling with how human development should progress while protecting the natural environment. A visit to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a chance to learn how an ancient civilization solved that problem through religious laws. See how multi-generational families lived in harmony with nature. You will want to go on several hikes where you may see turtles and other marine wildlife. A great way to explore this area and other nearby attractions is by bringing your RV. If you do not have an RV or it is too expensive to get it to the Big Island, then rent one on RVshare.com. You will love exploring this area of Hawaii.