This seemingly barren and harsh landscape does not appear to be suitable for human existence, and yet, long before written history, the Hawaiian people built a thriving settlement upon this ʻaʻā lava.
Photo: NPS Photo
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Along the western coastline of the Island of Hawaiʻi lies the hot, rugged lava of Kaloko-Honokōhau.
- LocationKailua-Kona, HI
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now81°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
Things to Do
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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…
Learn more about Become a Junior Ranger at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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…
Learn more about Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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…
Learn more about Ocean Explorations on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Petroglyphs in the Park!
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…
Learn more about Petroglyphs in the Park! on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Picnicking at Kaloko Fishpond
Kaloko Fishpond
Learn more about Picnicking at Kaloko Fishpond on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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…
Learn more about Take a Lava Hike! on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 6 of 6
All 14 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Arts and Culture
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Front-Country Hiking
- Park Film
- Saltwater Fishing
Show 2 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center
Facility
Stop by to receive a park orientation at Hale Ho'okipa, the Park's Visitor Center and location of the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association Bookstore.
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway 3 miles south of Keahole Airport, Kailua-Kona, HI (808) 329-6881 Directions
Details
Stop by to receive a park orientation at Hale Ho'okipa, the Park's Visitor Center and location of the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association Bookstore.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Operating Hours and Seasons
Hours details
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Operating Hours and SeasonsOpen 24 hours, daily
The Park Visitor Center (Hale Hoʻokipa) is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The physical address is 74-4968 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (please note that this is not a mailing address), and our contact number is 808-326-9057. The parking area is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Vehicles must be removed from the parking area by 4:00 PM. The Kaloko Road gate is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. An alternative entrance, which provides shorter access to 'Ai'opio Fishtrap, is reached by following Kealakehe P
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Visitor Center, Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, south of 97 mile marker, 74-4968 Queen Ka'ahumanu HwyKailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
81°F
Sunny · feels like 83°
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Today
81° 75°
Sunny36% rain
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Tomorrow
81° 76°
Sunny6% rain
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Wednesday
81° 76°
Patchy rain nearby57% rain
Updated 7 min ago
What to expect by season
The weather in the park is typically hot and sunny, with temperatures in the upper 80's.
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
Noʻeau Hoʻoniho (Skillful Setting of Stones) with Benson Chong
About
Noʻeau Hoʻoniho (Skillful Setting of Stones) with Benson Chong
Third Wednesdays at Kaloko FishpondJoin Benson Chong for a hands-on demonstration of traditional Hawaiian stone-setting techniques at Kaloko Fishpond. Learn how carefully placed stones support the structure and function of this historic fishpond system.
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Mālama ‘Aimakapā Community Workday
Event page for Mālama ‘Aimakapā Community Workday (opens in a new tab)About
Join us for a Community Workday at ʻAimakapā Fishpond!
Come along for a short 0.5-mile hike and invasive species removal at ʻAimakapā Fishpond to help restore the largest wetland on the Kona Coast!
RSVP: go.nps.gov/kahovolunteer
All are welcome!
An email with full details and instructions will be sent to all participants who RSVP.
Please remember to bring the following items:
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Reef-safe suncreen
- Hiking boots
- Tabis or other water shoes (can be provided if you don't have your own)
- Gloves (can be provided if you don't have your own)
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Mālama ‘Aimakapā Community Workday
Event page for Mālama ‘Aimakapā Community Workday (opens in a new tab)About
Join us for a Community Workday at ʻAimakapā Fishpond!
Come along for a short 0.5-mile hike and invasive species removal at ʻAimakapā Fishpond to help restore the largest wetland on the Kona Coast!
RSVP: go.nps.gov/kahovolunteer
All are welcome!
An email with full details and instructions will be sent to all participants who RSVP.
Please remember to bring the following items:
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Reef-safe suncreen
- Hiking boots
- Tabis or other water shoes (can be provided if you don't have your own)
- Gloves (can be provided if you don't have your own)
Photos
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One of our most popular areas is Honokōhau Beach, where you can see the historic ʻAiʻopio fishtrap. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is located on the west coast of the island of Hawai'i, approximately 3 miles south of the Keahole International Airport (Kailua-Kona Airport) and 3 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona, on the ocean side of Highway 19. The visitor center, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Honokōhau Harbor.
Full directions
The Kaloko Road gate is located across the highway from the Kaloko New Industrial Park (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center" building).
Mailing address: 73-4786 Kanalani St. #14, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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