Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a coastal park along the north Kona shore that combines black lava rock terrain with ancient settlement remains scattered across the land. The site includes residential foundations, temple platforms, carved rock panels, and two engineered fishpond systems built with stone walls.

The area was settled by early Polynesian arrivals and became a thriving coastal settlement that supported communities for many generations. The fishpond systems were developed and improved over time, showing how inhabitants adapted their engineering skills to match the local environment.

The name comes from two ancient fishponds that reflect how Native Hawaiians engineered their coastal landscape to sustain food sources. Walking through the site, you can observe the marks of daily life that shaped this shoreline for centuries.

The park is easy to walk through and has clear paths along the coast, though the black lava rock can be rough underfoot. Bring water and sun protection since shade is limited and the exposed terrain can become very hot during the day.

The two fishponds differ in age and construction style, with one significantly older than the other and using different water management methods. This makes the site valuable for understanding how inhabitants refined their techniques over time.

Location: Hawaiʻi County

Website: https://nps.gov/kaho

GPS coordinates: 19.68182,-156.02709

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11