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PARKS
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Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Established
in 1978 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional
native Hawaiian activities and culture, Kaloko-Honokvhau NHP is an
1160 acre park full of incredible cultural and historical significance.
It is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement which encompasses portions
of four different ahupua`a, or traditional sea to mountain land divisions.
Resources include fishponds, kahua (house site platforms), ki`i pvhaku
(petroglyphs), hvlua (stone slide), and heiau (religious site).
- Visitation:
- The park receives approximately 45,000 visitors annually. Although
visitation is fairly steady throughout the year, like other places in Hawaii,
the
park receives more visitors in the winter months than in the summer
months.
Location and Directions:
Kaloko-Honokvhau is located at the base of Hualdlai Volcano,
along the Kona coast of the island of Hawai`i. It is three miles north
of Kailua-Kona and three miles south of Keahole-Kona International Airport,
along Highway 19 (the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway). There is no park sign
or visitor center (yet) in this young park, so a trip to the park headquarters
may be helpful to get your bearings.
The park's administrative headquarters is located in the Kaloko New
Industrial Park along Highway 19. From the highway, turn mauka (towards
the mountain) on Hinalani Street and then make your first right onto Kanalani
Street. Turn right into the fourth driveway on your right. The headquarters
is located at the end of that driveway. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Kaloko road gate is located across the highway from the Kaloko New
Industrial Park (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center"
building). You can also access the park from the south end, by way of the
north end of the Honokvhau small boat harbor.
Address and Telephone:
73-4786 Kanalani St., #14 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (808) 329-6881
Operating Hours:
The Kaloko road gate is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Visitors
are welcome to be in the park after 3:30 p.m., however their vehicles need
to be out of the Kaloko area before the gate closes. There is no overnight
camping in the park.
Climate, Recommended Clothing:
Kona climate is warm and humid. Temperatures range from the 70s in
the winter to the 90s in the summer. Bring a hat, lots of sunscreen and
water with you when you visit the park. Also remember good hiking shoes
if you will be walking along the coastal trail because the lava makes for
an uneven walking surface.
Transportation:
There is no public transportation available to take visitors to the
park. There are several rental car agencies available at the airport.
Fees, Costs, Rates:
There are no fees required to visit Kaloko-Honokvhau NHP.
Facilities and Opportunities/Recommended Activities/Park Use:
Because the park is still relatively undeveloped, there are very few
facilities available within the park. There is a chemical toilet located
at the Kaloko Pond area and a composting toilet located along the trail
leading from the south end of the park to Honokvhau Beach, within
the park. There is a small visitor contact station at Kaloko Pond which
is not staffed on a regular basis.
Visitors can hike along the coast through the park and enjoy other activities
such as: picnicking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, bird-watching, and
surfing.
Reservations/Permits:
Reservations are taken for ranger programs for educational groups only.
A minimum two week notice is required for such programs.
Special Events/Programs:
The park sponsors an annual Cultural Day, and occasional special interpretive
programs. Please contact the park ahead of time to inquire about any special
activities which may be occurring during your visit.
Visitor Impacts:
All natural and cultural resources within the park are protected by
federal law. Also remember that archaeological resources are irreplaceable.
Do not disturb park features in any way (including climbing or leaning
on rock walls). Please do not disturb wildlife, destroy or remove any plant
material, or take rock or coral out of the park. There are several species
of endangered and threatened plants and animals within Kaloko-Honokv
NHP, and they need your help to survive.
Please leave the park as you found it, and preserve this national heritage
for future generations.
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