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National Historical Park · Hawaii

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

National Historical Park in Hawaii. No entrance fee. 2 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historical Park
StateHawaii
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkHawaiʻi Volcanoes (58 mi)
Closest airportKOA (4 mi)
Sun rises over Hualālai volcano as seen from the Kaloko fishpond wall
The sun rises over Hualālai volcano, as seen from the historic kuapā (fishpond wall) at Kaloko. Photo: NPS Photo

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Hawaii.

In the park service’s words

Along the western coastline of the Island of Hawaiʻi lies the hot, rugged lava of Kaloko-Honokōhau. 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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Take a Lava Hike! (1 to 2 Hours): 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 long or 7.2 kilometers. It is highly recommended to wear sturdy shoes, have sun protection and bring plenty of water. Man
  • 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 information. This area is a boardwalk that is along the mauka-makai trail a half mile from the visitor center or it can be accessed
  • 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 (black crowned night heron) slightly stalks its prey.
  • 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 experience for the whole 'ohana (family).
  • Ocean Explorations (30 to 90 Minutes): 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 take a tidal pool walk (but be careful the rocks can be slippery!), or watch a beautiful sunset along the seashore. Fishing
  • Picnicking at Kaloko Fishpond: Kaloko Fishpond

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. 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

Getting there

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. The Kaloko Road gate is located across the highway from the Kaloko New Industrial Park (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center" building).

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) Kailua-Kona, HI No road route 4 Large hub
Waimea Kohala Airport (MUE) Waimea (Kamuela), HI No road route 32 Regional
Hilo International Airport (ITO) Hilo, HI No road route 64 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center: Daily, 8:30AM - 4:00PM. The park's visitor center is open every day of the year except one day in mid October for the Ironman Triathlon due to the Highway being closed.

Weather

The weather in the park is typically hot and sunny, with temperatures in the upper 80's.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, about 58 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park?

No entrance fee.

Where is Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park?

In Hawaii. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, about 4 miles away.

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