Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park in Hawaii
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii in the North Kona District. It is made up of 1,160 acres that include the shoreline and uplands areas of Honokōhau, Kaloko, and Makahuena. Kaloko-Honokōhau was established in 1978 to protect, preserve, and interpret the cultural and natural resources that exist in the park. It is one of the most historically significant cultural sites in the state and the only unit of the National Park System within the state of Hawaii. Information can be found here.
The park is named after two adjacent bays: Kaloko Bay and Honokōhau Bay. Kaloko is the larger of the two, which was once a bustling fishing village and anchorage filled with many ancient agricultural sites and imu (traditional Hawaiian earthen ovens). Honokōhau is a smaller bay with an archaeological site that is the oldest known in the Hawaiian Islands. The site served as a permanent settlement from approximately 3000 BC to 1192 BC and is filled with signs of human activity, such as temples, houses, and various implements used in daily life. See here for information about Honua‘ula Forest Reserve in Hawaii.
The park’s main area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that exist within the natural resources of Hawaii. The upland areas consist of Alala, or Hawaiian Crow, Dry Forest, which serves as home to numerous endemic birds and plants. The shoreline is a habitat for green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, as well as the abundant marine life in the waters of Kaloko and Honokōhau Bays. Visitors can also swim, snorkel and kayak in the bay. In addition to its natural resources, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is home to several culturally significant archaeological sites. These include heiau (temple), loko (fish pond), kiwi (image), and other ancient structures built by ancient Hawaiians. Many of these structures still exist today, providing clues to the history and culture of the area.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to experience and explore. Historical walking tours and interactive programs provide visitors with an in-depth look at the park’s history and culture. Visitors may also take a guided kayak tour or join a ranger-guided snorkel tour of marine life. With its rich history, stunning beauty, and abundant wildlife, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a must-see destination for all visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii. The wide range of activities and attractions offered within the park make it an ideal spot for all ages and interests. From its historical sites and wildlife to its stunning scenery and vast array of activities, visitors of all ages are sure to find something special at this unique destination.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is one of the United States’ most spectacular and culturally significant protected areas. It offers unparalleled opportunities to explore and connect with Hawaii’s immense and varied natural and cultural legacy. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park’s spectacular and carefully-designed vistas of wild coastline and marine life, ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and loko (pond) i’a (fishponds) provide an experience of a lifetime. This article examines the importance of visiting this special and unique national park, offering insights into its diverse cultural and environmental offerings.
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