Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

A Journey into the Soul of Ancient Hawaiʻi

There are places on our islands where the veil between past and present feels thin. Places where the wind carries whispers of old chants and the stones hold the warmth of generations. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is such a place—a wahi pana, a storied and sacred space.

When I walk here, I don't just see a stretch of Kona coastline. I feel the powerful echo of my ancestors. As a writer and a daughter of Hawaiʻi, my work is to amplify the stories that have been quieted over time. Here, that voice is not just mine. It is the voice of the land itself.

At first glance, this is a hard landscape. A canvas of hot, rugged ʻaʻā lava that seems hostile to life. Yet, for centuries, a vibrant community not only survived here—they thrived. They did so because they understood something deep. The land and the sea possess mana, a spiritual power that sustains all things. They lived in such perfect harmony with this spirit that they became part of it.

This guide is my invitation to you to walk this land with me. To see beyond the lava fields and into the heart of a complex, self-sufficient society. To listen to the stories this ʻāina still tells. Let us walk not as tourists, but as respectful guests, and discover the enduring spirit of Kaloko-Honokōhau.

Hoʻomākaukau - To Prepare

A journey to a wahi pana like Kaloko-Honokōhau begins before you take the first step on the trail. Preparation is an act of respect. It ensures that your visit honors the land and enriches your experience. This is not just another day at the beach. It is an immersion into a cultural space that is both fragile and powerful.

The way you enter the park will shape your experience. It offers different paths into the story of this place. Do you wish for the story to unfold slowly, with the wisdom of the park rangers as your guide? Then begin at the Hale Hoʻokipa Visitor Center. Or would you rather be plunged directly into the heart of the coastal life? To witness the honu first and let the questions grow from the encounter? Then your journey should start at Honokōhau Harbor.

Beyond where to begin, how you prepare your body and mind is crucial. The Kona sun is famously intense, and much of the park offers little shade. Ample water is not a suggestion—it is a necessity. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, as you will be walking on uneven, ancient lava paths. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and light snacks will make your exploration more comfortable and allow you to focus on the meaning of your surroundings.

Most importantly, come with a mindset of mālama ʻāina—to care for the land. This is a place of immense cultural and spiritual importance. The stone walls, platforms, and petroglyphs are the tangible legacy of the people who lived here. Please, do not climb on, touch, or alter any rock structures. The walls of a heiau are particularly sacred and should never be walked upon. Stay on the designated trails to protect both the fragile ecosystem and the archaeological sites that lie just beneath the surface.