Enjoy a Cultural Experience at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
BY KAPINA LANSDALE
Located just a few miles south of the Kona International Airport, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park offers a variety of opportunities to explore the coastline and discover how early Hawaiians survived and made their living. Looking towards Mauaka (the mountains) to the third largest volcano on the Big Island, Hualalai, you’ll see miles of lava barren landscape coming down towards Makai (the ocean).
Early Hawaiians Thrived Here
Life was not easy and required early Hawaiians to possess keen fishing skills, capabilities to build fishponds, and locate fresh water. Many years, early Hawaiian settlements thrived here, finding all the necessities needed to raise crops, harvest fish, and raise their Ohana (family). Products harvested from the sea were often traded to extended families living in the uplands for other items such as taro, breadfruit and paper mulberry.
“Still practiced today, the spirit of Malama Ka Aina meaning caring for the land.“
What You Can Experience
Pack your shoes and bring some water if you choose to hike the trails and explore the petroglyphs and sacred temples. While exploring you will find two Hawaiian fishponds near the Holua, or stone slide. The Holua was used as a form of sport for the Ali’i (royalty). It’s roughly about 150 feet in length and wide enough for two sledders at a time.
Not only will you find the cultural living aspect, but you can catch a glimpse of local wildlife such as the Honu, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, Hawaiian Monk Seals, and native birds at the Honokohau Beach.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a respected area revered for its spiritual and historical significance. Hawaiians believed the land possessed Mana(spiritual power). Still practiced today, the spirit of Malama Ka Aina meaning caring for the land.
Honokohau Beach
North of Honokohau Harbor, a striking white coral sand of Honokohau Beach contrasts against the black lava. You’ll find an ancient Heiau(temple) near the end of the beach, standing tall like how it once did when the early Hawaiians thrived in the area. In the waters once lied Ai’opio (fish traps) where they captured reef fish. Numerous Honu’s are frequently found here feeding on the limu (algae) and bask along the shore.
Kaloko Fishpond
At Kaloko Fishpond Kuapa (seawall), the walls create the boundary for the pond are angled to diffuse the powerful ocean waves while still allowing new sea water to get through the lava rocks. Legend holds that the menehune or little people built the fishponds in Hawai‘i. Other stories tell of lines of men miles long passing Pohaku (stones) hand to hand.
Aimakapa Fishpond
Long ago Aimakapa Fishpond was a Loko Pu’uone which is a large area of water trapped behind sea dunes. It’s channel was dug from the pond to the ocean to allow the water circulation. The Aimakapa Fishpond was used to raise fish for the Ali’i (chiefs) and is thought to be well over 600 years old. Nowadays this fishpond is famous as a refuge for many native and migratory wetland birds.
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