Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why was the park created?

Established in 1978, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park preserves, protects, and interprets traditional Native Hawaiian culture and activities. The 1,160-acre park contains an ancient Hawaiian settlement spanning portions of four ahupuaʻa, traditional land divisions that extended from the mountains to the sea. Cultural resources include fishponds, kahua (house site platforms), kiʻi pōhaku (petroglyphs), ancient trails, and heiau (religious sites).

2. How can we get to the beach?

Honokōhau Beach can be reached by a 20-minute walk from the visitor center or by a shorter 5-minute walk from the entrance near Honokōhau Harbor. See our map and directions for more information.

3. Where can we see the sea turtles?

Sea turtles are often seen basking on the lava flats or swimming offshore near Honokōhau Beach. Please remember that sea turtles are protected by federal law. Stay at least 20 feet away and do not disturb them.

4. Where can we see the petroglyphs?

Petroglyphs (kiʻi pōhaku) can be viewed from the Petroglyph Boardwalk, located about a 10–15 minute walk from the visitor center along the trail to the beach. The best viewing times are early morning or just before sunset.

5. How old is the lava flow and where did it come from?

The lava flows found in the park are between 1,500 and 10,000 years old and originated from eruptions of Hualālai, the volcano above Kailua-Kona. Hualālai last erupted in 1801.