Parks in Kona, Hawaii

The Kona area of the island of Hawaii has many parks along the coast. National parks protect ancient Hawaiian culture and holy places. State and county parks preserve Kona beaches and provide parking and facilities for a great day at the beac.

National Parks preserving historic sites in Kona

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park was established in 1978 to preserve the location and artifacts where a large population of ancient Hawaiians lived. The 1160 acre park includes two constructed fishponds, a fish trap and fish trap wall. Kaloko Fishpond is a rockwall fishpond constructed to raise and harvest fish. Stone carvings are found throughout the park and turtles often sun on the shoreline.

The park is located 3 miles north of Kailua-Kona, on the Kona ocean along Highway 19.The visitor center, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Kona's Honokohau Harbor. The park can be accessed from the south end, by way of Honokohau Boat harbor. After turning into the Harbor road, take the first right turn and follow it until you see the Kona Sailing Club. Park in the gravel parking area and look to the right for the park gate.

Pu'uohonua O Honaunau Historical Park on Honaunau Bay was established to preserve the ancient Hawaiian temples and wooden statues that stood at this place of refuge. In ancient times, Hawaiians that had broken a law could evade the punishment of death by escaping to a place of refuge.

The park is located approximately 20 miles south of Kailua-Kona accesible from Highway 11. Between mile posts 103 and 104, at the Honaunau Post Office, turn right towards the Kona ocean onto Hwy 160. Travel 3.5 miles and turn left at the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park sign. Snorkeling is located in Honaunau Bay adjacent to the park.

State and County Parks protecting Kona Beaches

Kekaha Kai State Park has a sandy beach and sand dune in the Mahai'ula section. A 4.5-mile hike north through the park on the historic coastal trail, Ala Kahakai, leads to Kua Bay. At the midway point, you can hike to the summit of Pu'u Ku'ili, a 342-foot high cinder cone which offers an excellent view of the coastline. The park is dry and hot with no drinking water. The Kua Bay section is located at the north end of park.

The park is located on Highway 19, 2.6 miles north of Kona's Keahole Airport. Separate 1.5 mile access roads from Highway 19 lead to Mahai'ula (unpaved) and Manini'owali (Kua Bay) sections of the park. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans but no drinking water.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is above the bay where Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1779 and made contact with the Hawaiians. The park has a Hikiau Heiau, a temple of human sacrifice, where priests offered reverence to Captain Cook thinking he was a god. The Captain Cook monument can be seen in the distance across Kealakekua Bay.

The 4 acre park is located in Napo'opo'o at the end of Beach Road off Government Road from Pu'uhonua Road (Hwy 160) or Lower Government Road from Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 11) at Captain Cook or Ke'ei Junction. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans and drinking water.

Old Kona Airport State Park

Magic Sands (Disappearing Sands) Beach

Keolonahihi State Park is located about 2.5 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 2.5 miles north of Keauhou. The 12 acre park was named after a priestess Ke-olona-hihi and contains 13 traditional Hawaiian sites of various heiaus, platforms and enclosures. It includes a mortuary temple and a temple for martial arts and surfing.

Kamoa Point State Historical Park

The Anuena Heiau (temple) is an ancient Hawaiian temple located to the right (north) of the Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona on the grounds of the King Kamehameha Hotel. King Kamehameha spent his later years here until his death in 1819.

Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is located in Captain Cook and consists of 12 acres of native and canoe plants that were important to Hawaiian culture. The Garden is maintained and operated by the Bishop Museum and located immediately past the 110 Mile Marker in South Kona.

Kealakowaa Heiau (temple) is located at Kona Outdoor Circle on 76-6280 Kuakini Highway where Kuakini and Queen K Hwys meet. The 1.5 acre site was built in the 1600s as a ceremonial spot for blessing canoes before they were dragged to the water. The site can be viewed from the Outdoor Circle Educational Center.

Kuemanu Heiau (temple) is located in Kailua-Kona Town south along Alii Drive to the right of the little blue church. It is the only temple in the State known to be associated only with surfing.

Hookena Beach park

Kailua Park

Kona Imin Center

Hale Halawai

Pahoehoe Beach Park

La'aloa Beach Park

Kahaluu Beach Park

Kuemanu Heiau/Waikui Pond

Higashihara park

Kona Scenic Park

Konaweena Swimming Pool

Greenwall Park/Yano Hall

Honaunau Rodeo Arena

Honaunau Boat Ramp

Hookena Beach Park

Milolii Beach Park

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