Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

History

The park encompasses two of four traditional ahupuaʻa, Kaloko and Honokōhau, which are mountain-to-sea land divisions. Despite the arid lava rock area being called kekaha ʻaʻole wai (lands without water), abundant sea life supported settlement for hundreds of years. Kaloko, meaning "the pond," contains ancient fishponds on the north end of the park. The first reference to the pond appears in the story of Kamalalawalu, from about 300 years ago.

The kuapā (seawall) is over 30 feet wide and 6 feet high, stretching 750 feet; built by hand without mortar, its stone angle and gaps deflected surf better than many modern concrete seawalls. ʻAimakapā fishpond is a wetland protecting native birds such as the koloa maoli, ʻalae keʻokeʻo, āeʻo, and auʻkuʻu. The area is under reforestation after removal of non-native invasive plants. Honokōhau, meaning "bay drawing dew," refers to the ancient settlement on the south part of the park, reachable via trails from the visitor center or from the small boat harbor access road.

Features include loko iʻa, kahua, kiʻi pōhaku, hōlua, and heiau. The ʻAiʻopio Fishtrap is a 1.7-acre pond with a stone wall forming an artificial enclosure along a naturally curved shoreline; small openings let young fish enter from the sea, and at low tide or as they grew larger they were caught with nets inside the trap.

Did You Know?

• The park was added to the Register of Historic Places in 1978.
• The Māmalahoa Trail was built in the mid-19th century.