Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park ⓘ

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park was designated in 1978. As described in its enabling legislation, the park was established “to provide a center for the preservation, interpretation, and perpetuation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture, and to demonstrate historic land use patterns as well as to provide a needed resource for the education, enjoyment, and appreciation of such traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture by local residents and visitors.” In the legislation Congress further directed the National Park Service to manage the new park “generally in accordance with the guidelines provided” in the Spirit Report. To this day, the Spirit Report remains the park’s primary guiding document

Within its approximately 1,200-acre boundary, the park protects the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement, the coastal portions of five different ahupua‘a (traditional Hawaiian land divisions extending from the mountains into the sea), and a great concentration and variety of tangible and intangible resources that attest to the Hawaiians’ presence on the land. Kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) who once lived in this settlement possessed in-depth knowledge of their natural environment and demonstrated great ingenuity in adapting this seemingly inhospitable environment to their use. The people employed ingenious fishing and agricultural practices, and built large ponds to raise fish as a source of food. Some of the coastal pools provided an underground water source to support a settlement of people. The spirit of the po'e (people) and the knowledge of the kūpuna (elders) created a tradition of respect and reverence for the area. Among the park’s diverse resources are loko i‘a (two fishponds and a fishtrap that were used for food production), kahua (house site platforms), ki‘i pōhaku (petroglyphs), heiau (temples), graves, and a network of historic trails. As expressed in the Spirit Report, these resources are “not just a few token archeological representations of the Hawaiian culture, but the historic site of an entire community that existed as an entity within the boundaries of the ahupua‘a but tied as well to adjacent communities of similar structures. It is a stage upon which the Hawaiian way of life was first performed centuries ago.” This distinctively Hawaiian way of life persisted for centuries, but almost disappeared after European contact and settlement. Today Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park provides opportunities to learn about Hawaiian culture and offers a much-needed venue for the practice and perpetuation of traditional skills and knowledge. The park’s rich natural abundance and diversity further draw people to this special place, where they may spot rare native plants and wildlife. The endangered ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot) make their home in the ‘Aimakapā Fishpond. Several species of migratory waterfowl visit the park every year to overwinter at ‘Aimakapā Fishpond. Along the shoreline, local residents and visitors may watch for juvenile honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) feeding in the shallows and migratory shorebirds foraging along the shore, or on occasion may encounter an ‘īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal) basking on the beach. Vibrantly colored corals and fish are seen by those who explore the park’s waters offshore. Although Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a place that all people may visit and appreciate, it has particular significance to Hawaiians. As expressed in the Spirit Report, the park provides an opportunity to “restore the cultural identity” of Hawai‘i. Through its preservation and management, the park enlarges “the horizons of people throughout the state, nation, and beyond.” Today the Hawaiian spirit is strong again and is celebrated and nurtured at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.

As you walk along the coastal trails, keep your eye out for many of the plants that are native to Hawaii. Watch for the fragrant pua maia with its flowers of white which was used for medicine and to help set broken bones. Growing along the lava, you may spot the lavender pohuehue, a native beach morning glory. Walk under the shade of the gracious hala tree, whose leaves are used to weave mats and baskets. Native plants may be either indigenous, meaning that they are found in our island chain as well as other places in the world, or endemic meaning that they are found only in the Hawaiian Islands.

When the first Polynesians came to Hawaii, they brought with them the plants and animals they would need to make a start in the new world. In the park you can spot the shiny-leafed noni, with its pale yellow fruit. Noni was used as a tonic to treat many different ailments.

You may also notice several stone planters found around the Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Contact Station. In this dry land, the planters were used to raise crops. The stone walls protected the plants from the wind and coconut husks soaked in water were placed around the growing plants to keep the soil moist. Imagine bringing your plants needed for food and medicine across the Pacific and nurturing them in such a hot and dry place.

Unfortunately, many plants found in the park are invading the native ecosystem, choking out the native vegetation and damaging archeological sites. The park is battling these alien invaders with pesticides, vegetation removal and out-planting native species.

In recent years non-native red mangrove has aggressively invaded many shoreline habitats in Hawai'i. Beginning in the mid-70s, red mangrove overran both Kaloko and ʻAimakapā Ponds. Shortly after the park acquired the lands the park staff aggressively removed the mangrove. This was a huge undertaking and the park's example has now been widely copied on the other islands in Hawai'i. Red mangrove has been entirely removed from the park - but the management staff constantly monitors and removes all new seedlings of this invasive weed.

There are several species of marine mammals that visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, making it a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem. Visitors can experience the beauty of these creatures in their natural habitat.

The Hawaiian monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, occasionally visits the park’s sandy beaches. The Hawaiian name, ‘īlio holo i ka uaua , means “dog that runs in rough waters”. These seals are native to the Hawaiian Islands, with a population that is estimated to have only about 1,500 individuals. This represents less than one third of the historic population size, making it the most endangered seal or sea lion species in the United States. Threats such as entanglement in fishing gear, loss of habitat, and human disturbance drastically reduced their numbers for decades. Fortunately, several conservation and management strategies have been set in place throughout Hawai‘i and the population is slowly starting to recover.

Although most seals live in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, there is now a small breeding population of about 400 individuals that have reestablished themselves in the main Hawaiian Islands. The park helps conserve this species by monitoring seal sightings, protecting their natural habitats, and educating the public about the importance of respecting these creatures and their environment. By maintaining a safe space for the seals to rest without human disturbance, the park contributes to the preservation of this endangered species, ensuring that future generations can continue to witness the beauty and significance of the Hawaiian monk seal. Read more about Hawaiian monk seals at NOAA Fisheries .

On secluded spots along a stretch of shoreline, you may be lucky enough to see a Hawaiian monk seal that has hauled out to bask in the sunshine. If you are lucky enough to site these endangered animals, remember to do the following:

Give them space! If you see monk seals, the best thing you can do is remain quiet and maintain at least 50 foot distance to avoid disturbing them, as they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. For mothers with pups, you should try to stay about 150 feet away.

Report it! Whenever you see a monk seal, you can call NOAA’s 24-hour Marine Wildlife hotline at (888) 256-9840 to report it. Information from these reports, such as location and time, helps scientists gather more data on the population status, behavior and health of the animals to help manage and protect this endangered species

If you have a dog, keep it on a leash! To protect both your pet and the endangered monk seals, always keep your dog on a leash at the beach. Even friendly dogs may harm the seals or be injured themselves.

In winter months, between November and April, you may be able to sight humpback whales ( koholā ) swimming in deeper waters. Every year, thousands of whales travel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to spend the winter in Hawai‘i’s warmer waters while they mate, give birth and raise their young. These giant mammals weigh around 40-45 tons but, surprisingly, eat almost nothing during their time in these tropical waters. Adults survive off of energy stored in their thick layer of blubber, while calves receive up to 130 gallons of nutrient-rich milk each day from their mothers. Humpback whales can travel alone or in small groups, and it is estimated that at the peak of the season (around February) there are up to 12,000 individuals in Hawaiian waters! Unfortunately, humpback whales were heavily hunted in the 19th century primarily for oil. This intense hunting pressure brought them to the brink of extinction. To help protect this species, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1992, providing a safe space for whales to reproduce and raise their young. All boats in Hawaiian islands are obligated to stay at least 100 yards away from whales to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Fortunately, the whales often get curious and approach the slower boats, allowing visitors to observe these majestic mammals as they display their flukes, spout and breach out of the water.