Nowadays, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a topic that has captured the attention of many people around the world. Since its inception, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park has been the subject of interest and debate in various circles, generating all kinds of opinions and perspectives. Whether due to its impact on society, its relevance in history, or its influence on popular culture, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park remains a topic of constant study and discussion. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, analyzing its importance and impact today.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a United StatesNational Historical Park located in the Kona District on the Big island of Hawaiʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. It includes the National Historic Landmarked archaeological site known as the Honokōhau Settlement. The park was established on November 10, 1978, for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture.
History
Kaloko and Honokōhau are the names of two of the four different ahupuaʻa, or traditional mountain-to-sea land divisions encompassed by the park. Although in ancient times this arid area of lava rock was called kekaha ʻaʻole wai (lands without water), the abundant sea life attracted settlement for hundreds of years.
Kaloko
Kaloko (meaning "the pond" in the Hawaiian language) is a site of fishponds used in ancient Hawaii is on the North end of the park.
The first reference to the pond comes from the story of Kamalalawalu, about 300 years ago.
The kuapā (seawall) is over 30 feet wide and 6 feet high, stretching for 750 feet. Constructed by hand without mortar, the angle and gaps between the stones deflected the surf better than many modern concrete seawalls.
ʻAimakapā fishpond is an important wetland area protecting native birds including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck, Anas wyvilliana), ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot, Fulica alai), āeʻo (Hawaiian stilt, Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), auʻkuʻu (black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax), among others.
The area is currently under reforestation, after the removal of non-native invasive plants.
It was added to the Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Honokōhau
Honokōhau means "bay drawing dew" and refers to the ancient settlement
on the south part of the park.
This area can be reached via trails from the park visitor center, or from the small boat harbor access road on Kealakehe Parkway.
Features include loko iʻa (Ancient Hawaiian aquaculture fishponds), kahua (house site platforms), kiʻi pōhaku (petroglyphs), hōlua (stone slides) and heiau (religious sites).
The ʻAiʻopio Fishtrap is a 1.7-acre (0.69 ha) pond, with a stone wall forming an artificial enclosure along the naturally curved shoreline of a bay.
Small openings allowed young fish to enter from the sea, but as they grew larger (or at low tide) they were easily caught with nets inside the trap as needed.
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Recreation
Several restored trails include about one mile of the Māmalahoa Trail.
It was built in the mid-19th century, and evolved over the years into the Hawaii Belt Road which encircles the entire island.
The coastal trail is part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
The Honokōhau boat harbor provides a launching area for traditional canoes, fishing boats, Scuba diving and snorkeling tours of the area.
Gallery
ʻAiʻopio Fish trap at Honokōhau viewed from the beach
Honokōhau small boat harbor
Heiau on the beach
Partially restored Kaloko Fish Pond
Maliu Point, Honokohau bay, Park Big island, Hawaii
Entrance of the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Big island, Hawaii
Kaloko Honokōhau National Historical Park, Big island, Hawaii
^"Honokōhau Settlement". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2009.