"Wave breaking at Kaloko Fishpond" by NPS photo , public domain
Kaloko-Honokōhau
National Historical Park - Hawaiʻi
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is 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 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture.
Keeping the Spirit of Kaloko-Honokohau Alive at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (NHP) in Hawai'i. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
https://www.nps.gov/kaho/index.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honok%C5%8Dhau_Settlement_and_Kaloko-Honok%C5%8Dhau_National_Historical_Park
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is 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 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture.
Along the western coastline of the Island of Hawaiʻi lies the hot, rugged lava of Kaloko, Honokōhau. This seemingly barren and harsh landscape does not appear to be suitable for human existence, and yet, long before written history, the Hawaiian people built a thriving settlement upon this ʻaʻā lava.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is located on the west coast of the island of Hawai'i, approximately 3 miles south of the Keahole International Airport (Kailua-Kona AIrport) and 3 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona, on the ocean side of Highway 19. The visitor center, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Honokōhau Harbor. The Kaloko road gate is located across the highway from the Kaloko New Industrial Park (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center" building).
Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center
Stop by to receive a park orientation at Hale Ho'okipa, the Park's Visitor Center and location of the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association Bookstore.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located on the west coast of the island of Hawai'i, approximately 3 miles south of the Keahole International Airport (Kailua-Kona Airport) and 3 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona, on the ocean side of Highway 19. The visitor center, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Honokohau Harbor. The Kaloko road gate is located across the highway from the Kaloko New Industrial Park (across from the big yellow "Kona Trade Center" building).
Kaloko Fishpond
The rehabilitation of Kaloko fishpond started in 1998 and still continues today....
Kaloko Fishpond is the largest walled fishpond in the state (800 ft. long)
Ai'opio fishtrap
Honu (sea turtles) are common on the beach in this area of the park
Ai'opio fishtrap is on the south boundary of the park and is used frequently by visitors and for special events (annual children's cultural festival shown).
pu'uoina heiau
wall construction
Great skill was needed to build rock walls
Kids working at station for Archeology game
Hawaiian cultural festival
Fourth graders at Park's Cultural Festival
Plant activity for fourth graders at Park's Cultural Festival
Learning from park staff about plants
Fourth Graders learn about native plants at the park
Hands in Craft
Making Hawaiian objects
The detail of a Hawaiian artist
Entrance to Petroglyph Boardwalk
Modern version of Ki'i Pohaku (Petroglyphs)!
When you visit the Petroglyphs in the park you'll see this image in modern stone!
Ho'okupu
Offering
Offering during the time of Makahiki
Voices of Science: Fishponds at Kaloko-Honokōhau
Native Hawaiians were some of the first fish-farmers in history. 800 years ago, they built large fishponds where they’d raise fish for the whole community. And nature provided, too. Naturally-formed fishponds dotted the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Today, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park works hard to maintain these symbols of the past, to preserve them for our future.
Waves crash against a massive sea wall
Crystal Clear: Evaluating Potential Water Quality Changes in Hawaii
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, on the west side of the island of Hawaii, was established in 1978 to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Native Hawaiian culture and activities. Vital to this mission are a variety of culturally and ecologically significant resources that are dependent on water.
a pond separated from the ocean by a natural barrier.
Climate Change Clues from Monitoring
As climate changes, significant changes in weather conditions impact the natural environment by shifting patterns of precipitation, promoting extremes in storm behavior, and influencing bird migration, invasive species spread, coral reef decline, and much more. The Pacific Island Network (PACN) undertakes systematic long-term monitoring of a wide variety of natural resources to accurately determine if change is occurring and why.
Precipitation seen over the lush valleys of Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Sea Level Rise & Anchialine Pools
Anchialine pools are brackish coastal ecosystems without a surface connection to the ocean, where groundwater and ocean water (from underground) mix. In Hawai‘i, groundwater flows through these pools and out to wetlands and coral reefs making them valuable indicators of broad-scale groundwater recharge and contamination.
An anchialine pool in Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Park
Algae Grazers Help Clean Up
How unique marine assemblages at Kalaupapa National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park provide an excellent opportunity to study nutrient inputs into nearshore waters, and its influence on benthic communities and the associated fish assemblage.
Red pencil sea urchin (Heterocentrotus mammillatus)
NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii
Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports.
waves breaking on stone wall
Voices of Science: Coral Bleaching in the Pacific
Coral bleaching is a global crisis. Warmer water temperatures cause corals to react by expelling algae, called zooxanthellae, leaving stark white corals in their wake. If corals stay bleached for too long, the whole reef could die. Our reefs are home to a wide variety of sea life, and to lose this biodiversity would be devastating. But reef biologists in Kaloko-Honokohau say there’s still time to help control the warming that’s underway.
Coral and small fish under the water
National Park Getaway: Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Begin your adventure in Hawaiʻi, one of the most remote island chains in the world. You travelled here looking for new experiences–much like the first Polynesians, who set out from distant shores in the South Pacific and arrived in these islands.
waves crashing over a stony shore
Bird Beak Buffet
Learn about birds, the importance of beak shape and size, and what type of food they eat with the fun, interactive activity!
A Hawaiian Stilt and a Coot forage for food in ʻAimakapa Fishpond
2020 WORLDFEST FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS
In 2020 Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) won eight awards at WorldFest Houston. Many of these can be viewed over the summer through our upcoming film festival in celebration of HFC’s 50th Anniversary. (Note: The Special Jury REMI Award is given for a ranking of A+ and recognizes the top films in each category.)
Green trees grow in red dirt canyons unde a cloudy sky.
Conserving pinnipeds in Pacific Ocean parks in response to climate change
The evolutionary record from previous climate perturbations indicates that marine mammals are highly vulnerable but also remarkably adaptable to climatic change in coastal ecosystems. Consequently, national parks in the Pacific, from Alaska to Hawaii, are faced with potentially dramatic changes in their marine mammal fauna, especially pinnipeds (seals and sea lions).
black harbor seal
Series: Crystal Clear: A Call to Action
In 2016, the nation celebrates the centennial of the National Park Service (NPS) as the steward of special places that represent our natural and cultural heritage. Many national parks were founded on the beauty and value of water. Since the preservation of the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the National Park System has grown to include significant examples within majestic rivers, the Great Lakes, oceans and coasts, and other spectacular water resources.
bright blue lake green islands in between
Anchialine Pools
Anchialine pools are unique aquatic ecosystems where water pools in the crevices and cracks of lava near shore. They are made up of brackish water - a mixture of fresh groundwater that comes from the rain on the mountain, filtered through porous lava rock and salt water that is linked to the ocean by subterranean tunnels. Water levels in the pools often fluctuate in response to ocean tides due to the coastal location and connection with the ocean.
Anchialine Pool in the Park
Plan like a Park Ranger
Top 10 items to remember when visiting the park
Lono pole for Makahiki Ceremonies
Fishponds at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
In this video a new generation of native Hawaiians express the importance of carrying on their traditions.
two large walls made up of black lava rock extend into the ocean
Kaloko-Honokōkau: A Kīpuka for Reconnection
At Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, the restoration of ancient fishponds not only brings native species back to the area and supports nearshore fisheries, but it also allows the Native Hawaiian community to reconnect with traditional practices, perpetuating culture to the next generation and beyond.
Workday volunteers pose in front of Kaloko fishpond
Geraldine Kenui Bell
Geraldine Kenui Bell, better known as Geri, was the first Native Hawaiian woman to be superintendent of a National Park Service (NPS) unit – in fact, she oversaw the operation of two different parks in Hawai‘i simultaneously.
Woman in National Park uniform and leis speaks to crowd. Podium stands field of lava rock
Series: Women's History in the Pacific West - Pacific Islands Collection
Women's biographies from Hawai'i and Guam
Map of parks in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands
Travel Blog: The Pacific Islands
Writing Prompt: Travel Blog written by Audrey Nelson for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series. Audrey is a NPS Workforce Management Fellow, in partnership with Northwest Youth Corps
Map of the Pacific Islands
Project Profile: Collect Seed for Resilient Pacific Islands
The National Park Service is collaborating with a range of partner organizations to coordinate native seed collection for ecosystem restoration and rare species conservation in Pacific Island parks. Seeds will be collected and curated for use in species reintroduction and conservation efforts, post-fire restoration, and to develop sustainable seed supply chains for island parks.
a plant nursery with various native plants
Shaping the System Under President Jimmy Carter
President Jimmy Carter oversaw one of the largest growths in the National Park System. Explore some of the parks that are part of the legacy of the presidency of Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from January 20, 1977, to January 20, 1981.
Historic photo of Jimmy Carter walking through a crowd at Harpers Ferry
Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System
To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation.
A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.
Lava Flow Surface Features
Surface features on a lava flow may reveal important information of the specific dynamics that occurred during the eruption and emplacement of the flow.
photo of lava rock with a rippled surface of ropey lava
Lava Flow Forms
Young lava flows also have structures and textures that reveal information about their eruptions. Basaltic lava flows come in two major forms: Pāhoehoe and ‘A‘ā.
photo of ropey and blocky lava
Project Profile: Inventory and Monitoring of Pacific Island Historic & Cultural Resources Impacted by Climate Change
The National Park Service will address impacts to archeological and ethnographic resources and cultural landscapes at Pacific Island parks from climate related sea level rise, storm frequency, flooding, and erosion.
A dark, rocky beach landscape with palm trees scattered throughout, amidst blue skies.
New Research Shows How Parks Can Support Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Use
Sunscreens help prevent skin cancer, but some can harm the environment. Three recent behavioral science papers describe ways to boost visitors’ use of eco-friendly sun protection.
Adult in a NPS diving uniform with a child snorkeling and pointing at colorful corals.
Project Profile: Apply Early Detection Rapid Response to Eradicate Goats in Hawaii Parks
The National Park Service will protect and restore ecosystems by detecting and removing invasive feral goats from national parks in Hawai’i. The project will support detecting and mapping goat populations to inform removal plans. The project employs rapid response removal techniques (such as trapping, fencing, and live removal) to yield immediate results for the affected natural and cultural resources in these parks.
A black and white goat with large horns peaking out behind a tree.
Project Profile: Prevention/Islands: Traveler Education
The National Park Service will lead a collaborative effort with Department of the Interior bureaus and other partners to promote behaviors that will decrease the risk of spreading invasive species on islands. Education and outreach products will be developed with the goal of reaching the largest audience of island visitors possible.
Half above and half underwater view of thick mangrove roots growing.
Project Profile: Restore Biocultural Hawaiian Ecosystems
The National Park Service (NPS) will restore Hawaiian montane rainforests and anchialine pools to protect cultural and natural resources in sensitive coastal areas. The NPS will prevent feral pigs and invasive fish from entering anchialine pools and remove invasive species to protect the unique and culturally important natural ecosystems. In the montane rainforest, removing invasive plants and preventing new establishments will improve forest health.
Coconut palms surrounding an anchialine pond.
Project Profile: Produce Plant Materials for Pacific Island Parks
The National Park Service (NPS) will expand native plant material production and storage to prevent the introduction of harmful pathogens or organisms to the Hawaiian Islands. This effort will secure appropriate seed storage capacity, produce individual plants for revegetation, and obtain locally adapted seed from partner organizations to support restoration needs. The project will result in protection and restoration of plants important to native Hawaiian people and culture.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park viewed from the trail.
Pacific Island Network
Inventory & Monitoring Program
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
-
The Groundwater Resources at
Kaloko-Honoköhau National Historical Park
What is the human threat to the groundwater system in north Kona?
approximate
park boudnary
Reduced groundwater flow impacts the fragile balance
between freshwater and saltwater.
What is the value of water at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park?
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, located in north Kona, Hawai'i, contains globally rare
anchialine pool habitats and significant Hawaiian cultural sites.
ocean
PREMIUM
$
$
PREMIUM
$
$
anchialine
pool
fishpond
brackish water
freshwater
capture
freshwater
capture
freshwater
saltwater
As groundwater resources are captured
by more development wells pumping groundwater
may become increasingly saline, altering native communities
saline
Traditional Hawaiian fishponds receive brackish water that
supports the life cycle of culturally significant fish.
Hualalai Aquifer
Sector
How does the groundwater system work in north Kona?
KALOKOHONOKOHAU
NATIONAL
HISTORICAL PARK
approximate
park boudnary
-
N
fish pond
freshwater
freshwater
brackish water
2.5
32
18 million gallons per day
planned additional water
extraction just within this
2.5 mi zone around the park
Keauhou
Aquifer
System
0
Keauhou Aquifer System
,3
2
water use
12 million gallons per day
current water extraction for
this area
Keauhou
Aquifer System
North Kona has low rainfall, dark porous soils, abundant sun, and high evaporation. As a result,
aquatic resources are highly dependent on groundwater.
ocean
as more saltwater is drawn inland
.
Planned developments, if implemented around the park, will more than double this current
water extraction to 30 million gallons per day (MGD).
Kiholo Aquifer
System
anchialine
pool
and may dry at low tide. Historic fishponds could also become too
monthly pumpage
(million gallons per day)
Groundwater emerges in shallow anchialine pools. Brackish water
provides habitat for unique, culturally significant plants and animals.
affecting culturally important species
coastal anchialine pools
5 Mi
28
planned
24
20
16
12
current
8
4
0
2 http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.
html
3 http://hi.water.usgs.gov/recent/westhawaii/
pumpage.html
84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10
year
The sustainable yield was set at 38 MGD for the Keauhou Aquifer System by the Hawaii Commission on Water
Resource Managment. However, that yield was established to protect drinking water resources only and did not
consider potential ecological or cultural resource requirements.
saltwater
Rainfall that seeps into the soil forms a layer of fresh groundwater that floats on the layer of brackish groundwater. The brackish water
emerges in low anchialine pools and seeps into the fishponds, wetlands, and nearshore marine waters.
KALOKO-HONOKOHAU
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
fishponds
nearshore marine
Honokohau
Bay
KALOKO-HONOKOHAU
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
N
0
Less then 40”
0.25
0.5 Mi
Aquatic habitats in the park
Rain-gaging station
N
anchialine pool habitat
10
20 Mi
RK
0
nearshore marine habitat
ISLAND NET
W
O
1 Oki et al. 1999
PS
N
brackish fishpond and wetland habitat
For more information, contact:
Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park
73-4786 Kanalani St., #14, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Ph. 808-329-6881 ext.1220
FIC
ng
Greater than or equal to
40” and less than 80”
anchialine pools
Hualalai Aquifer
Sector
Greater than or equal to
120”
Greater than or equal to
80” and less than 120”
The park’s ecologically fragile and culturally significant habitats may be adversely affected by
excessive groundwater withdrawal in developments outside the park.
PA
CI
Mean annual rainfall1
What are the potential consequences of reduced groundwater flow to the natural and
cultural resources of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park?
i
Inv
or
ento
nit
ry & Mo
Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program
National Park Service
Integration & Application Network (IAN)
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/pacn/
www.ian.umces.edu
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Pacific Island Network
Keeping the Spirit of Kaloko-Honokohau Alive
Nä wai ola o Kane (life-giving waters of the god, Kane) provides the life essence in this dry
district of West Hawai'i Island. Native Hawaiian conservation values protect the use of the
land, sky, and sea by laying out specific guidelines for interactions between humans and
nature. Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park contains visible reminders, such as heiau
(temples), loko i'a (fishponds), and ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs) that speak of the spirit of this
place. Today, changes of population, resource use, and development alter the environment
by compromising groundwater flow, marine life, and native species. The current challenge
for this fragile national park is to keep the spirit alive by preserving these unique cultural
and natural resources in the face of a rapidly developing landscape.
- Kaloko Fishpond wall
Kaloko kuapa,
~1200
1778
1819
1848
A settlement is in place
and the Kaloko
Fishpond is constructed
Western contact accelerates
changes in native culture,
practice, and population
The kapu system is abolished
after Kamehameha I dies,
initiating major cultural changes
Great Mahele, a private
property law, causes social
and land use changes
'Ilima, a native plant for medicinal use
1962
1978
Honokohau
settlement
becomes a National
Historic Landmark
Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park
is established
Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park
approx. 1650
present
National Park
boundary
Park building
lava field
potential
impacts
ahupua'a
boundary
village
boat harbor
coral reef
Cultural and Natural Resources
villages and sacred sites such as heiau
(temples) were built along the coast
groundwater recharged coastal pools
and wetlands with fresh water
historic and sacred sites remain
culturally significant and relevent today
dense development and heavy traffic
cause light, air, and noise pollution
a large stone slide was built for holua,
sledding sport of the ali'i (chiefs)
'opae
'ula (red shrimp), used for fish
bait, lived in coastal brackish pools
invasive plants are removed and
native plants are restored by park staff
future urban developments will
threaten groundwater resources
early Polynesians brought many plants
and animals for their use
many resident and migratory birds
used the coastal wetlands
endangered ae'o (Hawaiian stilt) and
other birds nest in park wetlands
wells extract groundwater, leading to
salt water intrusion into coastal pools
a few harmful species, such as rats,
arrived unseen with the Polynesians
fish were trapped and raised in loko
(ponds) for the ali'i (chiefs)
fed by groundwater, brackish pools
still support unique and rare species
excess nutrient runoff stimulates algae
blooms, which can kill coral
native plants were maintained for
medicinal and ceremonial use
feeding fish by canoe, then netting,
maintained the ko'a (fishing grounds)
taro and sweet potato were cultivated
in planters on the lava fields
abundant and diverse marine life
communities existed along the reefs
unique red shrimp in brackish pools
honu, green sea turtle
Cultural and Natural Resources
boat harbor, north of park
Threats and Human Impacts
introduced cats, rats, and mongoose
threaten native bird populations
new development, south of park
invasive marine species transported by
boats can damage native reef species
loulu, a native palm replanted
Threats and Human Impacts
Kaloko Fishpond wall rehabiliation
Management Initiatives
proposed developments threaten groundwater
• limit groundwater withdrawal and pollutant inputs
unique and culturally significant native plants
invasive plants outcompeting native plants
• remove invasives and restore native plants
migratory and resident wetland birds
introduced mammals reducing bird populations
• reduce populations of small introduced mammals
coast with high coral cover and fish diversity
unregulated fishing reducing fish populations
• collaborate with state on marine resource management
Ni'ihau
Hawai'i
i
Inv
or
ento
nit
ry & Mo
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/pacn/
Mau'i
Lana'i
37 miles
North
America
Asia
N
National Park Service
PS
ng
Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program
Moloka'i
N
RK
O'ahu
Mauka
ISLAND NET
W
FIC
O
Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park www.nps.gov/kaho
PA
CI
Major Islands
of Hawaii
Kauai'i
Islands of
Hawaii
Australia
overfishing, increased boat traffic, and
underwater noise affect marine life
pools and wetlands fed by groundwater
Pacific
Ocean
0
Threats and Human Impacts
Cultural and Natural Resources
Pacific
Ocean
Kaho'olawe
Hawai'i
Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park
(star) on the island of
Hawai'i.
Makai
Integration & Application Network (IAN)
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
www.ian.umces.edu
N
Ahupua'a land division map (left) w