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Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Review

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Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Fodor's Review:

There are few beaches with as many old Hawaiian archaeological ruins as these three, sheltered in a 1,160-acre park near Honokohau Harbor, just north of Kailua-Kona town. All are good for swimming. Aiopio (Toilets), a few yards north of the harbor, is a small beach with calm, protected swimming areas (good for kids) and great snorkeling in the water near the archaeological site of Hale o Mono. Honokohau Beach (No facilities) a ¾-mi stretch with ruins of ancient fishponds, is also north of the harbor. At the north end of the beach, a historic trail leads mauka (toward the mountain) across the lava to a pleasant freshwater pool called Queen's Bath. A Hawaiian settlement until the 19th century, the area is being developed as a cultural and historical site. Alula (No facilities) is a slip of white sand at the south end of the harbor, a short walk over lava to the left of the harbor entrance. The park, which is still undergoing development, seeks to preserve early Hawaiian archaeological resources including heiau (an ancient Hawaiian place of worship), house platforms, fishponds, petroglyph rock etchings, and more. The park's wetlands provide refuge to a number of waterbirds, including the endemic Hawaiian stilt and coot. For information about the park, visit its headquarters, a 5- to 10-minute drive away.

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