Tourists who like hiking should visit the historical parks. Kona has a few national historical parks including Kaloko Honokohau National Park, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

 

Kaloko Honokohau National Park is suitable for people who want to explore the native culture. You can perform all kinds of activities at the park including ocean recreation activities, observing wild animals and hiking. You can visit the ocean at the park and collect the ocean resources. You are allowed to carry out fishing activities at the ocean. You must be careful when walking on the slippery surface. There is no lifeguard at the beach in Kaloko Honokohau National Park. Before carrying out any ocean recreation activity, you can obtain information from the Hale Ho’okipa Visitor Center. You can take the Mamalahoa Trail to explore the park. The Ala Hele Ike Trail will bring you to the Honokohau Beach.  While traveling on the Ala Hele Ike Trail, you will be able to observe the native plants and stonewalls. Every winter, dozens of bird species will stop by at the Kaloho Hnokohau National Historical Park. While at the shore, you can watch the sea turtles. Occasionally, you can observe the Hawaiian monk seal on the beach.

 

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is approximately 12 miles from Kailua Village. The Marine Life Conservation District protects the bay. You can perform various kinds of recreational activities such as kayaking and scuba diving at the bay. There are lots of tropical fishes and corals at the bay. The bay is the site where the Captain Cook first arrives at Hawaii. Cook was killed 1 year after he arrived on the island. If you want to land your boat at Kawaloa, you must obtain a state-landing permit. You will find several restrooms and picnic pavilions at the park. You can access the park by taking the Highway 160.

 

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a 420-acre site built in 1955. It was originally named as the City of Refuge National Historical Park. There are many archaeological sites at the park such as Hale O Keawe heaiau and royal fishponds. The Hale O Keawe heaiau was built by Kanuha, a chief in Kona. After Kanuha died, the people buried his bones in the Heiau. The people that become chiefs of Kona subsequently are also buried in the Heiau. King Kamehameha’s son is the last person to be entombed in the Heiau.