Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii (2011)

📍: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, Island of Hawaii (2011)

“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.” -National Park Service

Aiopio Fishtrap in Kailua Kona, Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Hawaii
Pu’uoina Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Hawaii
Honokohau Beach (Sea Turtle Beach), Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Hawaii

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, Big Island, Hawaii

Aiopio Fishtrap in Kailua-Kona:

“Dark lava rocks rise up from the waters of Honokohau Beach. They are the remnants of the Aiopio Fishtrap, built by Hawaiians to capture fish. An opening in the trap to the sea enabled fish to enter, and the walled sections of the trap allowed fish to be stored until needed. At high tide, fish entered the trap by swimming through the seaward opening or over the submerged walls. At low tide, the fish were trapped in the enclosure and were easily netted. Fishtraps differ from fishponds in that the fish are trapped and caught, but not raised.” -National Park Service

Pu’uoina Heiau National Historic Site:

“Pu’uoina Heiau is the finest example of a platform type heiau in Kona on the south shore of Honokōhau Bay. It is a significant fishing heiau on Maliu point at ʻAiʻōpio fishtrap.” -National Park Service

Honokohau Beach (Sea Turtle Beach):

“Stretching north from Honokōhau Boat Harbor, the striking white coral sand of Honokōhau Beach contrasts sharply against the black lava. An ancient heiau (temple) stands at the end of the beach, as it did in times when Hawaiian settlements thrived in the area. In the waters before you lie ‘Aiʻōpio Fishtrap where reef fish were captured for food. Numerous sea turtles frequent the beach to feed on the limu (algae) and bask along the shore.” -National Park Service