Keolonahihi State Historical Park

The public shoreline access next to this state property on Alii Drive is not well-known or frequently used. Keolonahihi State Historical Park doesn’t have any signage along adjacent streets and it’s not even mentioned on state park websites. However it has been shown on maps of the Kamoa Point for years. In 1995 a state park on this property was approved, but it was never built.

There is a typical white sign with blue lettering saying “Shoreline Public Access” at the entrance, but it’s easy to miss because it’s on a faster section of Alii Drive and most folks zoom right by it. The entrance is just north (toward Kailua) of the gated housing development called Ke Alohi Kai (map this address 77-204 Ke ‘Alohi Kai Place). The path is 200 yards long and ends with a set of stone steps that gets you to the shore. The state property is north of the pathway.

As you walk the entrance path you’ll notice new lava rock walls on the left side. Set back a ways on the right are contrasting old rock walls from the days of King Kamehameha The Great.

There is no sand here, but the beautiful shoreline is made up of lava rocks and coral chunks and is excellent for exploring especially if you like tidepools. It’s a perfect place to bring beach chairs and listen to the waves crashing on the rocks (there are even a few shade trees). In the winter months surfers will be riding the waves north of Kamoa Point as they roll into Holualoa Bay at a surf spot known as Lymans. King Kamehameha once surfed those waves!

You won’t find trails into Keolonahihi State Historical Park, but you can still peek into it. This spot was once a gathering place for Hawaiians in the time of King Kamehameha I who ruled the islands from 1782 to 1819. Five heiaus (temples) and 16 total structures have been identified on this site, although thick vegetation has grown over much of the property. Evidence of homeless squatters is visible from outside. Venturing into the historical part of this property is not recommended as there are rock walls and structures that could accidentally be damaged.

Address

Ke 'Alohi Kai Pl & Ali‘i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Park Name

Keolonahihi State Historical Park

Other Names

Kamoa Point Complex, Ke Alohi Kai Shoreline Access

Owner

State

Fees

Free street parking

Activities

Tidepooling, Beach Exploration

Amenities

Tide Pools, Historical Sites, Shade Trees, No Facilities