The National Parks of the Big Island

The Big Island is Home to Four National Parks and One Trail

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Established: 1916

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 335,259 acres or about 523 square miles from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea (by comparison, the island of Oahu is 597 square miles). Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests, as well as a visitor center, petroglyphs and two active volcanoes: Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984 and and Kilauea which last erupted in 2018 (1983-2018).

Kilauea is often called "the world's only drive-in volcano." At one time, this prolific volcano produced 250,000-650,00 cubic yards of lava per day - enough to resurface a 20-mile-long, two-lane road each day. As of January 1983, more than 875 acres of new land has been created on the island of Hawaii.

Photograph Courtesy Big Island

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Established: 1955

A place of refuge and royal grounds south of Kealakekua Bay

Located at Honaunau Bay in South Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau immerses you in Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.

Kapu, or sacred laws, were of utmost importance to Hawaiian culture and the breaking of kapu had its consequences, including death. If one were to break kapu, their only chance for survival was to evade his pursuers and make it to a puuhonua, or a sacred place of refuge. Once there, a ceremony of absolution would take place and the one who broke kapu would be able to return to society.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Established: 1978

Four different ahupuaa (traditional mountain to sea land divisions), as well as heiau (sacred temples) and kii pohaku (petroglyphs). The park is also home to two amazing Hawaiian fishponds that show the engineering acuity of Native Hawaiians. Or look for local wildlife including honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), native birds and maybe even a Hawaiian monk seal, sunning on the shore. Check the Visitor Center to learn more about special programs and guided tours. The visitor center is open 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. daily; Kaloko Road vehicle access is available 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

Photograph Courtesy Big Island

Photograph by MPSharwood -

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Established: 1972

The majestic, stone Puukohola Heiau can be seen off the road, just north of the resorts of the Kohala Coast. This National Historic Site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii and is part of the National Park System. Heiau were sacred places of worship for Native Hawaiians, and Puukohola Heiau was a site built to fulfill a historic prophecy.

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Established: 2000

Within the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, you can hike a portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail where you'll encounter heiau (sacred temples) and kii pohaku (rock carvings) for a unique glimpse into the island’s history and culture. This 280-kilometre corridor traverses many of the early Hawaiian settlement sites located within the park and more than 200 ahupuaa (traditional land divisions). In ancient times, the Ala Kahakai circled the entire island. Today, visitors can access segments of the trail on the west and southeast coasts.