Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Lapakahi State Historical Park is located just before mile marker 14 on Highway 270 in Kohala. Six hundred years ago this land was discovered by the Hawaiians, and it has remained much the same since that time.
The park staff has dutifully preserved and restored several structures in order to give visitors a glimpse into the past and what it was like to live on this side of the Big Island. When you enter the park make sure to find the trailhead on your left and pick up a brochure which will guide you through the 23 stops on the path.
Here you will find ancient burial sites, homes, tools, games, and various native trees, such as the hou, ulu, and hala. As the path loops around and follows the rocky, palm-lined shore, take notice of the piles of white coral. Look but don't touch. These are sacred grounds, so please do not sit on the walls or stack rocks. Despite the harsh sun and often strong wind, the Hawaiians found ways to farm in this thin, rocky soil and gathered abundant fish from the sea. Altogether the walk takes 45 minutes to an hour. Lapakahi is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.
