Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Fishpond Restoration Signs

National Historical Park
1978
 
Park Size
1160 Acres
 
Annual Visitors
292,000
 
Park Fee
none
 
Superintendent
Paul Scolari
 
Park Partner
Hawaii Pacific Parks Association
 
Location
Hawai’i County, HI

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park protects the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement, including human-made fishponds that have allowed people to survive in the harsh conditions of the Big Island of Hawai'i for over 600 years.
 
The National Park Service is engaged in a long-term restoration project of the 'Aimakapa fishpond and its adjacent wetland areas, just off the main trail to the beach. The project involves removing non-native vegetation, protecting and stabilizing cultural resources, and providing habitat for native birds. Lack of signage at the site to explain the disruptive-looking work-in-progress represents a serious missed opportunity. 
 
Two new signs will be designed and installed to enhance visitor understanding of the unique ecosystem of the fishponds, the Native Hawaiian cultural connections to the site, and the complexity of the restoration project. The new signs will help visitors appreciate native plants and animals, explain the complex food web of the area, raise awareness of the challenge the park faces from environmental change, and promote good stewardship into the future. 

Design is currently underway and signs are expected to be in place in early 2025.

Project Cost: $18,820                                                                 Project Begun: 2024
     The Fund for People in Parks: $18,020
     National Park Service: $800