KEALAKEKUA BAY – The state is resuming planning for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources began work on a master plan in 2008, but the process fizzled out in part because the Division of State Parks could only address 221-acres of land area around the bay. There has been some changes since that time.

With the inclusion of the bay and landing within the park in 2012, plans must now include management for the entire 315 acre Bay, Nāpō‘opo‘o Landing/Wharf, marine resources and ocean recreation. Once a plan is drafted, after input and comment from individuals and various user groups, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the entire 536-acre park. Department of Land and Natural Resources

This month, the state and its consultant Belt Collins Hawaii LLC will be “resuming resource studies, updating a traffic study, initiate a marine resources survey and an ocean recreation assessment,” DLNR reports.

A public meeting will be held in late summer or early fall on the subject. A second public meeting will be heldas part of the EIS process.

We recognize the need to integrate planning for the bay and ocean recreation into our master plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and look forward to working with the local community and the recreation providers to address both management and facility needs. 33We know how popular this bay is with both residents and visitors and are seeking input on how we can balance recreational use with the historical and cultural values of this very special place”.Dan Quinn, State Parks Administrator

For planning purposes and management, the newly expanded Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park consists of 4 sections: 1) Ka‘awaloa on the northern end of the bay; 2) Nāpō‘opo‘o on the southern end including Hikiau Heiau and Nāpō‘opo‘o Landing; 3) Pali Kapu o Keōua or the steep cliff in the central portion of the bay; and 4) the bay itself.

Ka‘awaloa is a culturally sensitive area with an important archaeological complex that reflects continuous occupation from the early Hawaiian period to 1940. In Nāpō‘opo‘o, Hikiau Heiau is a monumental reminder of Hawaiian tradition. The Nāpō‘opo‘o portion of the park has been more extensively changed by historic land use, recreation and park development, vehicle access to the bay and the surrounding residential community than Ka‘awaloa. Department of Land and Natural Resources

DLNR calls the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park “one of the state’s quintessential and most popular state parks”. It is hotspot for thousands of kayakers, snorkelers, and hikers. It is also the location of Captain Cook’s first arrival in the islands in January 1779.

Kealakekua Bay is one of the most significant cultural and historical places in Hawai‘i. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. As one of the seven chiefly centers of Kona in the 1700s, Kealakekua was a favored place for the ali‘i (chiefs) to reside for part of the year. The Kona field system on the slopes above the bay was an extensive agricultural system growing dry land kalo and ‘uala (sweet potato), and the sheltered bay provided a wealth of marine resources and good canoe landings. The ali‘i compound was centered at Ka‘awaloa while the kahuna (priests) occupied the religious complex at Napo‘opo‘o. It was during the Makahiki season in January 1779 that Captain James Cook arrived at Kealakekua. Cook’s party spent almost a month recording the settlement at Kealakekua in journals and drawings. Kalaniopu‘u returned to Ka‘awaloa from Maui upon news of Cook’s arrival. Kamehameha was a young chief residing at Napo‘opo‘o. Cook’s death at Ka‘awaloa on February 14, 1779 is marked by the Cook Monument, a white obelisk located along the shoreline at Ka‘awaloa.

Designated a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) in 1969, the bay is recognized for its diversity of marine life. Snorkeling and diving at Ka‘awaloa Cove has increased in recent years due to the exceptional abundance of coral and fish in the shallow waters in this portion of the bay. Kealakekua Bay is also significant for the pod of nai‘a (spinner dolphins) that frequent the bay to rest during the day.

In an effort to better manage ocean recreation in Kealakekua Bay, State Parks instituted a permit system in 2013 for all vessels. So far more than 400 permits have been issued for both commercial and private boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. In addition, State Parks issues revocable permits to three kayak companies to provide guided trips across the bay and land visitors at Ka‘awaloa. Department of Land and Natural Resources