Laʻaloa Bay Beach Park reopens unveiling signage, walkways, protective buffer for cultural sites

Laʻaloa Bay Beach Park in Kailua-Kona reopened today after several months of renovating the space, including reducing the size of the original parking lot and realigning rock walls to establish a protective buffer around the Haukālua Heiau and other culturally significant features.

Located makai of Aliʻi Drive in Kona adjacent to Magic Sands Beach Park, Laʻaloa Park is a culturally sensitive site.

“We appreciate the close collaboration with the State Historic Preservation Division and other key stakeholders on this important effort to protect cultural resources and reopen Laʻaloa Park,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “Together with the recently completed accessibility improvement project at the adjacent Magic Sands Beach Park, these projects represent over $2.8 million in upgrades to our public parks in Kona. More importantly, they are a commitment to providing greater access to our public facilities and enhancing awareness and protection of critical cultural resources.”

The project included reducing the size of the original parking lot, creating a new exit driveway, and realigning rock walls to establish a protective buffer around the heiau. Cinder walking paths, interpretive signs, and native plants were incorporated into the park to protect the cultural sites through understanding and awareness.

The area makai of the new parking lot is an archaeological preservation area, which is a historic site that is protected by state law. The public is advised to always stay within the provided pathways and to never move rocks, take rocks or otherwise damage features in this area.

La‘aloa was part of Hawai‘i County’s efforts to improve parks islandwide by making them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Work began at the historic site while renovations were made to Magic Sands Beach Park.

The projects started in October 2023 after being on hold for five years to deal with the demands of the State Historic Preservation Division, other groups and community members about the protection of sacred heiau (Hawaiian temples) and other historical sites at the adjacent beach parks.

In May 2017, the Department of Parks & Recreation closed the paved, 27-stall parking area at La’aola Beach Park to honor commitments the county agreed to with the Hawai‘i Island Burial Council, State Historic Preservation Division, cultural and lineal descendants, and cultural practitioners in respect of and in furtherance of the preservation of the Haukālua heiau and several other culturally significant sites located on the property.

Park officials said at the time they anticipated the opening of a reconfigured and reduced-capacity parking lot in approximately 18 months. However, the parking lot has remained closed until now.

The county plans to work with community stewardship groups to manage a passive interpretive program for this park. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the department at 808-961-8311 for more information.

Park hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.