Lapakahi State Historical Park – Native Hawaiian History and Beautiful Snorkeling

We visit every historic site we can and the Big Island of Hawaii is absolutely full of them. As you travel north on the Kona Coast you’ll have a few options to visit, including Lapakahi State Historical Park. This place is very different from some of the other historic sites in that it includes archaeological sites, reconstructions and recreation activities. Lapakahi State Historical Park is set in the most gorgeous spot and you’ll love your time here.

We’ve got the details for planning your visit, whether it’s a short jaunt to see what Lapakahi is all about or if you’re setting aside several hours to learn, explore and swim. Be sure you add this stop to your Kona Coast visit, along with Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, as there’s so much to learn about Native Hawaiian culture and history, which is best done while you’re immersed in it. If you have questions about this part of the Kona Coast of Lapakahi State Historical Park, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more.

Why Visit Lapakahi State Park?

What makes Lapakahi State Historical Park so different from the other historic sites you’ll come across on the Kona Coast is how comprehensive it is. Here you’ll find home structures, permaculture areas, religious features and nature. It’s not a place that you’ll just stop to see a small exhibit and the remnants of an historic structure, but it’s inclusive of a variety of structures. The sites within the park are connected by pathways and you can learn as you go.

When it comes to adding some fun and nature to a visit, there is a designated swimming area at Lapakahi State Historical Park too. When you’re walking the trails, you’ll see that there is an access point for going down to the water. The cove is really beautiful and, of course, it has the crystal clear water you’ll find all around the Kona Coast. This is also a wonderful place for a picnic. There is a shaded area with exhibits, seating and a wonderful park host to chat with.

Tips for Exploring Lapakahi State Historical Park

When you arrive at Lapakahi State Historical Park, be sure you’re ready with your reef-safe sunblock, just in case you choose to snorkel or swim here. The trails, while not long, are almost fully exposed so you’ll get plenty of sun as you walk through the park. I would recommend sturdy sandals or shoes for your visit as the trails are gravel (which is easy) and the short path to access the water is rock and coral (rough).

For those planning on snorkeling at Lapakahi State Park, you’ll find that the access to the water is a little tricky, although authorized and frequently used. You’ll have to cross some rough rocks, as I mentioned, and then if the tide is midway or lower, you’ll have to carefully get across a mass of sharp rocks underwater. I wish it was easy access, because the fish here are fantastic once you’re snorkeling, but between the incoming waves and underwater obstacles, it’s a tricky place to visit for swimming. Instead of wearing my fins here, I actually wore my Keen sandals so I could safely get across the rocky start of the cove.

Being Prepared for Lapakahi State Park

I wouldn’t call Lapakahi State Historical Park a “beach day” park, but it’s a great one for learning and appreciating Native Hawaiian history and doing a bit of snorkeling. Just bring your swimwear and a towel when you visit. You can do the interpretive trail and visit the different sites within the park and then you can swim.

This isn’t the place to plan a lay out and repeat snorkeling sort of visit. As you head south on the Kawaihae-Maukona Road and onto the Mamalahoa Highway, there are lots of other spots for that, including Spencer Beach Park and Hapuna Beach Recreation Area.

Parking and Accessibility at Lapakahi State Park

The trails at Lapakahi State Park are a little over a half mile if you do all of the pathways, but they are downhill from the parking area. There is ample parking most times, but you can expect it to be a bit busier on the weekends, as kamaaina folks like to explore their island too. I wouldn’t call the park’s trails wheelchair accessible necessarily, unless you’re using an all-terrain chair, but some of the park is accessible, including the exhibits near the parking area.