This was an amazing day trip to take, and we were extremely happy to stop here. We ended up getting…read morehere with only about 20 minutes before closing, so we didn't get to read everything we wanted, but I was very happy to see everything! The statues and the shelters are super interesting to see. I love the location; it's absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing. We took so many pictures! Remember this is a sacred place, and above all, be respectful!

This park is beautiful and sacred. You can learn indigenous Hawaiian history & culture here and…read moreexperience serenity in this very special place. I especially enjoyed walking on the lava rocks to the protected areas where I saw fish everywhere! The water is clear and perfect. This park is large and I recommend that you have at least two hours here to soak it all in. There are hiking trails and picnic areas too. There are clean bathrooms, water fountain & a small gift shop as well. Note: For visitors concerned with accessibility, it may be a little tough to access the beach areas as the terrain is sandy, rocky & uneven. I did read that beach wheelchairs are available at the visitor center though. Mahalo.

My husband and I were married in Hawaii, and we've been back three times since. This has always…read morebeen our fav beach. My husband snorkeled with dolphins there. It's just a magical little place! Make sure you arrive early to secure a parking spot and a great spot on the beach.

This beautiful beach is well hidden and parking is very limited. We arrived about 10:00 and that…read moreseems to be a good time if you are not one of the first to arrive earlier in the day. Cars who have been here for a few hours will start to leave and spots open up. There is no fee to enter and the showers are nicely sun warmed. But do note that these black sands are HOT and either wear sandals or remain in the shade of the trees. Your feet can burn quickly. There are random picnic tables in the shade for anyone to use but bring a sun umbrella and sand chairs if you have them for sitting on the beach. Bring snorkel gear and watch for the turtles and fish who enjoy the shoreline reef. But also be aware that the tide is strong and you can be swept along and scraped by the reef and rocks by surprise. The underwater view is lively and fish abundant so take your time and float with open eyes. There are camp sites for those who wish to do so. And watch for dolphins who rest near shore during the day. It is a lovely beach that is worth visiting.

The park is small, but the waves are amazing! It's so strong, when we arrive, husband is so excited…read moreto walk to the ocean side, and a huge wave come, hit him, he got all wet from to to toe. Hahaha.

Lots of historical significance and locals fishing ... plus one stunning sunset ... were the…read morehighlights of our visit to this free state park. Kealakekua Bay was home to thousands on January 17, 1779 when Captain James Cook "discovered" people living on the Big Island of Hawaii and made contact here. This was one year after a brief Jan. 1778 visit to Waimea on Kauai. At Kealakekua, Cook and his crew were initially welcomed with gifts and special treatment; however, on February 14, 1779, the captain was killed at this site while attempting to kidnap Hawaiian King Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao. A 27-foot white obelisk was placed in 1874 on the shore in memory of the British explorer. Today, the Captain Cook Monument can be accessed via a 1.9-mile (one-way) hike from the uplands via the historic Ka'awaloa Trail. Otherwise, joining a kayaking tour is the only other option to see the memorial. Don't emphasize seeing it up close too much because there are plenty of other areas of significance and beauty in the park. Near the small parking lot at Napo'opo'o Beach is Hikiau Heiau. This sacred luakini (human sacrifice) temple is dedicated to the Hawaiian god, Lono and associated with funeral rites. Originally, the black volcanic rock structure built by King Kalani'opu'u was over 250-feet long, 100-feet wide, and 16-feet tall. A small stone platform on top is believed to have been the location of the lele (altar). It is now a protected religious site and visitors are expected to treat it as such. The park is relatively compact ... and so were parts of the road taken to get there. We followed Google maps which led us on an "off-road trail" for a few miles on the way there and then a paved road on the way out. The driving experience kind of added some excitement to the adventure. On-site is a picnic pavilion, restrooms, water fountains, trash cans, and one scenic viewpoint of waves crashing into the rocky shore (very little sand) ... and the stunning Hawaiian sunset. Since the bay is a Marine Life Conservation District many people enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking here to see the coral, tropical fish, and spinner dolphins (Nai'a) in the sheltered wonderful waters. The small parking lot of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park was full when we arrived as many locals were fishing along the shore as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. The people were also VERY friendly and helped us get a spot for the vehicle ... and place in our hearts to take in the beauty of this famous historical site on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

This is a NPS managed site that protects the ancient fish traps and fish catch ponds. centuries old…read more, all by hand to catch fish that come in on the tides to feed. One Way traps. A marvel to imagine

Great location to visit not too many tourists and the beach is nice. The hike is not the easiest on…read moreunimproved path with a lot of lava rocks and it very exposed to the sun. Need to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Came during the gov shut down so the parking lot, visitor center, and restrooms were all closed but at the turn around you can fit ~10 cars along the shoulder.

Pretty wonderful park. It even has an area for 2-5 year old kids. My daughter loved it…read more Weather was nice and there is plenty of seating for parents. Clean, but it does have some graffiti.

Awesome clean and very well made park for the kids. Also has bathrooms nearby but they close at…read more2pm, there are more bathrooms nearby the tennis courts that stay open but it a bit of a walk. So much to climb and run through and explore, kept them busy for a couple hours and tired them out for an easy car ride home. Fully fenced with one entrance so you don't have to worry about kids running off. Will bring the kids back again.

Great park for the kids. One entrance in and out so it's easy to keep an eye on all of them without…read moreworrying about one leaving the park and running off. There are benches at the entrance under a cover so it's super easy for parents to post up and watch the kids. My kids didn't know what to play in first! The play structures and slides and swings are huge and they loved exploring each other "castle". Will bring them back here for sure

This playground is amazing! It is wooden and looks like a castle or fort. Lots of slides and…read moremaze-like to make hide and seek super fun! My daughter loves playing here. There is beautiful local art work everywhere and a huge, gorgeous whale to play on or for a photo-op. Tire swing, toddler playground, and also a cute wooden train for some pretend play! This is probably the coolest playground we have ever taken our daughter to. Definitely worth it to check it out if you're in the area!

Great beach! It has shade and some good views. Definitely a good place to bring the family as it is…read moresomewhat protected. Parking is expensive kind of a bummer. The area itself didn't have much amenities, but definitely have palm trees and shade, which was nice in the afternoon. Happy to make it on our first day

You NEED water shoes if you are coming here to snorkel. Do not treat this as optional, or you will…read morenot enjoy your visit. The entry in and out of the snorkel zone is very rocky, slippery, and has sea urchins so it protects your feet. Tons of fish, kind staff, free sunscreen, no complaints. Very beginner friendly as well. Lifeguards present. I recommend!

Don't let the drive in stop you unless you have a super low riding car. The road in is both paved…read morein spots and incredibly rough in others. Take your time and it will be worth it. We didn't stay at the beach at the parking lot, choosing to park and hike into the trees and the gorgeous beach at the end of the trail. We arrived early morning and were one of only 2-3 cars already here. By the time we left at 1:00 the parking lot was much fuller. Take snorkel gear, water, and anything that will allow you to stay and relax both the water and on the beach. There are some trees for shade but don't expect them to be unoccupied. Plan ahead. We spent lots of time snorkeling with turtles, which we left a,one as much as possible. One of them seemed interested in us and we had to repeatedly trying to to avoid him for his own safety. Our swim was really enjoyable and families can bring young children as this bay area seems safely out of strong water tides and pull. There are rough rocks in areas so watch where you enter, swim and exit.

Hard to get to (off-roading vibe) but secluded beaches It…read morehas multiple decent (non-flushing) toilets

Highly recommended…read more A nice and quiet park off of Mamalahoa Highway. It's located right across the Manago Hotel and the Kona Chips store. The park houses the Sergeant Rodney J.T. Yano Memorial Hall and buildings. Sergeant Yano, "was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration--the Medal of Honor--for his actions in the Vietnam War." He was killed in action and honored with the buildings in this park being named after him. Also, "Arthur L. Greenwell, heir to Kealakekua Ranch successfully ran cattle on Kealakekua Ranch for many years..." The park is named after him. There is a baseball diamond and open fields for sporting events. Also, playground equipment for children. A spectacular view of the Kona coast can be seen from the park. It's a breathtaking view and an awe inspiring sight to take in. Parking is right in front off of the highway and there are many stalls to choose from. The restrooms are locked at times, so no guarantees if you have an emergency for a restroom break. If you are in need of a park experience, Arthur L. Greenwell Park and Sergeant Rodney Yano Memorial Hall is a highly recommended place to come.