Tag Archives: Kaloko-Honokohau Park

Roseate skimmer dragonfly

While I was at the Queen’s Bath in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, I saw this striking roseate skimmer dragonfly looping back and forth above the water. It’s an introduced species and this one is, I think, a male.

Hawaiian coot

The Hawaiian coot is a descendant of the American coot and is endemic to the islands. This one was cruising ’Aimakapa Fishpond in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

Abstracts: Restroom ramp

I was taken by the light and shadows made by the long and winding ramp to an elevated restroom in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

Aiopio beach

A view of the beach at the Aiopio Fishtrap in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. There’s a large turtle in the center of the photo at the water’s edge, not the best spot in the world to get some undisturbed rest.

Green Turtle sunbathing

One of the attractions of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, north of Kailua Kona, is that it’s a popular resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles. This turtle was hauled out on a long curve of golden sand known as Honokohau Beach. He had the spot to himself, which is good. People are supposed to stay at least 20 feet away from turtles, but many don’t.

For more information about Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, go to bigislandhikes.com/kaloko-honokohau-park/.

Abstracts: Queen’s Bath fish

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, just north of Kailua Kona, contains a feature known as the Queen’s Bath. This is an anchialine pond, containing a mix of freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater seeps into the pond from rainfall. Saltwater infiltrates through cracks in the lava. Because of this, the water level rises and falls with the tide. I can verify this as I took this, and other photos, sitting on a rock near the water’s edge. Just before I left, I realized my feet were now resting in water, the level having risen.

Anchialine ponds are unique ecosystems and this one contained several fish including these two. The one in the back is a convict tang. Not sure what the other one is. What I liked about the pond is the stained glass effect it created.