Location

The Kalōpā Native Forest State Park is a state park with an arboretum of native trees located approximately 40 mi northwest of Hilo, near the village of Honokaʻa, a few miles inland from the Mamalahoa Highway section of the Hawaii Belt Road, Island of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi.

Kalōpā Park

Located on the upcountry, windward slopes of Mauna Kea, the Park gets a significant amount of rainfall. This rainfall creates an enchanting and lush native forest that preserves the endemic Hawaiian ecosystem as it existed before contact with man.

Respect the Land

Most of the plant species in the Park were on the island before the first Polynesians discovered and settled Hawai'i. Park rules require that we leave the wildlife and their habitat undisturbed, and that we leave all plant life undisturbed. We cannot cut trees, and we cannot have open fires. Where permitted, reasonable quantities of fruits and seeds may be gathered for personal use.

Weather

At over 2,000 feet in elevation, the park is cooler than coastal/makai destinations. August is typically a warmer month. Although you won't likely be cold, it does get chilly and you might want to bring a sweater for the nighttime.

As always on the Big Island, rain is possible.

Directions

Whether coming from the north or south end of the island, just look for the “Kalopa State Park” sign while driving on Hwy 19, make a turn, then follow more signs (with pointing arrow) as you drive uphill along the paved Kalopa Mauka road. You will go past several picturesque farms and horse ranches. The park is at the end of this road.

Address: 44-3480 Kalaniai Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727

For our off-island Kamaʻāina, the nearest airports are (approximately):

16 miles to Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE / PHMU)
45 miles to Hilo International Airport (ITO / PHTO)
52 miles to Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA / PHKO)