Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Hawaii.


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Summary

The park was originally built as an airport in the 1940s but was later converted into a recreation area. It covers an area of 103 acres and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main reasons to visit Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is for its beautiful beaches. The park features three different beaches, each with its own unique charm. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Additionally, the park offers several picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails for visitors to enjoy.

One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the Maka'eo Walking Path, which is a paved trail that runs alongside the ocean. The path offers stunning views of the coastline and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Another point of interest in the park is the Old Kona Airport Pavilion, which is a popular venue for weddings and other events.

Interesting facts about Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area include that it is home to one of the largest Banyan trees in Hawaii, which is over 70 feet tall. Additionally, the park is a popular spot for watching whales during the winter months.

The best time of year to visit Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is during the winter months when the weather is mild and the whales are in season. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities for visitors to enjoy no matter what time of year they visit.

Overall, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hawaii. With its beautiful beaches, walking trails, and scenic views, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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