About
A short yet historic trail is ready to be explored in the Old Kona Airport State Park. So put on your walking shoes, grab some water, and make your way to the Maka'eo Walking Path!
The trail, less than a mile long, was created in 2002 by the Friends for Fitness. The path is beside the picturesque Kailua-Kona beach, Kailua Pier, and a short drive from Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Such convenience makes visiting multiple landmarks easy to plan.
Originally home to the Old Kona Airport, built in 1947, the park has evolved significantly over the decades. In the 1960s, the airport needed an upgrade due to the limitations of its runway, leading to the construction of the new Kona International Airport at Keahole Point in 1970. By 1976, the old airport had transformed into a state park, paving the way for the birth of the Maka'eo Walking Path.
Maka'eo, meaning "point of the piercing eye," is a fitting name for a path that offers a piercingly beautiful view of the Hawaiian flora. The partially paved loop showcases a diverse range of plants, from native species to unique succulents, maintained with care by the local community.
The garden spaces along the path reflect a diverse cultural influence, featuring elements like a Japanese garden and a Thai pavilion house alongside various sculptures.
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who appreciates the blend of history and community, Maka'eo Walking Path is a must-visit destination in Kailua-Kona.
Maka'eo Walking Path: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The path has two asphalt loops, measuring 0.3 and 0.7 miles, creating a versatile 1-mile circuit for walking and running. This feature allows for various exercise routines, strolls, and vigorous workouts.
At the entrance is a small exercise pavilion. It is equipped with various fitness bars to engage in strength and stretching exercises. The area blends the beauty of the outdoors with fitness.
Adding to the path's allure is the Maka'eo Fitness Trail, featuring 10 exercise stations. Each station, complete with outdoor equipment and exercise challenges, is designed to improve various aspects of physical fitness, such as balance, coordination, and strength, catering to all levels of fitness enthusiasts and ensuring ADA accessibility.
The future establishment of the Creative Arts Garden will add an artistic dimension to the path. This garden will eventually showcase sculptures and artworks by local Big Island artists, adding more allure to a visit.
The park's convenience to top-notch eateries makes planning a meal before or afterward simple to plan. Dine on healthy options at Kanoa Grill & Poke or Journey Cafe Big Island. With so many choices, your biggest challenge will be deciding which restaurant to select!
This fusion of art and nature enhances the path's aesthetic appeal and promotes cognitive creativity and overall health.
Getting There
Here are the step-by-step driving directions from the Kailua-Kona city center to Maka'eo Walking Path:
- Start from Kailua-Kona city center and head towards Kuakini Hwy.
- Continue on Kuakini Hwy towards the north for approximately 2 miles.
- Turn right into the entrance of the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.
- Drive to the north end of the parking lot. You'll see an oasis of plants across from the beach.
- Park your vehicle here. The Maka'eo Walking Path starts at this spot.
- Address: 755560 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Local Tips
- Along the path, you might encounter wild cats, Hawaiian mongoose, birds, and various exotic flowers and plants.
- The path is more enjoyable in the early morning or evening to avoid the hot sun. Evenings are pleasant for experiencing the Hawaiian sunset.
- Free parking and decent bathrooms and showers are available. There are also benches, a playground, and small shelters along the path.
- One loop around the path takes approximately 20-30 minutes, so you can expect to spend around 1 hour if you take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
