Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area facts for kids
The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a cool park in Hawaii. People often call it Old A. It's built on the spot where an old airport used to be, just north of Kailua-Kona. This park is a great place for sports, relaxing, and enjoying the ocean.
A Look Back: The Airport's Story
This area wasn't always a park. During World War II, a small landing strip was cleared here for planes. After the war, in 1947, Hawaii decided to build a real airport for tourists. It opened in 1948 with a runway about 3,800 feet long.
In 1950, they even added a long fence. Why? To keep wandering cattle from walking onto the runway! Imagine planes trying to land with cows in the way!
As more hotels and resorts were built in the 1960s, the airport got busier. Airlines like Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flew planes like the Fairchild F-27 and Convair 340. They connected Kona to other Hawaiian islands like Honolulu on Oahu and Kahului on Maui.
Soon, bigger jet planes like the Boeing 707 were invented. But the old Kona runway was too short for them. Even so, by the late 1960s, some smaller jets like the BAC One-Eleven and Douglas DC-9-10 started flying here.
In 1970, a much bigger airport, Kona International Airport, was built further north. All the airline flights moved there. The old airport then became a place for drag racing! Finally, in 1976, this historic spot was turned into the state park we know today. That's why it's called "Old Kona Airport" – because it used to be one!
What You Can Do at Old A
The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a big park, covering about 103 acres. The local government helps manage all the fun things here.
You'll find lots of sports fields, including places for baseball and soccer. There's also a cool Skateboarding Park for those who love to ride. If you want to swim, the Kona Community Aquatic Center is right there. There's also the Kekuaokalani Gym for indoor activities.
Right off the coast of the park, there's a special ocean area. It's a marine preserve, created in 1992, to protect the amazing sea life. If you have a boat, there's a spot to moor it near a famous rock called "Shark Rock."
For those who love the ocean, there's a small surf break near Shark Rock. Many people enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in a calm, protected cove at the beach's end. It's a great place to see colorful fish and coral!
Near the park, on Kukaʻilimoku Point, there's a lighthouse. It helps guide ships safely into Kailua Bay. North of the park is Papawai Bay, which means "water layer" in the Hawaiian language.
The old 3,800-foot runway is now used as a long access road and a huge parking lot. The old airport building is now a public pavilion where people can gather. You'll also find a flat walking trail, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. While there are some sandy spots, the shore is mostly rocky. So, be careful when entering the water, especially if it's not calm. Remember, there are no lifeguards on duty here.
Images for kids
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The runway is now an access road and a parking lot
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The old terminal building is now a public pavilion
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A floor plan of the public pavilion
