Revitalize Kalākaua Park ['60 Likes' on June 8, 2012!]
This is a Vision rendering by local artist Charles Snyder created for the EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025: 5-Year Action Plan Update. Kalakaua Park was created in 1933 and named after King David Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch, Hawaii’s seventh Monarch, who ruled from 1874 to 1891. He was an important advocate of preserving the practice of Hawaiian culture and dance.
This park is under jurisdiction of the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Kalakaua Park’s strong cultural and historic value requires special attention and respect for sustaining this special park as a gathering space.
Since the 1880’s, this park was at the center of the emerging city of Hilo. It was the site of the town’s first courthouse and the scene of annual celebrations. Today it is the site of community gatherings, cultural activities, outdoor theatre and other events. This town square is proudly surrounded by the historic Federal Building, East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, and the Hawaiian Tel building. The sun dial located in the park was donated by King Kalakaua and for decades it was used to set the watches of residents and seamen. The pond and the monuments on the makai side honor Hilo’s soldiers who died in battle.
What improvements would you like to see at Kalakaua Park? What are some ‘easy win’ first steps that our community can help to implement that are visible, low cost, and can be completed within a short time frame?
EDH 2025 Primary Focus Area: Preserving Our Environment
Secondary Focus Area(s): Strengthening and Sustaining Our Community
November 1, 2011 (last changed October 10, 2012)
Top Comments
Would it be possible to coordinate with the lovely folks who are doing the beautification plantings about town? It seems they have the tools and skills to do much of the needed work.
Kalakaua Park is a beautiful gem in the precious setting of Hilo. We need to make changes thoughtfully, and with an eye to the important history of the area. Yet it needs to meet the needs of today’s community.
For example, I would hate to see the lovely old lava paving stones be removed, but there does need to be ADA compliance. With the fine architects in our community, I’m sure that elegant solutions can be found.
And most certainly the East Hawai`i Cultural Center needs to be part of the planning.
I like it…when I was young it was the place and the old Hilo Hotel across the street was the place for “older” people to sit on the koa rockers and watch the people go by; The first easy fix….the stone steps and mini walls are falling over and need to be secured so no one gets hurt. Can we have a small work day and everyone help
I have a suggestion for the walkway next to the pond. Let’s take down the two roofs and put up a metal or plastic framework the entire lenght of the walkway so we can stretch canvas that we could use to cover the walkway for festivals, etc. and can be taken down when not in use. What do you think?
Would be wonderful,unfortunately it is frequented by homeless folks and Drugies at the moment and so is not Family orientated.
Would it be possible to coordinate with the lovely folks who are doing the beautification plantings about town? It seems they have the tools and skills to do much of the needed work.
Kalakaua Park is a beautiful gem in the precious setting of Hilo. We need to make changes thoughtfully, and with an eye to the important history of the area. Yet it needs to meet the needs of today’s community.
For example, I would hate to see the lovely old lava paving stones be removed, but there does need to be ADA compliance. With the fine architects in our community, I’m sure that elegant solutions can be found.
And most certainly the East Hawai`i Cultural Center needs to be part of the planning.
This can be done in small steps but it needs to start NOW. The stones in the park need to be reset and releveled. I saw a kupuna fall flat on her face at Chinese New Year after tripping on one of the uneven stones. Poor thing! We gotta work with the County to get this fixed.
Hi Dennis,
This ‘concept’ was created by Charles Snyder based on ideas shared at past meetings. The rendering is not set in stone, but helps us continue dialogue and offer more ideas. All of you have great comments that can be incorporated into the next concept. Pictures really are a great form of communication. I agree that public restrooms on Kalakaua Park may not be the best location. It is such a top need – I believe, you’ll find restrooms in every concept drawing!
I wish that EHCC would have been included in the planning to revitalize the park. The restroom in the drawing is in the main space that we are allowed to have food booths for festivals. At the last public safety committee meeitng, a bathroom was suggested for Liholiho Park.
How about a stage?
I agree with Tommy that Liholiho Park should be included in any plans to update Kalakaua Park because of the close proximity. In fact, Leilehua is thinking of using both Kalakaua and Liholiho for this year’s Lei Day Festival on May 1. A big Mahalo to Tommy for the ongoing upkeep of Liholiho, it’s looking great these days.
Ron,
There is something that resembles a “wheel chair access” on the Kino`ole street side and a path to the main part of the park without pohaku, but as Leilehua pointed out, the whole park needs improvement, especially the pohaku.
It would be nice to see a sculpture garden there. Various works from local and international artists. It could be in a small area of the park that would be of interest to locals and tourists alike? With the possibility of switching it up maybe on a quarterly or 6 month basis? Any thoughts?
For years the County has used the excuse of “historical landmark” to avoid making Kalakaua Park accessible to people with disabilities. It is still extremely inaccessible.There is no accessible entrance, and the sidewalks and curb ramps that surround it are still made out of lava blocks, almost impossible to navigate by wheelchair.
I cannot support any improvements to Kalakaua Park until the County agrees to stop its resistance to the ADA and make this park as accessible as other County parks.
Yes, fresh dirt brought in and the pohaku re-set and terraces leveled woud be a great start.
I really like the idea. Planting native trees on the Waianuenue side of the park. Putting a gate around the statue of Kalaukaua to prevent people (kids, mostly) from sitting on it.
Liholiho Park is next to the East Hawaii Cultural Center fronting Kinoole Street and should be included in any plans to update Kalakaua Park.
Don’t forget to include the revitalized Lihiliho Park in your planning and visioning.
I like it…when I was young it was the place and the old Hilo Hotel across the street was the place for “older” people to sit on the koa rockers and watch the people go by; The first easy fix….the stone steps and mini walls are falling over and need to be secured so no one gets hurt. Can we have a small work day and everyone help