WAIKOLOA, Hawai’i – After several years of closure due to a failing irrigation system, the sports fields at Kamakoa Nui Park in Waikōloa are set to reopen with a community celebration scheduled for Sunday, May 4th, starting at 10:00 a.m. The free event will mark the return of the vital recreational space to the Waikōloa community.
The reopening celebration will feature a traditional Hawaiian blessing, open flag football games, various activities, face painting, information booths, league softball games, giveaways, and refreshments.
The park’s sports fields fell into disrepair after critical components of the park’s water supply and irrigation system failed, leading to the deterioration of the grassed areas and rendering the fields unusable.
The revitalization project was made possible through a partnership between the County of Hawaiʻi and Waikōloa Heights Land Investors, the developers of the new Nānā Kai subdivision across from the park. In 2023, the developer agreed to invest approximately $1 million in private funding to restore the irrigation system and replant the grass turf.
“We are excited to welcome the community back to Kamakoa Nui Park’s revitalized sports fields,” said County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda. “This reopening is the result of a partnership between the County and the private sector, and it reflects our commitment to provide quality recreational spaces that support the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
The developer has completed significant improvements to the field, and the Department of Parks & Recreation is now reopening the fields for use by local sports teams and the general public.
Kamakoa Nui Park is located at the corner of Kamakoa Drive and Paniolo Avenue in Waikōloa Village. In addition to the newly restored sports fields, the park also includes a skate park, ballfield, multi-purpose sports field, and a comfort station.
Residents interested in reserving the sports fields at Kamakoa Nui Park are encouraged to contact the Waikōloa Recreation Office at (808) 883-6100. Kamakoa Nui Park is located at 68-1839 Kamakoa Drive, Waikōloa.