The area included within the park was first proposed and designated as the Honokohau Settlement National Historic Site. View the 1962 proposal for a NHS. View the 1970 designation as a NHS.
Shortly after the park purchased the Honokohau Iki lands in the Aiopio Pond area, a group brought suit against the U. S. seeking ownership of the lands. The park prevailed in this suit. View the U.S District Court decision.
The case was appealed and again the park prevailed. View the Court of Appeals decision.