Just south of the Kona International Airport at Keāhole Point is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important—and least known—places: Hawaiʻi Ocean Science & Technology Park, or HOST Park. While most visitors drive past it without realizing what’s there, this oceanfront campus is where Hawaiʻi is quietly leading the world in ocean science, sustainable food, clean energy, and deep-ocean-sourced wellness.
What Is HOST Park?
HOST Park exists because of the Kona Coast’s rare geography. Just offshore, the ocean floor drops quickly, allowing pipelines to bring cold, clean, mineral-rich water from more than 2,000–3,000 feet deep directly to land. This “deep ocean water” has been isolated from the surface for centuries and is the foundation for many of the projects at the park.
Using this shared ocean infrastructure, HOST Park brings together:
- Sustainable food production, including offshore fish, onshore fin fish, shellfish, abalone and seaweeds like ogo and sea grapes and sea lettuce. You will find many of those items on menus in Hawaii's restaurants.
- Wellness and nutrition, such as deep-ocean-sourced salt, magnesium, electrolytes, and microalgae for spirulina and astaxanthin
- Climate and energy innovation, including hydrogen research and ocean-based carbon removal and a venture that explores making jet fuel from sea water.
- Ocean conservation, from coral restoration to marine animal care
About 400 people work here, many in science and engineering roles, and students regularly visit to learn about careers in Hawaiʻi’s growing blue economy.
Can Visitors Go to HOST Park?
Most of HOST Park is a working research and production campus and is not open for general tours. Currently the park’s visitor tours are not operating. However, there are a few special places where visitors can experience what makes HOST Park so unique.
Visit the Kona Salt Farm
The easiest and most welcoming way to experience HOST Park is at the Kona Salt Farm, a working sea salt farm located right on the ocean. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Kona Salt Farm offers:
- Complimentary tastings of deep-ocean-sourced Hawaiian salts, and its flavored and smoked varieties.
- Optional guided tours with a firsthand look at how salt is made using both ancient Hawaiian practices and modern ocean science. You can learn more about the larger HOST Park facility, deep ocean water and some of the fascinating projects surrounding the farm. Best by reservation
- Deep ocean 47-degree cold-water mineral foot soaks, popular for exercise and travel recovery and jet lag, especially when paired with Deep Ocean Magnesium and Electrolytes made there. For many travelers, it’s the perfect first stop after landing in Kona.
Other HOST Park Experiences (By Reservation)
A few nearby operations also offer limited public access:
- Big Island Abalone – Land-based aquaculture using deep ocean water (food truck weekdays, tours by reservation)
- Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm – Guided tours focused on seahorse breeding and conservation
Why HOST Park Matters
HOST Park is a place where Hawaiʻi’s natural advantages—deep ocean water, sun, and location—are being used thoughtfully to solve global challenges. Food systems, climate solutions, wellness products, and conservation efforts all intersect here, powered by the same ocean resources. You can learn more on HOST Park's website:
A visit to the Kona Salt Farm offers an unexpected window into this often-hidden side of Hawaiʻi. It’s a chance to experience the blue economy in action and to see how ancient waters are shaping the future, right here on Hawaiʻi Island.
