Ocassionally, use of Hawaii's Gateway Energy Center is required to host other activities.  Rather than cancel our Visitor Center activities, we give you a chance to visit the State Compound and get some extra insight into the origins of NELHA! 

 

We are located just south of the Kona International Airport and Kaiminani Drive, approximately six miles north of Kailua Kona.  The entrance to NELHA is marked by huge solar system arrays mounted on two space frame energy research buildings. The largest of these buildings is the Gateway Visitor Center, home of the Friends of NELHA (FON) on the grounds of NELHA, the Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority.

 

To reach our alternate site: continue past the Visitor Center to the coast and travel north along the coast, past the beach park to the end of the paved road.  You'll see a chain link fence with a parking area on your right outside the fence.

 

When you walk into the compound you'll see the original exhibit area and the NELHA Conference Room ahead on your left.  You are now in the original Natural Energy Laboratory!  This is where FON began and the alternate site allows us to give you a short walking tour outside!  So, bring your hat, sunglasses and water to make your visit to this special site enjoyable.  

 

Our presentations are still the best place to learn about the Keahole Point business community and the history of NELHA. Here you will see and hear all about self sustaining technologies for electricity, aquaculture, pharmacueticals, desalinazation and air conditioning from Deep Ocean Water sources at Keahole Point.