Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
HI
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About Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Imagine you had just broken the sacred laws, the kapu, and the only punishment was death. Your only chance of survival is to elude your pursuers and reach the Puʻuhonua, a place of refuge. The Puʻuhonua protected the kapu breaker, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the time of battle.
No physical harm could come to those who reached the boundaries of the Puʻuhonua.
Things To Do
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Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau
Grab your binoculars and set out on a birdwatching adventure along the Kona coastline. See the vibrant yellow saffron finch, hear the boisterous calls of the common Myna, and watch as the ʻAukuʻu (black crowned night heron) slightly stalks its prey.
Explore the Shoreline
Hidden in cracks, pools, and depressions within the lava rock shoreline are miniature underwater worlds for you to explore. See bright yellow lauʻipala (yellow tang) darting through pools, hāʻukeʻuke (shingle urchins) holding fast to the rocks pummeled by waves, loli (sea cucumbers) stretched out along the bottoms, elusive puhi (eels) peeking out from rocky depths, and more!
Play Kōnane
Peahea ka hoʻonanenane? Want to test your wits? Play a game of kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay with your ʻohana (family). This game can be learned in minutes, but may take a lifetime to master.
Snorkeling Nearby
The clear blue waters of Hōnaunau Bay hold spectacular wonders of the underwater world. Spinner dolphins with their amazing acrobatics frequent the bay, eels and octopus lurk in the cracks and crevices of the reef, and a colorful variety of fish flourish among the corals. Come explore the depths at "Two Step," located just outside of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Journey back to ancient Hawaiʻi and walk in the footsteps the ancestors. Explore the Royal Grounds, which were once reserved for the chiefdom of Kona. See the intricate masonry of the Great Wall. Find tranquility in the Pu'uhonua, where breakers of kapu (religious law) sought forgiveness and people found refuge during war. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while surrounded by scenic views of coastal Hawaiʻi.
Relax in the Picnic Area!
Relax in the shade of coconut trees as you enjoy the picturesque setting of the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau picnic area. Bring your whole ʻohana (family) for a beach picnic and make memories as you explore in the shallow tide pools in the lava rock. Watch for a "green flash" as the sun sinks below the horizon and a rainbow of colors light up the sky during sunset.
Available Activities
Weather
The weather in the park is typically hot and sunny with daytime temperatures in the upper 80's. An excellent time to experience the park is in the morning and in the late afternoon when the temperatures are a bit cooler. The park occasionally closes because of high winds or dangerous storm conditions.
Please check with the visitor center or your hotel for any weather advisories or hazardous conditions on the day of your visit.
Getting There
From Kailua-Kona: Take Highway 11 south, approximately 20 miles. Between mileposts 103 and 104, at the Hōnaunau Post Office, turn right towards the ocean onto Hwy 160. Travel 3.
5 miles and turn left at the Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park sign. Travel times will vary due to traffic conditions in North Kona.
Plan Your Visit
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Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP Operating Hours
Sunset times vary throughout the year. For exact closing times, please see our Facebook page or call the visitor center.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all of its passengers (up to 8 persons). Organized non-profit groups (service organizations, scouts, church groups, college/school clubs) are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Good for entry into Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for seven days from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual when entering by foot or bicycle. Good for entry into Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for seven days from the date of purchase. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Academic institutions may be eligible for a fee waiver by simply filling out sections 1, 2, and 5 of our educational fee waiver application. If an educational fee waiver is not obtained, the standard entrance fees apply.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial groups entering the park in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more will be charged $10.00 for each person on board.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
All commercial tours that enter the park on a regular basis must have a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) and are required to pay the commercial tour fee at the entrance station at each visit. For more information on how to get a CUA visit the Permits & Reservations page.
