Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Honaunau, Big Island of Hawaii, HI, 96726
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is one of Hawaii’s most sacred sites and a treasured cultural landmark. The park was once a sanctuary for people who broke forbidden kapu law, which was punishable by death. Today, visitors come to learn more about Hawaii’s history by walking through the traditional Kiʻilae Village and Royal Grounds, including ancient temple ruins and the well-preserved Great Wall (Pā Puʻuhonua).
The Basics
This 180-acre (73-hectare) park is located south of Kailua-Kona and bordered by Honaunau Bay’s black-sand beaches. Visitors are drawn to the park for its status as one of Hawaii’s most sacred sites. You can take a self-guided tour of the park or visit on a tour with a guide who provides cultural context and explains the ceremonies that took place at the site. Tours often include stops at other historic sites and a nearby coffee plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
This national park is a must-see for visitors interested in Hawaiian culture and history.
The Hawaii tri-park pass includes one year of access to Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Haleakala National Park.
The sacred site prohibits snorkeling, playing frisbee, picnicking, beach chairs, pets, weddings, and commercial filming among other things.
Beach wheelchairs are sometimes provided at the visitor center (call ahead), but regular wheelchairs will not be able to navigate the park’s sandy paths.
How to Get There
Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is located 45 minutes south of Kailua-Kona and an hour from the Kona International Airport. You can reach the park by car, bus, or private tour.
When to Get There
If you want to appreciate the sacred site in solitude, arrive just after its 7am opening.
The park’s visitor center is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Free ranger talks are held at 10:30am and 2:30pm daily. Sunset is a popular time to visit the park. The grounds close after sunset.
Ancient Traditions of the Pu‘uhonua
In ancient Hawaii, letting your shadow fall across a chief or eating forbidden foods was considered breaking kapu (religious law) and was punishable by death. If you broke a law, the only way to avoid being killed was to reach the nearest pu‘uhonua (place of refuge), where a ceremony could absolve you of your sins. While pu‘uhonua sites existed throughout Hawaii, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park has been wonderfully restored for visitors.
Ways to explore
One of the best ways to see Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is on a self-guided walking tour, a 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) journey through the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua sanctuary. A free audio guide is available on the National Park Service app. The park also hosts cultural demonstrations such as basket weaving and lei-making almost every day.
Some guided tours of Kona stop at Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, along with local coffee farms or other historic sites. Alternatively, embark on a self-guided driving tour of the Big Island that provides narration about the park and other popular attractions.
Accessibility
Regular wheelchairs are not able to navigate the park’s sandy paths, but beach wheelchairs are available upon request. The visitor center and picnic area are wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Sunscreen, water bottle, bug spray
What to wear
The park is a sacred site, so wear a proper cover-up—leave the swimsuit at the hotel.
Not allowed
Snorkeling, camping, fishing without a license, pets outside of designated areas
Amenities
Restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic area with charcoal grill
Address
Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is about 40 minutes south of Kailua-Kona and two hours west of Hilo. You can reach the park by car or on a private tour; it’s currently not accessible by public transit.
Driving
From Kailua-Kona, take Highway 11 for about 20 miles (32 kilometers) to Highway 160. A sign for the park entrance will be on your left. Parking is available at no additional cost.
Public transportation
There are no public buses or shuttle lines with direct access to the park. The closest bus stop is 25 minutes away, at Keauhou Shopping Center, served by Hele-On’s Route 201.
Best times to visit
Arrive just after the park opens to enjoy this sacred site in solitude and avoid the midday heat. You can stay for sunset, but the grounds close 15 minutes afterward.
Best days to visit
The park hosts free cultural events throughout the week, including lei-making on Tuesdays and weaving on Wednesdays. Check the park website for the most up-to-date calendar.
Best months to visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Big Island, when you’ll find smaller crowds and pleasant weather.
Special events
Every June, the park hosts a Hawaiian Cultural Festival, featuring crafts, hula performances, traditional skills, and storytelling.
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