National Historical Park

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Pacific Islands

About Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Pacific Islands
State: Hawaii
Designation: National Historical Park
Entrance fee: $20, private vehicle

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.

Entrance fees

$20 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 Puʻuh…
$15 Motorcycle
$10 Per Person
Free Education/Academic Groups
$10 Non-commercial Groups

Passes

$35 Annual Entrance - Park
$55 Annual Entrance - Park

Hours

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP Operating Hours

Mon: 8:15AM - Sunset
Tue: 8:15AM - Sunset
Wed: 8:15AM - Sunset
Thu: 8:15AM - Sunset
Fri: 8:15AM - Sunset
Sat: 8:15AM - Sunset
Sun: 8:15AM - Sunset

Sunset times vary throughout the year. For exact closing times, please see our Facebook page or call the visitor center.

Weather and when to go

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 84-5559 Keala o Keawe Rd., HWY 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726
Phone: (808) 328-2326
Email: puho_info@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/puho

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau

Birdwatching · about 45 min

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 watc…
Hike the 1871 Trail

Hiking · about 1.3 hours

The rugged lava shoreline of the South Kona coast beckons you to explore the backcountry trails of the park. Have you ever imagined visiting a historic abandoned Hawaiian village?…
Explore the Shoreline

Wildlife Watching · about 45 min

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 throu…
Play Kōnane

Cultural Demonstrations · about 15 min

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…
Snorkeling Nearby

Snorkeling · about 45 min

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 t…
Self-Guided Walking Tour

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 40 min

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…
Relax in the Picnic Area!

Picnicking · about 45 min

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 memo…
Experience Culture

Cultural Demonstrations · about 45 min

Experience a taste of life in ancient Hawaiʻi as National Park Service staff and cultural practitioners demonstrate traditional Hawaiian craft techniques and practices such as wea…
Birdwatching at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

Birdwatching · about 45 min

Grab your binoculars and set out on a birdwatching adventure along the South Kona coastline. See the vibrant yellow saffron finch, hear the boisterous calls of the common Myna, an…