Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid an otherwise certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or pu'uhonua. They could then be absolved by a priest and be free to go. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the great wall that enclose the pu'uhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.

The 182-acre park was established in 1961 and includes not only the pu'uhonua, but a complex of archaeological sites including temple platforms, royal fish ponds, sledding tracks, and some coastal village sites. The Hale o Keawe temple and several thatched structures have been reconstructed.

VISITATION:
The park receives about a half million visitors a year with heaviest visitation during the Christmas holiday period, spring break, and late summer.

LOCATION:
On the island of Hawaii about 22 miles south of Kailua-Kona

ADDRESS:
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park P.O. Box 129 Honaunau, HI96726

TELEPHONE:
(808) 328-2326 or 328-2288 Fax: (808) 328-9485

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
6 a.m.-11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekdays. The Visitor Center is open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. The park is open year-round.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Usually warm with moderate humidity. Summer days can be hot. Bring comfortable walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:
From Highway 11, turn onto Highway 160 at the Honaunau Post Office near mile post 103 and follow it for about 3.5 miles down to the park, which is located on Honaunau Bay.

TRANSPORTATION:
Kona and Hilo Airports are served by inter-island carriers and some major airlines have direct flights to Kona from the continental U.S. Rental cars may be reserved at both airports. Commercial bus tours that stop at the park are also available.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
$2 per person - valid for 7 days, age 16 and under - free, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access and annual passes are available.

FACILITIES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND ACTIVITIES:
Begin your visit at the park's visitor center where you can pick up the park's brochure, which includes information on the self-guided trail. From there, you can listen to the three audio messages along the mural wall or take in one of the orientation talks in the amphitheater at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. The self-guided trail takes about 30 minutes and takes you through the royal grounds and place of refuge (pu'uhonua). Often you can find cultural demonstrators working and sharing their knowledge on traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts. For more information, you can return to the visitor center front desk where you can find publications for sale and friendly staff who can answer most of your questions. Foreign language and other informational handouts are available. We provide cold water, but food and beverages are not sold in the park.

Check out our schedule of special evening programs covering a wide range of Hawaiian topics.

For those who enjoy nature, you can often spot green sea turtles in Keone Ele cove or humpback whales of the picnic area during the winter months. Handouts on the local plants and birds are also available.

Picnickers can take the gravel road adjacent to the visitor center. This leads to a picnic area located near the shore and shaded by coconut trees. Barbecue pits and tables are available.

Interested in hiking? You can follow the historic 1871 trail, which takes you along the coast for about a mile to the park boundary. Along the trail you can see many archaeological sites including temple sites (heiau), some sledding tracks (holua), and old house sites. There is also an open lava tube that ends at the face of a sea cliff. Watch your head as the ceiling is low and flashlights are recommended. Ask at the visitor center for a backcountry trail guide.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Permits are required for group picnicking (over 25), weddings, memorial services, ceremonies, and commercial filming.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dangerous high surf can occur, especially during the winter months. Please pay attention to high surf warning signs and do not go near the water during these conditions.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
The park celebrates its annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival on the weekend that falls closest to July 1st. Events include a royal court procession, hula, crafts, Hawaiian games, canoe rides, food tasting, and a hukilau (group fishing activity).

Please inquire about other events that may be scheduled throughout the year.

VISITOR IMPACTS:
The pu'uhonua and royal grounds are still considered by many to be sacred. We ask that visitors respect the traditions here by not leaving towels, mats, and other gear on the beach, not smoke on the grounds, not climb on the structures, and not make coral rock graffiti.