Parks / Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
National Historical Park · HI
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Annual and lifetime passes not available for purchase
Annual and lifetime passes are not currently available for purchase at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. As an alternative, you can purchase an annual pass online.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are collected at our park throughout the year. Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau charges a variety of fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they're part of a commercial tour group or not. Fees assist the park in providing educational and cultural programs which help to perpetuate and preserve Native Hawaiian culture. Fees also help maintain facilities and the upkeep of our grounds. You may pay entrance fees at the park entrance. If the entrance station is unstaffed when you arrive, please pay by scanning the QR code.
Annual Passes for Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau are good for entry from the day of purchase until the following year of that date (i.e. Purchased 1/1/23 - Expires 1/1/24).
Upcoming Events
'Ohe Kāpala with Chantel Chung
Sep 2, 2026 · Located in the Hālau (Stop 16)
Ulana 'ie with Melba Medeiros
Sep 2, 2026 · Smaller Halau by stop #16
Ulana Lau Niu with Aunty Keikiali'i SanFelippo
Sep 4, 2026 · Hālau labeled as #16 in our grounds.
Ulana Lau Niu with Aunty Keikiali'i SanFelippo
Sep 9, 2026 · Visitor Center Breezeway.
Kālai Lā'au - Wood Carving with Lolana Medeiros
Sep 18, 2026 · Uncle Lolana will be stationed under the milo trees to the southern side of the hale waʻa (canoe houses).
Things to Do
Birdwatching at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
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, and watch as the ʻAukuʻu (black crowned night heron) slightly stalks its prey in the Royal Ponds.
Experience Culture
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 weaving, carving, lei making, games, and more! Become inspired by the authentic!
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!
Hike the 1871 Trail
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? Come and experience this special and unique area. Step back in time. The ocean will whisper ancient stories from the past as you pass by places used by people of long ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitor Centers
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.