Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

A stone papamū (Kōnane playing surface) with Hale o Keawe and Hōnaunau Bay in the background.
Explore the picturesque Royal Grounds and catch a game of Kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay.
A double-hulled canoe sits in Keoneʻele Cove with Hale o Keawe in the background.
Hale o Keawe (the royal mausoleum) brings visitors and current cultural practitioners to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
Close up image looking along the stones of the Great Wall in the Puʻuhonua with coconut trees
The Great Wall separates the Royal Grounds from the Puʻuhonua and demonstrates the impressive Hawaiian dry stacked masonry technique.
Hula dancers raise their arms to the sky in the sandy Royal Grounds.
Hula dancers perform at the annual Cultural Festival.
An a-frame canoe hale (house) in the Royal Grounds
Visitors from around the world visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP every year to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture
A glowing sunset reflects in the calm waters of a tide pool.
The Picnic Area is a fantastic place to catch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.
Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State Hawaii
Designation National Historical Park
State Code HI
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…

Location & Map

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is located in Hawaii.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $20.00

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 $15.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person $10.00

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 $0.00

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 $10.00

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 $10.00

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.

Operating Hours

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

Wednesday 8:15AM - Sunset
Monday 8:15AM - Sunset
Thursday 8:15AM - Sunset
Sunday 8:15AM - Sunset
Tuesday 8:15AM - Sunset
Friday 8:15AM - Sunset
Saturday 8:15AM - Sunset

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Junior Ranger Program Snorkeling Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 84-5559 Keala o Keawe Rd., Hōnaunau, HI, 96726
Phone 8083282326

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $35.00

Allows access for 12 months from date of purchase at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The pass admits the pass owner and/or spouse along with accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. When entry is by other means (bicycle, foot, Hele-On bus, etc.) the pass covers the purchaser and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, and parents). Pass is not refundable or transferable.

Annual Entrance - Park $55.00

Hawai'i Tri-Park Annual Pass The annual pass is valid for entrance fees for pass holder and occupants of a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The park is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen cards. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass can be purchased at the entrance station.

Topics & Themes

Archeology Ruins Arts Sculpture Pacific Islander Heritage Reconstruction Religion and Spirituality Heiau Schools and Education Animals Birds Fish Tortoises and Turtles Climate Change Coasts, Islands and Atolls Geology Natural Sounds Scenic Views Trails The Tropics Unique Species Rare Endangered

Things To Do

Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau

Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau

Grab your binoculars and set out on a birdwatching adventure along the Kona coastline. See the vibrant yellow saffron finch,…

Explore the Shoreline

Explore the Shoreline

Hidden in cracks, pools, and depressions within the lava rock shoreline are miniature underwater worlds for you to explore. See…

Play Kōnane

Play Kōnane

Peahea ka hoʻonanenane? Want to test your wits? Play a game of kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay with your…

Snorkeling Nearby

Snorkeling Nearby

The clear blue waters of Hōnaunau Bay hold spectacular wonders of the underwater world. Spinner dolphins with their amazing acrobatics…

Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world, but it can be dangerous if you aren't paying attention.…

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Journey back to ancient Hawaiʻi and walk in the footsteps the ancestors. Explore the Royal Grounds, which were once reserved…

A self-guided tour takes you back in time as you explore the ancient Royal Grounds, which were once reserved for the…

Relax in the Picnic Area!

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.…

Visitor Centers

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Visitor Center

The Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Historical Park Visitor Center is open year-round. Please note: the Park Store is cashless and accepts card or digital payments only.

Hours: The Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Visitor Center and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) park store is open year-round.

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