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
Entrance Fees
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.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activities
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 DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
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.
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
Things To Do
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
Hidden in cracks, pools, and depressions within the lava rock shoreline are miniature underwater worlds for you to explore. See…
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
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
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 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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