PuʻUhonua O HŌNaunau National Historical Park

National Park Service, Hawaii.

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.

Nearby Activities

  • Hiking

Directions

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.

Additional Information

  • Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park Map
  • Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Hale o Keawe & Keoneʻele CoveHale o Keawe (the royal mausoleum) brings visitors and current cultural practitioners to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
  • The Great Wall and PuʻuhonuaThe Great Wall separates the Royal Grounds from the Puʻuhonua and demonstrates the impressive Hawaiian dry stacked masonry technique.
  • Kōnane in the Royal GroundsExplore the picturesque Royal Grounds and catch a game of Kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay.
  • Canoe Hale in the Royal GroundsVisitors from around the world visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP every year to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture
  • Sunset in the Tide PoolsThe Picnic Area is a fantastic place to catch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.
  • Hula Demonstration in the Royal GroundsHula dancers perform at the annual Cultural Festival.

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