Are you looking for a place to get away and experience nature in all its glory? Then look no further than the Sanctuary of Honaunau National Historical Park. This stunning park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and offers scenic views, ancient Hawaiian artifacts, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
Quick Information About Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Are you planning a visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park? Here’s what activities and amenities are available:
- visitor center
- restrooms
- historical artifacts and structures
- picnic area with grills
- hiking (relatively easy but uneven lava trail)
Our Trip to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is located about a 20-minute drive south of Kona along Mamalahoa Highway to 160. There is a large wooden sign near the entrance of the park that you’ll be able to see coming from either direction. There is a parking lot for the park specifically as parking in the area is often tough due to the close proximity to popular Two-Step Beach.
The park itself has many historical structures from ancient Hawaii and is a good location to go if you’re interested in Hawaiian history. Carved statues and 20-foot structures can be viewed up-close and personal. Other art and artifacts are laid out for display while a recording tells visitors about the history of the area (which you can read more about later in this article).
The trails that wind through Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau are easy enough to walk on, but the uneven lava may trip some people up. It is not wheelchair-friendly by any means, although there are portions of the park near the entrance that are paved.
- Admission Fee: The admission fee is charged by vehicle, and the receipt is good for seven days. Some people visit the park and then use the parking lot to go to Two Step right next door, either on that day or within the seven day span.
- On Foot/Bicycle: $10
- Motorcycle: $15
- Non-Commercial Vehicle: $20
- What to Wear: Sandals or tennis shoes would be best for walking over the unrefined sand and lava trails. We wore flip flops and it was doable, but we would recommend sandals or shoes to most. We’d also recommend sunscreen and sunglasses, especially if you are going during the middle of the day with the sun out.
- Average Time Spent: The average visitor spends roughly 1-2 hours at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. If you bring a lunch to eat in the specified picnic areas, then you may spend a little more time. You should be able to see the whole of the park in less than two hours’ time.
- Family Friendly: This park is family friendly, although younger visitors might be bored by the lack of interactive exhibits and things to do.
Overall, our visit to Pu’uhunua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park was a good one. We enjoyed seeing the historical structures and artifacts, although we wish there was more to do. Still, it was worth seeing, and if you coupled a visit here with a beach trip to nearby Two Step Beach afterward, that would be a fun and educational day. Read on to learn more about the park.
Discover the History of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Discover the History of Pu’uhunua o Hōnaunau, a spiritual sanctuary that was once protected by Lono, the god of life. This 180-acre national historic park has been an important part of Hawaiian culture for hundreds of years and was once a place of refuge for Hawaiians who violated kapu laws.
Today, visitors can explore the royal grounds of this sanctuary, visit the Great Wall and experience the refuge from the 16th century. Stunning coastal views, sacred sites and a black sand beach await exploration, making Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park a great place to learn about Hawaiian culture.
Explore the Royal Grounds of Pu’uhonua
The Royal Grounds of Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park were a favored residence of Hawaiian chiefs and held the remains of Hale-o-Keawe, the royal mausoleum. Step into the sanctuary and explore the pu’uhonua and the Royal Grounds, with sacred sites and stunning coastal views. Go snorkeling along the black sand beach, or take a walk past the great wall through this 16th century place of refuge. Learn about Hawaiian culture and visit this special place that was once a center of power for ancient Hawaiians.
A Place of Refuge for Ancient Hawaiians
Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park provided a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians who broke a sacred kapu. Beyond the Great Wall, those who had violated the laws and beliefs of the people could escape certain punishment and find sanctuary here. This 16th-century refuge offered a safe haven for defeated warriors and transgressors of the kapu, allowing them to avoid death or exile. Today, visitors to Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park can explore the royal grounds and stunning coastal views, as well as learn about the rich culture of Hawaii.
The Great Wall and the Pu’uhonua
The Great Wall and the Pu’uhonua served as a place of refuge for those who had broken kapu, the ancient laws and beliefs by which all lived. Beyond the Great Wall, the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau provided sanctuary to defeated warriors and kapu violators, offering them a chance to escape certain death. The wall also acted as a protector of the sacred Hale o Keawe Heiau temple, which was guarded by fierce kii (wooden images of gods). Today, visitors to the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park can explore this ancient Hawaiian sanctuary, which has been preserved and restored since 1961.
Restoration and Preservation of the Park
In 1978, the park was renamed Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and local artisans were commissioned to restore the environs to its 18th century state. HFI entered into a contract with the National Park Service and expanded Jill Wagner’s seed bank contract to provide forest restoration services at the park.
In addition, Hawaii’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy was enacted in order to protect the species that inhabit this sanctuary. Today, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau is a celebrated national historical park that provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about Hawaiian culture and the royal grounds of sanctuary.
The Sacred Sites and Stunning Coastal Views
At Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, visitors can admire the sacred sites and stunning coastal views that this sanctuary has to offer. Hundreds of years old yet beautifully restored, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau remains one of Hawaiʻi’s most sacred historic places. Follow the park and map and take in the breathtaking beauty of the south Kona coast with its black lava rock outcrop and majestic ocean views.
Along with amazing coastal views, travelers can explore the grounds of the sanctuary and learn about Hawaiian culture, as well as discover the great wall and refuge that provided sanctuary for defeated warriors and kapu (taboo) violators.
Learn About Hawaiian Culture at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
At Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, visitors can explore and learn about Hawaiian culture and the significance of its sacred sites. This 180-acre National Historical Park was once a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians, with a great wall and the Pu’uhonua’s primary structure built during the 16th Century.
Visitors can experience stunning coastal views, explore the great rock structure, and visit the black sand beach. Through ongoing restoration and preservation efforts, visitors to Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau can discover the history of this sacred place, learning about ancient Hawaiian culture and its significance in today’s world.
Visit the Great Rock Structure at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
At Pu’uhunua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, visitors can explore the Great Wall and its fierce kii (wooden images of gods) that guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple. This great rock structure provides an insight into Hawaiian history as it served as a 16th-century place of refuge for those who broke kapu, the ancient Hawaiian law and beliefs by which all lived. This 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and continues to be one of the best places on the Big Island to learn about Hawaiian culture, with its many sacred sites and stunning coastal views.
Discover the Black Sand Beach at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
At Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, visitors can experience the beauty of the black sand beach. Two Step beach is located near the main entrance to the park and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. Here, visitors can take in the stunning coastal view and explore the richness of Hawaiian culture. With its great rock structure, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is one of the most spectacular historical parks in Hawaii and is definitely worth a visit.
Experience the 16th Century Place of Refuge at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Discover the 16th Century Place of Refuge at Pu’uhunua o Hōnaunau, a spiritual sanctuary protected by Lono, the God of life. Set on the rugged and beautiful south Kona coast, Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is a 182-acre park containing this sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and wahi pana (sacred sites). This park was once the puʻuhonua, or “place of refuge” and “city of refuge,” providing sanctuary for those that violated the kapu (taboo) laws by which all lived.
Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau immerses you in Hawaiian culture. Explore its royal grounds and discover its stunning coastal views. Take in the beauty of its Great Rock Structure and Black Sand Beach. Learn about Hawaiian culture at this National Historical Park brought into the national park system in 1955 and experience an unparalleled 16th century place of refuge.
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