A national historical park in a place where all the indigenous people who violated the sacred right of kapu had to take refuge. Such people were facing certain death and the only deliverance was the Pu'uhonua site.

In addition to the fortress, you will find many historical relics that bring to life the life of the indigenous people of Hawaii. You can also relax on the sandy beach with sun loungers, but with a very complicated entrance to the ocean.

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What to see in Pu'uhonua Park?

Set aside an hour and a half to two hours to visit. You'll have about a one-kilometre walk, during which you'll come across several points of interest.

The trail starts at the Visitor Center, where you can use the free restroom, buy a ticket, or visit the gift shop for Hawaiian history books and souvenirs. You can also pick up a free map of the area.

Next, walk through The Royal Grounds, where you'll first pass through an avenue of mature coconut palms planted in memory of the tribal chiefs. The main feature of the Royal Grounds is the sacred Hale o Keawe Temple, dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, where Hawaiian kings and important tribal chiefs were buried. Think of the temple as a larger thatched hut with carved wooden ornaments. A high wall of lava rock separates the temple from the rest of the grounds.

Next is the main area, the Pu'uhonua area, translated as "refuge". In the area, you will see the remains of ancient stone temples and buildings where the law-breaking inhabitants of the island, called Kapu, sought refuge.

The tribal chiefs, the so-called Ali'i, enforced the Kapu laws with harsh throat punishments and the only chance to escape death was to escape to the sacred places called Pu'uhonua, which with a little imagination could be compared to a prison. Here, for many months and years, a spiritual cleansing of sinners took place, at the end of which a pardon was granted by eminent priests and chiefs of the Ali'i and Kahuna classes.

The last part of the park is the 1871 Trail, a demonstration of the trails that Native Hawaiians used to move within the islands. A beautiful walk of approximately 4 miles along the dramatic coastline with breathtaking views takes you to the former village of Ki'iale, where you will follow the same path back to the Visitor Center.

Detailed descriptions can be found on the official website: nps.gov/puho/planyourvisit.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The park is open year-round daily from 8:15 a.m. to sunset, see current hours.

Admission is divided into several categories:

There is an entrance fee to enter the national park, the prices of which are listed below.

20 usd For one car (regardless of the number of passengers) for 7 days (any number of entries)
10 usd for pedestrians
55 usd Year-round admission for 3 national parks in Hawaii (in addition to Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau, Volcanoes National Park on the eastern Big Island or Haleakala on Maui)
current fees on the official website

How to get there

Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau is located on the west coast of the island on Highway 160. This connects the historic park to the main ring road, number 11, and the park is clearly signposted from all major intersections in the general area.

Unfortunately, no buses go to the park.

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