Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th centruy, Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or "pu`uhonua". The offender would absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combantants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the pu`uhonua were home to several generations of powerful cheifs.

The 182 acre park, established in 1961, includes the pu`uhonua and a complex of archeological sites inculding: temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and some coastal village sites. The Haloe o Keawe temple and several thatched strucures have been reconstructed.

Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
P.O. Box 129
Honaunau, HI 96726
808.328.2326 - Headquarters
808.328.2288 - Visitor Information
808.328.2326 - Headquarters
808.328.9877 - Visitor Information

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling

Recommended Activities
Begin your visit at the park(e2)(80)(997320)visitor center where you can pick up the park(e2)(80)(997320)brochure that includes information on the self guided trail. You might take in one of the orientation talks in the amphitheater at 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. The self-guided trail takes about 30 minutes and takes you through the royal grounds and place of refuge (pu(e2)(80)(997568)onua). Often you can find cultural demonstrators working and sharing their knowledge on traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts. Foreign language and other informational handouts are available. We provide cold water, but food or beverages are not sold in the park.

For those who enjoy nature, you can often spot green sea turtles or humpback whales during the winter months. Handouts on the local plants and birds are also available.

Picnickers can take the gravel road adjacent to the visitor center. This leads to a picnic area located near the shore and shaded by coconut trees. Barbecue pits and tables are available.

Interested in hiking? You can follow the historic 1871 trail that takes you along the coast for about a mile to the park boundary. Along the trail, you can see many archeological sites including temple sites (heiau), some sledding tracks (holua), and old house sites. In addition, an open lava tube ends at the face of a sea cliff. Watch your head as the ceiling is low and flashlights are recommended. Ask at the visitor center for a backcountry trail guide.