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Historic site · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Ancient Hawaiian seaside place of refuge south of Kailua-Kona, protected by a large dry-stone wall. It has a reconstructed temple with wooden statues, royal compounds, coconut palms and green sea turtles on the rocks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
In ancient Hawaiian society, anyone who broke a kapu, the sacred rules, could be sentenced to death. The only escape was to reach a puʻuhonua, a place of refuge. After a ceremony led by a priest, the person was pardoned and could return home. In times of war, refuges also sheltered women, children and defeated fighters.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is the best-preserved refuge in the archipelago. The large wall of fitted stones without mortar, about 300 meters long, was built around 1550 and separates the refuge from the royal compounds, where the chiefs of the Kona district lived.
At the tip of the refuge stands the Hale o Keawe, a reconstructed burial temple that once held chiefs’ bones, surrounded by kiʻi, wooden statues of the gods. There are also canoes, thatched houses, a royal fishpond and a coastal lava path to ancient dwelling sites.
The national historical park offers demonstrations of Hawaiian crafts and culture on some days. Beside it, in Hōnaunau Bay, a dive spot known as Two Step has a reef with fish and turtles.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours for the walking route; more time for snorkeling in the neighboring bay.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat builds, when the light hits the statues and the sea. Green sea turtles often rest on the rocks during the day.
How to get there
About 35 km south of Kailua-Kona, via Highway 11 and Highway 160, roughly a 45-minute drive. There is an entrance fee for the national historical park; check rates on the park’s website.
Tip
Pick up the route leaflet at the entrance and follow the order of stops. Keep your distance from the turtles and do not climb on the stone structures, which are sacred.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
What was a puʻuhonua?
A sacred place of refuge: someone who broke the sacred rules and reached it could be pardoned after a ceremony.
How long does a visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau take?
One to two hours to walk through the refuge and the royal enclosures.
Can you snorkel at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau?
Not inside the refuge, but right next door in Hōnaunau Bay, at the spot known as Two Step.