Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

What to expect

After you pass the entrance station, the visitor center lot opens onto the park’s walking paths. The park brochure doubles as the map for a self-guided walking tour, and there’s an audio tour too. The route leads onto royal grounds once forbidden to commoners, past Keoneʻele Cove, the royal canoe landing, to the reconstructed Hale o Keawe at the north end of the Great Wall, where carved kiʻi stand. Beyond the wall lies the puʻuhonua itself. A picnic area shaded by coconut trees overlooks the ocean. For a longer walk, the 1871 Trail runs south along the coast to the ruins of Kiʻilae Village.

Know before you go

Fees

Entry is $20 per private vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, or $10 per person on foot or bike, valid 7 days, and ages 15 and under are free. The Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass is honored, but annual and lifetime passes aren’t sold at the park.

Hours

The visitor center lot is open from 8:15 a.m. to sunset, and the gates close 15 minutes after sunset. Visitor center services run 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Ocean rules

There’s no ocean access within the park, and snorkeling and sunbathing are prohibited at Keoneʻele Cove. For snorkeling, go to Two Step, just outside the park.

Parking

The lot is small and tends to fill by midday. Snorkelers are asked to park outside the gate so park visitors have room.

Culture

Cultural demonstrations take place almost every day, and rangers lead programs on ancient Hawaiʻi. Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger book. These are sacred grounds, so walk them with respect.

Sun

Much of the walk crosses open black lava with little shade, so carry water and sun protection.