About Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Under the ancient Hawaiian kapu system, breaking a sacred law could bring death. Yet anyone who reached a puʻuhonua, a place of refuge, could be absolved by a priest and return home safely. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on the Kona coast of Hawaii Island is the best preserved of these sanctuaries, protected by a massive mortarless stone wall about 300 meters long.
Within the refuge stands Hale o Keawe, a reconstructed temple that once held the bones of ruling chiefs, believed to give the site its spiritual power, or mana. Carved wooden kiʻi images guard it from the shoreline. Today the national historical park preserves fishponds, royal grounds and lava flats, and Native Hawaiian practitioners demonstrate traditional crafts and share the meaning of the place.
What to see
- Hale o Keawe temple and its kiʻi images
- The Great Wall of the refuge
- Royal grounds and fishponds
- Green sea turtles resting on the shore
- Cultural demonstrations by Hawaiian practitioners
Visiting Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau: practical guide
- Best time
- Year round; late June for the cultural festival
- Hours
- Park daily, about 7:00 to sunset
- Entry
- About 20 USD per vehicle; US national parks passes accepted
- Dress code
- Sun protection; modest clothing for a sacred site
- Nearest airport
- Kona International Airport (KOA), 50 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Do not touch or climb walls and structures
- Keep a respectful distance from resting turtles
- Snorkel at Two Step just outside the park
Festivals and special days
- Hōnaunau Cultural Festival (late June)
- Makahiki season
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Hawaiian religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Do not move, stack or remove rocks at heiau or anywhere on the islands.
- Respect kapu signs marking restricted sacred areas.
- Do not leave offerings unless you understand the protocol.
- Avoid taking lava rocks or sand as souvenirs.
- Learn a few Hawaiian words and pronounce place names with care.
- Support Native Hawaiian owned businesses and cultural programs.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau?
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is in Hōnaunau, Hawaii, United States, Oceania. GPS coordinates: 19.4219, -155.9103. The nearest airport is Kona International Airport (KOA), 50 km.
What is the best time to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau?
Year round; late June for the cultural festival
Is there an entry fee for Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau?
About 20 USD per vehicle; US national parks passes accepted Opening hours: Park daily, about 7:00 to sunset
What should I wear when visiting Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau?
Sun protection; modest clothing for a sacred site
Which religion is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau sacred to?
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is sacred to Hawaiian religion. Museum or heritage site.
