Agnostik
National Historical Park · HI

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Imagine you had just broken the sacred laws, the kapu, and the only punishment was death. Your only chance of survival is to elude your pursuers and reach the Puʻuhonua, a place of refuge. The Puʻuhonua protected the kapu breaker, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the time of battle. No physical harm could come to those who reached the boundaries of the Puʻuhonua.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A stone papamū (Kōnane playing surface) with Hale o Keawe and Hōnaunau Bay in the background.
Explore the picturesque Royal Grounds and catch a game of Kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay.
A double-hulled canoe sits in Keoneʻele Cove with Hale o Keawe in the background.
Hale o Keawe (the royal mausoleum) brings visitors and current cultural practitioners to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
Close up image looking along the stones of the Great Wall in the Puʻuhonua with coconut trees
The Great Wall separates the Royal Grounds from the Puʻuhonua and demonstrates the impressive Hawaiian dry stacked masonry technique.
Hula dancers raise their arms to the sky in the sandy Royal Grounds.
Hula dancers perform at the annual Cultural Festival.
An a-frame canoe hale (house) in the Royal Grounds
Visitors from around the world visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP every year to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture
A glowing sunset reflects in the calm waters of a tide pool.
The Picnic Area is a fantastic place to catch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store