Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, the “Place of Refuge”, is on Honaunau Bay in the South Kona District. This is a significant historical site for the Big Island and there’s a lot to see. The visitor center has loads of information on this historical spot and interpretive signs line the trails. Be sure to get a brochure and explore around. The sites have numbers and the map has information about each of the sites you’ll visit.

This park has an impressive shoreline in addition to the historical landmarks. If you like tidepools, this park has you covered. For swimming you’ll want to get into the water at the Two Step snorkeling area just outside the national park.

If you want to do an extended hike with relative solitude, consider hiking out the 1871 Trail as it follows the shore of Ki’ilae Bay. It’s just over a mile to the end of the trail at the national park boundary, but the trail continues through some woods after that.

To find Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, drive the Highway 160 loop in either direction south of the town of Captain Cook and look for signs pointing to the park. Note that you can drive farther into the park from the main parking lot near the entrance station. This alternate parking area has picnic tables next to the ocean and it makes the hike on the 1871 Trail shorter.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park is open every day (including all holidays) at 8:15am and closes at sunset. The visitor center hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm daily.

Address

Honaunau Beach Rd
Captain Cook, HI 96704

Phone

808-328-2288

Park Name

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park

Owner

National

Pet Details

Dogs are not allowed in the Pu'uhonua area or Royal Grounds, but ok on leash in the picnic areas and on 1871 & Coastal Trails

Fees

Fees charged for entrance by vehicle or on foot

Activities

Hiking, Sightseeing, Picnicking, Fishing, Tidepooling

Amenities

Historical Structures, Visitor Center, Restrooms, Trails, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Anchialine Fish Ponds, Tide Pools, Heiau, Interpretive Signs