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Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

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Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

This is the official page of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave.
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Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or "pu‘uhonua." Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the pu‘uhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs. The 421-acre park, established in 1961, includes the pu‘uhonua and a complex of archeological sites including: temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and some coastal village sites. The Hale o Keawe temple and several thatched structures have been reconstructed.

09/27/2026

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will reopen today, September 27. However, the Puʻuhonua area of the park remains closed until further notice, and the 1871 Trail is closed past the Alahaka Ramp.

Mahalo for your patience and understanding.

NPS Photo / PUHO

09/24/2026

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will close today, September 24, at 12:00 p.m. due to the approaching storm. The park will remain closed at least through Saturday, September 26.

Please check for updates before visiting.

09/17/2026

Leave rock-building to the experts!

Although you might think rock-stacking is a harmless addition for a photo op, it actually does far more damage than you may think.

Uhau humu pōhaku (Hawaiian dry-stone masonry) is a specific skill learned over the course of years. The stone walls and structures at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau were carefully placed by masters of this craft.

When visitors move stones to build modern stacks, it disrupts this special and sacred place in ways you might not realize:

🪨It destroys habitats: Coastal rocks provide crucial shelter, shade, and homes for tiny marine animals like crabs, mollusks, and native plants.
🪨It disrupts mana: In Hawaiian culture, rocks carry history and spiritual power (mana). Moving them alters a sacred sanctuary and is a form of disrespect.
🪨It creates more work: Park staff must spend valuable time dismantling these stacks to restore the natural shoreline and ensure archaeological features aren't altered.

What many people do not understand is that assembling cairns and rock structures in the park is considered a form of vandalism. Violations can result in expensive fines.

Help us keep this sacred place intact — remember to visit respectfully.

Learn more about park regulations and how you can help protect these resources at https://www.nps.gov/puho/learn/management/coralgraffiti.htm

NPS Photo / PUHO

09/11/2026

Park Update: Some Areas Reopened; Puʻuhonua and Section of Trail Remain Closed

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will reopen today, September 11. However, the Puʻuhonua area of the park remains closed until further notice, and the 1871 Trail is closed past the Alahaka Ramp.

Mahalo for your patience and understanding.

NPS Photo / PUHO

09/05/2026

UPDATE 9/10/26: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will reopen tomorrow, September 11. However, the Puʻuhonua area of the park will remain closed. Additionally, the 1871 Trail will be closed past the Alahaka Ramp.

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UPDATE 9/9/26: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park remains closed and will also be closed tomorrow, September 10. We will continue to assess conditions and post updates here and at nps.gov/puho as they become available.

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Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is currently closed due to high surf associated with Hurricane Lowell.

Check back here for updates on reopening.

09/01/2026

Hauʻoli Kepakemapa kākou! Happy September!

Join us this month for cultural demonstrations at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park:

Mondays:
September 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Ulana ʻIe - ʻIeʻie style basketry with Pōmai Brown in the Hale (next to Stop 16), 10:00am-1:00pm

Tuesdays:
September 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 - Hana Lei - Lei making with Melanie Moses in the Hālau (Stop 16), 9:30am-2:30pm
September 8 & 22- Lomilomi - Hawaiian healing and massage with Momi Nobriga in the Hale (next to Stop 16), 9:00am-2:00pm

Wednesdays:
September 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 - ʻOhe Kāpala - Bamboo stamping with Chantal Chung in the Hālau (Stop 16), 9:00am-2:00pm
September 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 - Ulana ʻIe - ʻIeʻie style basketry with Melba Medeiros in the Hale (next to Stop 16), 9:00am-2:00pm
September 9, 23, & 30 - Ulana Launiu - Coconut frond weaving with Aunty Keikilani San Filippo in the Visitor Center breezeway, 9:00am-2:00pm

Fridays:
September 4 & 18 - Ulana Launiu - Coconut frond weaving with Aunty Keikilani San Filippo in the Hālau (Stop 16), 9:00am-2:00pm
September 18 - Kālai Lāʻau - Wood carving with Lolana Medeiros in Hālau (next to Stop 16), 9:00am - 2:00 pm

Stay up-to-date by visiting our calendar: go.nps.gov/puhocalendar.

Mahalo to Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for sponsoring these programs!

NPS Photo / PUHO

08/22/2026

Tonight!

At 5:30pm in our amphitheater, join South Kona native George Kahumoku, Jr. as he shares moʻolelo, mele, and the tradition of Hawaiian slack key guitar (kī hōʻalu).

Mele & Moʻolelo with George Kahumoku, Jr.
Saturday, August 22
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Amphitheater
Free and open to the public

This event is sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

We hope to see you there!

Image courtesy of George Kahumoku, Jr.

08/17/2026

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is now open.

Keep in mind, the Visitor Center will remain closed due to storm-related staffing shortages.

Mahalo!

Photo: Carly Scheid

08/13/2026

*UPDATE 8/16/26: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will continue to be closed on Monday, August 17. The park's reopening is contingent on recovery efforts. Please check back here for updates.*

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Due to the approaching Tropical Storm Lala, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026.

The park will remain closed Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16.

Please do not enter the park while the closure is in effect. Continue to monitor official weather information and follow guidance from local emergency management officials.

08/12/2026

On Saturday, August 22, join South Kona native George Kahumoku, Jr. as he returns to Hōnaunau to share moʻolelo, mele, and the tradition of Hawaiian slack key guitar (kī hōʻalu).

A multiple Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musician, George has deep ties to Hōnaunau and brings a lifetime of music and storytelling to this special evening.

Mele & Moʻolelo with George Kahumoku, Jr.
Saturday, August 22
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Amphitheater
Free and open to the public

This event is sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

We hope to see you there!

Image courtesy of George Kahumoku, Jr.

Address

Highway 160
Honaunau, HI
96726

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 7pm
Tuesday	8am - 7pm
Wednesday	8am - 7pm
Thursday	8am - 7pm
Friday	8am - 7pm
Saturday	8am - 7pm
Sunday	8am - 7pm

Telephone

+18083282326

Website

http://www.nps.gov/puho

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