• The Sacred Hale o Keawe Heiau Protects the Pu'uhonua

    Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau

    National Historical Park Hawai'i

  • Intermittent Closure of the Coastal Trail

    During the months of April and May, sections of the Coastal Trail from the South end of the picnic area to the 1871 Trail junction may be closed due to maintenance work. Please inquire at the visitor center for the latest information on this closure.

A Furious Journey of Life or Death was Determined by the Gods

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 Pu'uhonua, a place of refuge.  The Pu'uhonua protected the kapu breaker, civilians during the time of war and the defeated warriors.  No harm could come to those who reached the boundaries of the place of refuge.

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Features

  • Ki'i (Images of Gods) Guarding the Sacred Hale o Keawe Heiau

    Audio Tour

    Listen to the Audio Walking Tour of the Park with a cell phone. Dial (808) 217-9279 and start your fascinating audio walking tour of the Park.

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  • Hula Kahiko (Traditional) Programs in the Park

    Upcoming Cultural Events in the Park

    Become Inspired by the Authentic. Join a Hula program or one of the other cultural events offered by the park. Check out the Park's Events Calendar.

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  • Cultural Demonstrator Charlie

    Cultural Demonstrator in the Park

    Witness the traditional craft skills of ancient Hawaii from the Park's cultural demonstrator or listen to him as he tells unforgettable stories.

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  • Step into History

    Step into History

    Take a glimpse into the three National Historical Parks and the National Historic Trail on the Big Island of Hawaii.

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  • Hawaii Pacific Parks Association

    Hawaii Pacific Parks Association

    Visit the Non-Profit Cooperating Association Online Store and Help Support the Many Educational, Cultural, and Scientifc Programs Supported by HPPA..

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Did You Know?

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Did you know that Bernice Pauahi Bishop planted one of the two historic coconut groves located in the Royal Grounds? As the story goes, the coconut grove was located in the area east of Keone‘ele Cove. The grove was planted sometime after Charles Bishop purchased the entire ahupua‘a of Hōnaunau in 1867 and subsequently gave it to Bernice as a gift.  Historic testimonies indicate that men from surrounding area dug the holes and Bernice placed the nuts inside with her own hands. The coconut planting ceremony was then followed by a great feast.