Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park • Hawai'i

A stone papamū (Kōnane playing surface) with Hale o Keawe and Hōnaunau Bay in the background.

A double-hulled canoe sits in Keoneʻele Cove with Hale o Keawe in the background.

Close up image looking along the stones of the Great Wall in the Puʻuhonua with coconut trees

Hula dancers raise their arms to the sky in the sandy Royal Grounds.

An a-frame canoe hale (house) in the Royal Grounds

A glowing sunset reflects in the calm waters of a tide pool.

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.

Explore the picturesque Royal Grounds and catch a game of Kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay.
NPS / Chisholm

Hale o Keawe (the royal mausoleum) brings visitors and current cultural practitioners to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
NPS Photo / Tyler Chisholm

The Great Wall separates the Royal Grounds from the Puʻuhonua and demonstrates the impressive Hawaiian dry stacked masonry technique.
NPS Photo

Hula dancers perform at the annual Cultural Festival.
NPS Photo

Visitors from around the world visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP every year to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture
NPS Photo / Jeff Walsh

The Picnic Area is a fantastic place to catch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.
NPS Photo / Jeff Walsh

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Duration:: 22 minutes, 18 seconds

The full-length park film for Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. "Those Are My Ancestors" tells of the life or death journey of a Hawaiian warrior who desperately seeks refuge at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. This spiritual sanctuary, commemorated today as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, was protected by Lono, the God of life. Today, the puʻuhonua continues to serve as a refuge for all peoples in our modern world.

Everyone helping at the hukilau (Hawaiian Fishing Technique)

Fee Free Days for 2026!

National Park Service announces entrance fee-free days for 2026.

An offering of plants and fruits from the land is made on the Ahu to Lono.

Learn more about the importance of the Makahiki Ritual.

A Junior Ranger showcases his badges from across the country. NPS/Rachel Hendrix

Be a Junior Ranger!

Be a Junior Ranger! All booklets are online and can be completed via virtual tour or in person visit.

Coconut trees provide shade in the sunny picnic area

Special & Commercial Use Permits

Find more information about getting a permit for a special event in the park or commercial tours and filming.

A family sitting on a lauhala mat learns how to make a lei

Learn More About History & Culture!

Learn more about the cultural and natural history of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

Last updated: June 3, 2026

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Mailing Address:

PO BOX 129
Hōnaunau, HI 96726

Phone:

808 328-2326

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