National Park Week 2021

Each year, parks across the country come together to celebrate our country’s remarkable network of natural, cultural, and recreational sites. From April 17th - April 25th you can Find Your Park virtually or in-person and explore America's treasures with us!

Check out the ideas below on how to connect with Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park each day of Park Week, or visit the official NPS Park Week site to find events and activities at parks across the country.

National Park Week Theme Days

Saturday, April 17th - Park RX Day/Fee Free Day
Sunday, April 18th - Volunteer Sunday
Monday, April 19th - Military Monday
Tuesday, April 20th - Transformation Tuesday
Wednesday, April 21st - Wayback Wednesday
Thursday, April 22nd - Earth Day
Friday, April 23rd - Friendship Friday
Saturday, April 24th - National Junior Ranger Day
Sunday, April 25th - BARK Ranger Day

 

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Park Rx Day (Fee Free Day)

A puʻuhonua is not only a place of refuge, but also a place of healing and a place to expand one's perspective. Our national park sites across the country can also be places of refuge from our often chaotic lives, places of healing as we soak in the many benefits of spending time in nature, and places to expand our perspectives as we learn the inspiring stories of our nation's special places.

On Saturday, April 17th take advantage of this FEE FREE Day, find places of healing and calm within Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP. Find a quiet, shady spot and try a meditation practice, or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of coastal Hawaiʻi.

Virtual Experience: Stuck at home? Visit our Facebook page and search #momentofzen to watch short videos of the sights and sounds of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP.

Volunteer Sunday

On Sunday, April 18th we'd like to recognize our wonderful group of volunteers and community members that help preserve, protect, and share the cultural and natural history of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. On your visit to the park, check out the ipu (gourds) in the visitor center garden, cared for by one of our dedicated volunteers. Or stop by the hālau to visit with one of our cultural practitioner apprentices who are learning traditional craftsmanship so Hawaiian practices will thrive into the future.

Virtual Experience: Watch this video of VIP (volunteer in parks) Marc telling us why he volunteers to mālama (take care of) the ipu (gourds) at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.

Military Monday

On Monday, April 19th we'd like to say a big mahalo to all those who have served or are currently serving our country. Did you know that you can get a free America the Beautiful Military Pass and get access to our country's National Park sites if you are currently serving in the military? In 2020, this program was expanded to include Military Veterans and Gold Star Families. Learn more about this Military Pass.

Transformation Tuesday

National Park sites are dynamic and constantly changing. On Tuesday, April 20th see how Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau has transformed over the years with these historic-modern photo sliders. Learn about the restoration and reconstruction of Hale o Keawe, a hale poki (masoleum) that once held the bones of 23 aliʻi (chiefs). Visit the park today to see the fully restored and reconstructed Hale o Keawe heiau (temple) that is cared for by both the National Park Service and Native Hawaiian caretakers.

Wayback Wednesday

Take a step back in time and explore what life was like in ancient Hawaiʻi. Learn how traditional Hawaiian traditions and practices have thrived and adapted over the years. On Wednesday, April 21st take your ʻohana on the self-guided audio tour of the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua and walk in the footsteps of the ancestors. Download the official National Park Service App to access our brand new audio tour and more!

Virtual Experience: Take a step back in time... virtually! Take a virtual tour of the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua with interactive 360-degree images.

Earth Day

Thursday, April 22nd is Earth Day! Help mālama ka ʻāina (care for the land) by always choosing reef-friendly sun protection! Learn more about which ingredients to look for in your sunscreen and which ingredients are harmful to our world's oceans. On Earth Day, do you part to spread the word and tell your friends and family about reef-friendly sun protection!

Friendship Friday

We get by with a little help from our friends. At Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau we are so thankful for our official non-profit partner Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) that supports support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities in the park using proceeds from their park stores. On Friday, April 23rd visit the HPPA bookstore at the park (10:00 am - 3:30 pm) or visit the HPPA Online Store to help support your parks!

National Junior Ranger Day

Explore! Learn! Protect! Are you a Junior Ranger at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau? On Saturday, April 24th earn your Junior Ranger badge when you visit the park or virtually by downloading a Junior Ranger booklet and doing the virtual park tour. With booklets for Honu Helpers (ages 3-6), Junior Rangers (ages 6-12), and Kūpuna Rangers (13+) it's fun for the whole ʻohana!

BARK Ranger Day

On Sunday, April 25th take your human for a walk in the park! Become a part of the BARK ranger pack by modeling these best practices when you visit the park:

• Bag your pet's waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Hike the 1871 trail with your furry friend today! Before your visit, learn where you can go with your dog.