Permits & Reservations

 

The Picnic Area is a popular spot for large group gatherings, weddings, commercial filming, and more.

NPS / Jeff Walsh

 

A permit is required for the following activities:

Activities That Require a Permit in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP

Weddings	All weddings, regardless of size, must obtain a special use permit. Maximum group size for wedding ceremonies is 50 people. Weddings will be permitted for the Picnic Area only. See the Special Use Permits section.
Large Group Gatherings & Special Events	Gatherings with more than 25 people must obtain a special use permit. Groups can be no larger than 50 people. See the Special Use Permits section.
Filming & Photography	Please see the Filming & Photography section of this page for more information.
Commerical Activities (Business & Non-profit)	To operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). This includes commerical tours.
First Amendment Activities Over 25 People	Please see the First Amendment section of this page for more information.

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Filming & Photography Permits

More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

 

 

Questions and Answers

Do I need a permit to film, take still photographs, or record audio in a park?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions: 

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

Who needs a permit for filming, still photography, or audio recording in parks?

You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any of the following conditions:  

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

I have a permit for an activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph, or record audio?

No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity. 

 

 

Special Use Permits

How To Apply For A Permit

1. Complete, sign, and return the Special Use Permit Application at least ten business days prior to the event. Events with unusual requests will require at least fourteen days and events with potential resource impacts, up to three months for consideration.
2. Read through the Park Conditions for Special Use Permits to make sure your event will be appropriate for the Park. Inappropriate uses will not be authorized.
3. Submit payment to the "National Park Service" for $50.00, the nonrefundable Permit Application Fee.

Conditions For Weddings & Gatherings

Special Use Permit Application for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

1. Weddings are prohibited in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park except in the designated picnic area south of the great wall to the end of the parking lot.

2. Weddings and gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.

3. Potted plants, dried flower arrangements or other plants with seeds will not be allowed.

4. All flowers and flower parts must be removed from the park.

5. All guests including the bride and groom must pay the entrance fees unless they possess a valid park pass.

6. Gathering of stones or coral for the construction of ceremonial walkways or to create messages is prohibited.

Contact Information For Special Use Permits

Email Address:
[e-mail]

Address:
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Hwy 160
Hōnaunau, HI 96726

 

Commercial Use Authorization

To operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). All commercial tours that enter the park on a regular basis must have a CUA and are required to pay the commercial tour fee at the entrance station at each visit. The CUA is for commercial services that originate and terminate outside of the boundaries of the park. Activities such as advertising, soliciting, collecting fees or selling goods or services within the park boundaries are strictly prohibited.

Park fees include $350 for the CUA. In addition, management fees will be charged starting in 2026 (see the table below).

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is now using the NPS online CUA application and reporting system. For assistance, you can watch this this video on how to apply.

If you have any further questions, please email us at [e-mail]. We look forward to working with you and seeing you in the park.

Beginning January 1, 2026, we will be implementing a Market Price Management Fee-based system for Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders. The standard NPS market price gross receipts model will be used to fix these new fees. A Market Price Management Fee will now be charged based upon a percentage of the gross receipts (see table below) earned from business in KAHO and PUHO. The non-refundable $350 application fee will remain the same.

CUA Annual Gross Receipts	CUA Management Fee
<$250,000	3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000 to $500,000	4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000	5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)

 

 

First Amendment Area

 

First Amendment Activities Application

The First Amendment area is located in the last parking space across from the Administration building. The dimensions of the area are: 27 feet x 23 feet. One free-standing tent may be used in this area for protection from the sun.

First Amendment Area Conditions

1. The sale of merchandise in the park is prohibited by Title 36 C.F.R. § 5.3 except for the sale of printed matter as defined in Title 36 C.F.R. § 2.52. Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted or distributed on park property. Printed matter will be limited to message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines and leaflets whose primary purpose is the advocacy, definition or explanation of a group's or individual’s political, religious, scientific or moral beliefs. PERMITTEE may also distribute printed material free of charge. All other forms of merchandise, including posters, coffee mugs, audio tapes, DVDs, video tapes, T-shirts, hats and other clothing materials may not be sold under this regulation.

2. The free distribution of non-commercial message bearing electronic media to the public, such as CDs, DVDs, and other readable electronic media is authorized, but the PERMITTEE may not ask or demand payment or request a donation in exchange for these items.

3. No fee may be collected or donations solicited, except for the sale of printed material as noted above. Donations may be passively collected if participants choose to make a donation, but not for the exchange of any product or service.

4. First Amendment Activities are restricted the designated First Amendment area.

   1. The last parking space on the north side of the parking lot on the exit side