Relax in the Picnic Area!

Relax in the shade of coconut trees as you enjoy the picturesque setting of the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau picnic area. Bring your whole ʻohana (family) for a beach picnic and make memories as you explore in the shallow tide pools in the lava rock. Watch for a "green flash" as the sun sinks below the horizon and a rainbow of colors light up the sky during sunset.

Amenities

Picnic Tables and Charcoal Grills

These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.

Portable Toilets

Multiple portable toilets, including accessible portable toilets, are located in the Picnic Area. These units are cleaned everyday, but if you are in need a flushing toilet, restrooms are located at the visitor center.

No Public Potable Water

There are no public potable water sources in the Picnic Area, so plan ahead! Drinking fountains are located at the visitor center, but they are not designed for filling containers larger than a water bottle.

Access to Hiking Trails

The Coastal Trail leaves from the south end of the Picnic Area and connects up with the 1871 section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. From there, the trail continues along the coast with stunning views of coastal cliffs. About 1.25 miles from the picnic area, arrive at Kiʻilae Village. The Coastal Trail is sandy, but rapidly changes to lava rock as you approach the 1871 Trail Junction. Maps of this trail and the sites along it are available at the Visitor Center. Drinking water, sturdy footwear, and sun protection is recommened.

Tide Pools

Hidden within the lava rock beyond the Picnic Area are numerous tide pools, cracks and crevices for exploring. Wading is permitted in these tide pools, making it a perfect protected place for keiki (children). Use caution when exploring as the lava rock can be slippery.

Rules & Regulations

Please help protect this area. With your help we can preserve this culturally significant site and provide a safe place for families to enjoy into the future. Please visit the Management page on our website for more details on these rules and regulations.

1. Preservation of natural, cultural and archaeological resources. Dead wood may not be collected anywhere in the park. Creating stone messages are prohibited. No digging, scraping or excavating allowed (including children's shovels) 36CFR2.1

2. Beach Umbrellas, shade tents, canopies, free-standing tents are prohibited. The use of these items detracts from the cultural landscape of the area and detracts from the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established. 36CFR2.1

3. Pets (dogs, cats, others) must be restrained on a leash, which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise confine a pet at all times. Do not tie your pet to a tree or table, the regulations specifically state "under your physical control." 36CFR2.15(a)2

4. Pet excrement must be placed in garbage containers. 36CFR2.15(a)5

5. Loud music or other audio disturbances are prohibited. The operation of vehicle audio systems, portable audio devices or musical instruments in a manner of unreasonable impact to other park users is prohibited. 36CFR2.12(a)1(ii)

6. No open fires. All cooking will be limited to camp stoves or contained in charcoal fire grill. Tiki torches and candles are prohibited in the park. 36CFR2.13(a)2

7. No recreational activites allowed. For example: Frisbee, volleyball, horseshoes, kite flying, baseball, football, soccer, streamers and balloons, and setting up hammocks. 36CFR2.11

8. Special Use Permits are required for the following: All wedding ceremonies and some photography. Groups of 25 people of more engaged in parties/gatherings, special events, public assemblies and meetings, or political gatherings require a permit. All parties may not exceed 50 persons per permit. 36CFR1.5(d)

9. Collecting seashells and coral stones are prohibited. Up to 15 noni fruit may be collected by one person per day. Collection is authorized along the picnic road and parking lot only. Coconuts on the ground in the Picnic Area may be collected, one per person per day. 36CFR2.1(c)(1),(c)(2)

10. This is a "Day Use" area only, no overnight camping is allowed. 36CFR2.10

Details

Activity

Picnicking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

All pets must be on a 6 foot (1.8 m) leash and under voice control at all times. All pet waste must be removed. A pet waste station with bags and trash can is located on the southern end of the picnic area at the entrance to the Coastal Trail. Mahalo for helping to keep your park clean!

Activity Fee

No

Standard park entrance fees apply, however there is no additional fee to use the picnic area.

Location

Picnic Area

The picnic area is located south of the visitor center. From the parking area, take the gravel road just beyond the visitor center. Follow this one-lane Coastal Access Road one-quarter mile to the picnic area.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dusk

The park closes 15 minutes after sunset. Sunset times change throughout the year. Please check closing time signs or call the visitor center for the exact closing time.

Accessibility Information

The parking lot is unpaved, hard-packed earth and mostly level. Accessible portable toilets are available for use. Picnic sites are unpaved with coarse coral sand and occasional rocks and roots. Accessible picnic tables are available at each picnic site.