Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park image

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Park Historic site National park

Archaeological park featuring burial grounds offers self-guided tours of reconstructed villages. People often mention park, history, area, historical, Hawaiian, walk, beautiful, site, people, national,


Address

State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726, United States

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

+1 808-328-2326

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sunday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (18) history (16) area (9) historical (8) Hawaiian (8) walk (8) beautiful (8) site (7) people (7) national (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jahan S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, well-run gem of the national park system. Love spending tax dollars to make magic like this possible. Thank you, Uncle Sam! I drove out (south) to picnic area, walked further south, set out my blanket and shade structure by the path, away from waves and hopefully out of line of sight for water watchers. Soon saw a whale blowing spray and went over near 4-5 others watching. She was so close! 50 yards??! The lava formations are gorgeous and the crashing Pacific is majestic. Awesome place to embrace your connection to nature and the earth. Let’s preserve it for our great grandchildren.
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ESB N. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful historical park in a lovely setting beside the sea with lots of interesting Hawaiian history and artifacts. There is an interesting short video explaining the important history of this location that plays several times per day and is worth watching. Pro tip, if you have a national park pass and you can’t find parking next-door at the two step beach for snorkeling, you can use your park pass to get in here and park for free (otherwise $10). Then it is just a short walk over to the two step beach where there is a great snorkeling.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marty H. 1 year ago on Google
    We were not sure how long we would be here when we stopped. Well it was almost 2 hours and we ate our lunch in the picnic area on the beach farther up. The area does have some calming effect in wearlt travelers too. The walk across the lava flows and seeing the tide pools was an added bonus aside from the Hawaiian history and culture presented. Free day and not sure why, but would have been worth the $20 car entry fee.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leon H. 1 year ago on Google
    Cannot believe this place does not require a entrance fee. Yeah, compared to other attractions, this place probably is not gonna give you that “wow” feel. But once you slow down your paces, you’ll find so many incredible stuff (amazing view, history, etc.) Strongly recommend: * The shore that has bunch of crabs jumping around and crowds of fish you can only find when snorkeling * Two ponds with fishes and see if you can find an angle where they can be the mirror of the sky (so beautiful)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cindy B. 2 years ago on Google
    As a national historic site, there is an entrance fee to this place, though I am not sure how much. When we visited recently they had the admission gate unmanned and we're not charging. This site gives an impressive look at the history and culture of earlier Hawaiian people, and the traditions that were sacred to them. Set in a beautiful section of rocky seaside, this site gives visitors a lot to see. And just a short distance from Two Step, it gives a great look at local sealife. As far as created amenities, the park has bathrooms, a visitor center, and a small "theater" where you can view a historical documentary on the site. A must visit for anyone with an interest in Hawaiian history and culture.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony M. 1 year ago on Google
    There's something sacred, mystical, serene and sublime about this place. Not only is the history beautifully preserved but the location is beautiful as well. As you walk the grounds you can imagine what life may have been like for the people who lived here. I love history, geology, anthropology and this place had it all. Low key one of my favorite spots on the big island.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hinduja K. 9 months ago on Google
    Breathtaking views and so a serene place. Try to watch the video played. For a visitor this was very informative. Carry water with you. You cannot swim but have few scenic photographic points. Within 3-5 minutes walking distance there is a self-guided snorkeling spot. Must visit place
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony L. 4 months ago on Google
    Beautiful historic site operated by the National Park Service. Bring water as it gets warm walking around on the black lava rock. We went around low tide and were able to explore many tide pools full of beautiful fish. Entry is $20 for non-commercial vehicles.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela R. 1 year ago on Google
    Apr 2022 we walked here after our snorkel at Two Step Beach as was shown on a youtube video we watched before coming to Hawaii. We enjoyed our walk through this impressive place. It was an overcast day so added a bit to the mystique of this area. Wish we would have had time to walk the longer part as well but rain was threatening so we just did the small loop.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron Barbee (. 11 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful, serene place. I wish everyone was required to read and absorb what this place was about, as you’d likely see fewer people walking where they shouldn’t. If you’re going to do the big trail that runs south of the park, (1850 or something?) do it early and bring lots of water. Mostly unshaded and gets hot out there. Take your time. Take it in. Use the NPS app and listen to the guided tours - very cool!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jorge Regueiro P. 4 months ago on Google
    It was a good experience but nothing stunning. You can watch a film and learn over the Hawaiian traditions, that's interesting. There are wild goats in the park that are nice to see.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 J L. 6 months ago on Google
    Very cool to read about the history of this place and the views were spectacular, I guess I thought there was more than a loop or that people would be walking you through the history of each landmark. Hopefully my $20 goes to a good cause! Was not crowded at all but beware lava rock is hot in the sun! 2 step is right next door so you can leave your car and go next door to snorkel.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Josh L. 4 months ago on Google
    Very pretty area to visit and explore around. There’s a parking cost but we wound up going on a holiday so it was free. I’d say you only need about 45 min for a solid tour of the whole thing but it is a very nice location right by the water! Took some lovely pictures and there is a lot of historical significance which is cool!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracey G. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful and fascinating historical area! Lots of turtles and near a good snorkeling spot. A must do in South Kona.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 oscar j. 6 months ago on Google
    Very relaxing place where you can learn more about the natives. The place gets pretty hot so a hat and a pair of comfortable shoes will be a good suggestion. Sadly the volcano ticket doesn’t work in here and you will have to buy a $20 dollars ticket for a car or pay $10 dollar if you just walk in.

  • 5/5 Hamza W. 6 months ago on Google
    Great historical park! Must see the guardians- they are at the very beginning of the trail, take the 1871 hike to see the caves, and enjoy the beautiful coastal line/cliff views from the cave area. Must stop after you're done snorkeling at the two-step beach! You can use your national park pass for free entry, or else it's 20USD/vehicle or 10USD/person. They do have some free days, too, but only 5 to 6 per year.

  • 4/5 Margaret J. 4 months ago on Google
    Beautiful location and good map given on admission, explaining the historical sites. Much more crowded than when we visited 15 years ago so it didn’t feel as peaceful, like a “Place of Refuge”. Mornings are best time to visit to avoid crowds and have a more tranquil experience. It would be nice to have a discounted rate for over age 65.

  • 5/5 brandon d. 9 months ago on Google
    Our favorite historical park on the island and is worth the drive down from Kona, especially if you're going to south point since it's on the way. They do charge the NPS fee, but they also accept the annual park pass. Wonderful displays of the history of living on the island, from primitive huts, to artifacts, to growing food and fish farming. There is a Bea h right next to it where you can snorkel because we saw tons of fish in the lagoons.

  • 5/5 Rachel 11 months ago on Google
    Absolutely surreal place. The ranger talk was incredible and sobering, if you go I 100% recommend listening to help understand the significance of this place to the Hawaiian people. The ranger was amazing, real, and raw in his storytelling. If anything, the ranger talk was worth the entrance fee, as he gave not only a history of Hawaii but also underscored why this place is so important and worth respect. Awesome.

  • 5/5 Daniel B. 10 months ago on Google
    Great little park to visit. Rangers give talks in an outdoor amphitheater. It won't take you too long to get through the park, so you can tack it on to the days activities instead of making it the day's event. It's pretty flat, so even slight mobility challenged people can still enjoy it!

  • 5/5 sParky 6. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a really fun and exhilarating place to visit, and positively a must stop for anyone traveling to the big island. There is so much history here, in addition to the beautiful natural landscaping and archeological significance. If you're lucky, there might be staff or volunteers on site to offer further explanations or demonstrations of the native history. Keep in mind, this is a national park, and you can get free access if you have the national park access pass.

  • 4/5 roy b. 8 months ago on Google
    Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park is a great historical site with high significance for the Hawaiian people. On our day there was a basket weaver demonstrating how they weave special baskets that could be used as fish traps. Also the items of interest are easily explained with the guide map provided at the entrance. All places are numbered. Besides it's a beautiful place. Formerly also known in English as City of Refuge.

  • 5/5 A. M. 1 year ago on Google
    A magical place that carries a lot of spirit within. I loved learning some more about the Hawaiian History. The Heiau was one of the biggest ones i have seen on any of the islands. Very incredible craftsmanship, over 400yrs old and it still stands. Walking around we saw some really nice fish from the beach and enjoyed the scenic walk.

  • 5/5 Lisa W. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are looking to explore Hawaii and learn a bit of history, this park is a great stop. The walk is easy, but there are a lot of lava rocks and formations, so watch your step. It is a National Park, so the facilities are well maintained and the staff is friendly. There is a film that plays in the amphitheater that is worth watching to learn about the area and history. I recommend checking out this park if you are exploring the area.


Call +1 808-328-2326 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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