Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Imagine you had just broken the sacred laws, the kapu, and the only punishment was death.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
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.
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HIdrive time
HIdrive time
HIdrive time
HIdrive time
Driving times from Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all of its passengers (up to 8 persons). Organized non-profit groups (service organizations, scouts, church groups, college/school clubs) are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Good for entry into Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for seven days from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$15.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Admits one individual when entering by foot or bicycle. Good for entry into Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for seven days from the date of purchase. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeAcademic institutions may be eligible for a fee waiver by simply filling out sections 1, 2, and 5 of our educational fee waiver application. If an educational fee waiver is not obtained, the standard entrance fees apply.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$10.00Non-commercial groups entering the park in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more will be charged $10.00 for each person on board.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$10.00All commercial tours that enter the park on a regular basis must have a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) and are required to pay the commercial tour fee at the entrance station at each visit. For more information on how to get a CUA visit the Permits & Reservations page.
Hours
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP Operating Hours
- Mon
- 8:15AM - Sunset
- Tue
- 8:15AM - Sunset
- Wed
- 8:15AM - Sunset
- Thu
- 8:15AM - Sunset
- Fri
- 8:15AM - Sunset
- Sat
- 8:15AM - Sunset
- Sun
- 8:15AM - Sunset
Activities
Getting there
The weather in the park is typically hot and sunny with daytime temperatures in the upper 80's. An excellent time to experience the park is in the morning and in the late afternoon when the temperatures are a bit cooler. The park occasionally closes because of high winds or dangerous storm conditions. Please check with the visitor center or your hotel for any weather advisories or hazardous conditions on the day of your visit.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park?
- Entrance to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Cultural Demonstrations, Fishing, Food.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (46 min), Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (54 min), Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (1 h 26 min), Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (2 h 36 min).