Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park • Hawai'i

Carved wooden kiʻi

Sacred temple and coconut trees next to the ocean as viewed from a rocky wall across the bay.

A large heiau at the end of a sandy path.

Traditional Hawaiian garden

Man demonstrating Hawaiian craft

Group of hula dancers perform in front of a crowd.

Close-up of Hawaiian kiʻi

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.

Traditional Hawaiian kiʻi stand watch over Hale o Keawe, within the Royal Grounds of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
NPS Photo

On a walk through the Puʻuhonua's Royal Grounds, you can feel how this sacred area might have felt hundreds of years ago. Hale o Keawe can be seen on a walk through the Royal Grounds.
NPS Photo

A walk around the royal ground leads you to ‘Āle‘ale‘a Heiau, a temple built centuries ago.
NPS Photo

If you look closely, you'll find traditional Hawaiian flora throughout the park, including a garden with kalo.
NPS Photo

Throughout the week, cultural demonstrators at the park show visitors some traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts.
NPS Photo

At the annual Cultural Festival, many forms of Hawaiian arts (including hula) are presented to community members and visitors.
NPS Photo

Hawaiian kiʻi stand watch over the Puʻuhonua.
NPS Photo

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Duration:: 22 minutes, 18 seconds

The full-length park film for Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. "Those Are My Ancestors" tells of the life or death journey of a Hawaiian warrior who desperately seeks refuge at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. This spiritual sanctuary, commemorated today as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, was protected by Lono, the God of life. Today, the puʻuhonua continues to serve as a refuge for all peoples in our modern world.

Everyone helping at the hukilau (Hawaiian Fishing Technique)

National Park Service announces entrance fee-free days for 2026.

An offering of plants and fruits from the land is made on the Ahu to Lono.

Learn more about the importance of the Makahiki Ritual.

A Junior Ranger showcases his badges from across the country. NPS/Rachel Hendrix

Be a Junior Ranger! All booklets are online and can be completed via virtual tour or in person visit.

Coconut trees provide shade in the sunny picnic area

Find more information about getting a permit for a special event in the park or commercial tours and filming.

A family sitting on a lauhala mat learns how to make a lei

Learn more about the cultural and natural history of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

Last updated: June 3, 2026

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Mailing Address:

PO BOX 129
Hōnaunau, HI 96726

Phone:

808 328-2326

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