Superintendent's Compendium

Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.


United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Highway 160 Honaunau, HI 96726

IN REPLY REFER TO:
l0D PUHO-VRP
Closure Order # 24-001
July 11, 2024


Closures, restrictions and public use limits:

Closure Order - Restrictions and Public Use Limits: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(l), the following closure will be in effect:

All areas within Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will be closed to visitation from 12:01 am on July 14, 2024 until 7:00 am on July 17, 2024. The park will resume normal operating hours at 7:00 am on July 17, 2024

Authority: 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(l)

Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Histo1ical Park, including park visitors and stakeholders. This order does not apply to the pem1ittee (Na Hoa Aloha o ka Pu'uhonua o Honaunau) or any individuals invited by the permittee to participate in the ceremonies as part of the special use permit.

Finding:The NPS issues this administrative order to avoid conflict among visitor use activities. The closure is necessary to accommodate access for ceremonial use and provide for privacy in the perfom1ance of spiritual practices for a Native Hawaiian organization with lineal ties to sites within
Pu 'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. This order is in alignment with NPS Management Policies and with Executive Order 13007 on Sacred Sites. This closure has been approved in writing by the Regional Director of the Pacific West Region of the National Park Service.

Approval: PAUL SCOLARI Digitally signed by PAUL SCOLARI
Superintendent Date: 2024.07.11 12:06:01 -10'00'



Approved by: Paul Scolari, Superintendent
Revised Date: June 5th 2024


In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 United States Code, Section 100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Where required by Section 1.5(c), written determinations that explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority appear in this document identified by italicized print.

 
 

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – Visting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, and Area Designations for Specific Use or Activities

(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established:

Visiting Hours

  • Park visiting hours are from 7:00 am to 15 minutes after sunset
  • Closing time is posted at all entrances, on park bulletin boards and on the park website.
  • Park areas are closed to all pedestrians and vehicles outside of park hours, except that pedestrians may enter the park for shoreline access when the park is closed.
  • The parking lot is open at 8:15 am daily and closes at 15 minutes after sunset.
  • Overnight parking is prohibited in all park areas

Determination: Overnight use and camping is prohibited in the park, and access roads are closed by gates. There is no reason for a vehicle to remain in the park overnight.

It is necessary to restrict hours that the public may enter an area in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities during nighttime hours. It is also necessary for visitor safety.

Public Use Limits

Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) the following activities are restricted in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, effective immediately, until further notice:

Gatherings or Picnics

Visitor groups of more than 25 people who wish to gather or picnic in the park must obtain a permit. Gatherings and picnics of more than 25 people are restricted to the Picnic Area.

Determination: The picnic area is the only place that can accommodate gatherings and picnics while protecting resources and minimizing the impact of a large group on other visitors; a permit is necessary to manage the activity.

All weddings must obtain a permit. Weddings are limited to a group size of 50 people. Wedding ceremonies are allowed south of the Great Wall to the end of the picnic parking lot and makai (on the ocean side) of the parking lot, within the picnic area only.

Determination: Wedding parties of more than 50 people detract from the cultural values of the park and interfere with other visitors’ ability to view and access the shoreline, and natural and cultural features.

Closures

Unmanned Aircraft

Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quad-copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Determination: Unmanned aircraft may cause disturbance of endangered species including the Hawaiian Pueo (Hawaiian Owl) and I‘o (Hawk) and also disturb migratory waterfowl. The use of unmanned aircraft may adversely impact visitor experiences by disturbing the enjoyment of the natural and cultural landscape and soundscape. The use of unmanned aircraft presents unacceptable risks to visitors (collisions between unmanned aircraft and visitors, the uncontrolled fall of unmanned aircraft, contact with spinning propellers or rotors of unmanned aircraft).

Hiking §2.1(b)

Hiking or other pedestrian use is restricted to the footpaths in the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua and the designated and maintained trails listed below. Hiking is allowed on the shoreline. Designated trails are shown in the official park brochure.

  • Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (1871 Trail)

  • Coastal Trail

Determination: Archeological sites and features in the park are comprised of dry-stack (no mortar) stonework, loose stone work, pits, soft-lava trails, or loose midden material that may be difficult for the untrained eye to see and which are easily disturbed or damaged by off-trail pedestrian use. Due to the arid environment many native plants within the park are small and have thin, shallow root material that is easily damaged and/or dislodged when tread upon.

Fishing §2.3 (c)
Fishing is prohibited in all anchialine pools.

Determination: Fishing is prohibited in anchialine pools to prevent disturbance and contamination of these fragile ecosystems and to protect populations of endemic shrimp.


Camping §2.10(a)
Camping is not permitted within the Park.

Determination: This park is designated as day use only. These conditions are established to protect the resources and protect public safety during hours of limited staffing. There are many other public lands nearby which offer camping opportunities.

Picnicking §2.11
Picnicking is not allowed in the Royal Grounds, within the Pu’uhonua, or in the Amphitheatre.

Determination: The Royal Grounds and the Pu’uhonua area traditionally sacred areas with many cultural features. Picnicking detracts from the cultural Hawaiian values of this area. Picnicking is prohibited in the Amphitheatre to prevent interruption of park interpretive talks and park activities.


Smoking §2.21
(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking:

The smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and the use of E-cigarettes or Vapor Cigarettes or similar devices is prohibited in all government buildings, structures or facilities and within the following outdoor areas of the park:

  • Royal Grounds
  • Puuhonua
  • Amphitheatre
  • Picnic Area
  • Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited.

Determination: The above locations are small areas where visitors congregate to enjoy park facilities, attractions and beaches. To prevent visitor conflicts and exposure to second-hand smoke, these areas are closed to smoking. Both the State and County of Hawaii have banned smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on State and County beaches.

Swimming §3.16
Swimming is not allowed in any anchialine pool.

Determination: Anchialine pools are fragile ecosystems that support endemic species. Swimming is prohibited to prevent contamination from sunscreen, body oils or other materials and to prevent disturbance to animals. Anchialine pools are cultural and archeological sites and entering them for swimming may damage historically significant features.

Filming §5.5(a)
(a) Before any motion picture may be filmed or any television production or soundtrack may be made by any person other than bona fide newsreel or news television personnel, written permission must first be obtained from the Superintendent.

(b)Taking photographs of any vehicle or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising without a written permit from the Superintendent is prohibited.

(a)(2) The following areas are designated for a specific use or activity and/or the following conditions or restrictions are imposed on a specific use or activity:

See maps for area and activity restrictions

Areas Designated for a Specific Use or Activity:

Weddings
Wedding ceremonies are allowed south of the Great Wall to the end of the picnic parking lot and makai (on the ocean side) of the parking lot (within the picnic area only), with a permit.

Pets
Pets are prohibited in the Royal Grounds, the Pu’uhonua and the Amphitheatre.

Conditions and Restrictions on Specific Uses or Activities:

Passenger Carrying Buses
Engines must be shut down when not underway.

Determination: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.


Digging /Ground Disturbance
Digging and/or disturbance of sand and soil is not allowed in the park, including anywhere along the park’s shoreline and beaches.

Determination: Cultural deposits are known to exist throughout the park and digging or ground disturbance is prohibited to protect cultural and archeological features. Archeological sites and features in the park are comprised of dry-stack (no mortar) stone work, loose stone work, pits, soft-lava trails, or loose midden material that may be difficult for the untrained eye to see; therefore, these features may be inadvertently damaged by digging or ground disturbance.


Hammocks and slacklines
Hammocks and slacklines are not allowed in the park.

Determination: Because shade trees are a limited resource, are an attractive place to gather, and hammocks/slack-lines take up a large space among two or more shade trees, to minimize visitor conflicts and afford adequate shade access for all park visitors, hammocks may not be attached to trees. Cords, cables and straps used to suspend hammocks/slacklines can also cause damage to trees.


Kites
Kites are not allowed to be flown anywhere in the park, including the entire shoreline.

Determination: Kites or any motorized flying plane or toy may cause disturbance of endangered species and migratory waterbirds. Kites may interfere with the cultural landscape and visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the area.


Balloons
Balloons are prohibited in the park.

Determination: Broken balloons disperse into the ocean and land environments and are inhalation and ingestion hazards to birds, sea turtles and marine mammals.


Tiki Torches, Candles, & Lanterns
Tiki torches, candles and lanterns are prohibited in the park.

Determination: To protect park resources (trees, grasses, thatched structures) from fire, use of tiki torches or other types of ignited candles or lanterns is prohibited.


Beach Umbrellas, Shade Tents, Canopies, & Free-Standing Shade Tents
Beach umbrellas, shade tents, canopies, and free-standing tents are prohibited, except in the designated First Amendment area, where one free-standing tent may be used to provide for public safety.

Determination: 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. Digging or disturbing soil to secure structures is not allowed due to the presence of cultural resources in the substrate. Moving rocks to support freestanding tents and umbrellas often disturbs cultural resources; use of rocks from cultural sites is prohibited by 36 CFR 2.1.


Beach Chairs, Towels, Mats, Beach Umbrellas, & Coolers
Possession and use of beach chairs, towels, mats, beach umbrellas and coolers are prohibited in the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua.

Determination: 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. Sunbathing, picnicking and beach activities interfere with visitors’ understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the cultural landscape.


Paints & Easels
The use of paints and easels is prohibited in the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua.

Determination: Setting up easels and painting in the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua interferes with other visitors’ use and enjoyment of the area and detracts from the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.


Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping is prohibited.

Determination: This is to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources along the shoreline and to protect human safety.


Entering Keoneʻele Cove
Entering Keone‘ele Cove beyond the barriers is prohibited.

Determination: Keone’ele Cove is an archeological site with subsurface resources. Keone’ele Cove is occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, swimmers entering the water detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.


Launching & Landing Watercraft
Launching and landing of canoes, kayaks, rubber rafts or other motorized or non-motorized vessels are prohibited in Keone‘ele Cove and Paumoa Cove.

Determination: Keone’ele Cove and Paumoa are archeological sites with subsurface resources. Vessels landing on the beach may disturb or uncover these resources. Both areas are occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels, including kayaks and rafts, disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, vessels landing on the beach detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.


Hale o Keawe
Access into Hale o Keawe is prohibited.

Determination: This is necessary to protect sensitive cultural resources from damage and vandalism. This site is considered sacred.


Caves, Burial Sites, & Lava Tubes
All caves, burial sites and lava tubes are closed to the public.

Determination: This is necessary to protect sensitive cultural and natural resources from damage and vandalism, theft and inappropriate use.


Abandoned Property §2.22
Items left in the park for 24 hours will be considered abandoned.
Geocaching is not allowed within the park.

Determination: The park is small and unattended property may interfere with park operations and with visitor enjoyment of the cultural landscape. Due to the abundance of cultural sites within the park that are not obvious to an untrained person, geocaching is prohibited to protect against disturbance of cultural sites


Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD)
Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) such as the Segway and similar devices are authorized for use by persons with mobility disabilities as defined in 35.104 of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. When used by persons with disabilities, the NPS considers e-bikes to be OPDMDs. (See Section 3.6 Bicycles for definition of e-bike.)

Any OPDMD operated in Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP under this rule shall meet the following standards:

  • Size: OPDMD shall not be wider than 36” or longer than 48”.

  • Speed: OPDMD shall not be operated in excess of 5 miles per hour

  • Operation: A person shall operate any mobility assistive device in a safe and responsible manner;

  • Noise: OPDMD shall not produce noise levels in excess of 70 decibels.

  • Emissions: OPDMD shall not exceed zero emissions during use.

Areas of Authorized Use: OPDMDs which meet the above criteria are allowed in the following locations within Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP:

  • Exterior routes of travel designed for pedestrian use within developed public use areas
  • Trails and pathways specifically designed and constructed to ADA standards
  • Park roads and parking areas.

Determination: This provides for the use of OPDMD within the park by Mobility Impaired persons and the protection of park resources from recreational activities inconsistent with park management. The NPS is subject to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in federally assisted and federally conducted programs and activities. The NPS notes the Department of Justice interprets requirements under Section 504 consistently with those under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which include requirements governing “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” (OPDMDs) at 28 CFR 35.137. When used by persons with disabilities, the NPS considers e-bikes to be OPDMDs and therefore, the requirements and policies governing OPDMDs under the ADA will apply to the use of e-bikes for purposes of compliance with Section 504.


Refuse Collecting
No one may take refuse from a dumpster, refuse bin, recycling bin or trash receptacle.

Determination: This is necessary to prevent littering and sanitation issues caused by searching trash cans for recyclable refuse.


Public Water Use
No one may take refuse from a dumpster, refuse bin, recycling bin or trash receptacle.

Determination: This is necessary to prevent littering and sanitation issues caused by searching trash cans for recyclable refuse.

 

36 CFR §1.6 – Activities that Require a Permit

Activities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.


Permits and permit information may be obtained at the Park Headquarters, located at Hwy 160, Honaunau, HI, 96726 or by email. Permit information may also be obtained on the park’s website.

§1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:

  • Weddings (all weddings require a permit)
  • Parties/Gatherings – groups of more than 25 persons shall obtain a permit.
  • Special events
  • Public assemblies and meetings, political gatherings

§2.5(a) Scientific Research, Research Specimens collection (Taking of plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals).

  • Scientific research and scientific collection are permitted through the Research Permitting and Reporting System (RPRS) or email.

§2.12 Audio Disturbances:

  • (a) (2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas

  • (a) (3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas.

  • (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51

§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:

  • (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means

  • (c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft

§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)

§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

  • Public assemblies with 25 or fewer people are not required to obtain a permit.
  • Public assemblies with more than 25 people must obtain a permit.
  • Groups may assemble in the designated First Amendment area.
  • Groups may not impede or interfere with visitors walking on the road or sidewalks.
  • See attached maps for designated area.
  • Groups with up to 25 people may assemble in the last parking stall between the exit road and fee booth. One shade tent may be used at this location.

§2.62 Memorialization:

  • (a) Erection of monuments requires approval from Regional Director.

  • (b) Scattering ashes from human cremation is not allowed within the park boundaries.

§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)

  • Such permission may be granted only if the notice or advertisement is of goods, services, or facilities available within the park area and such notices and advertisements are found by the Superintendent to be desirable and necessary for the convenience and guidance of the public.

§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).

§5.4(a) Commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles

§5.5 Filming & Still Photography:

§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads

 

36 CFR §2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources

(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:

Park Wide

  • Entering caves, lava tubes or burial sites is prohibited.

  • Personal items such as towels, clothing and snorkel gear shall not be leaned against or draped over any archeological or cultural structure.

Determination: Caves, lava tubes and burial sites are closed to protect cultural and natural resources and to provide for public safety in unstable lava tubes or caves. Items draped on cultural sites interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the cultural landscape and cultural values for which the park was established.

Entering Keoneʻele Cove

Entering Keone‘ele Cove beyond the barriers is prohibited.

Determination: Keone’ele Cove is an archeological site with subsurface resources. Keone’ele Cove is occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, swimmers entering the water detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.

Lauching & Landing of Watercraft

Launching and landing of canoes, kayaks, rubber rafts or other motorized or non-motorized vessels are prohibited in Keone‘ele Cove and Paumoa Cove.

Determination: Keone’ele Cove and Paumoa are archeological sites with subsurface resources. Vessels landing on the beach may disturb or uncover these resources. Both areas are occasionally visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and frequently used by threatened green sea turtles for resting, basking and foraging. People and vessels, including kayaks and rafts, disturb wildlife’ use of the area. Due to the small size of the cove, vessels landing on the beach detract from the cultural landscape and interfere with the traditional Native Hawaiian cultural values for which the park was established.

Hale o Keawe

Access into Hale o Keawe is prohibited.

Determination: This is necessary to protect sensitive cultural resources from damage and vandalism. This site is considered sacred.

Hiking & Pedestrian Traffic

(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail or walkway as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.

Certain areas are closed to hiking and are listed in section 1.5(a) (1) “Closures”.

Collecting

Under, §2.1(a) collecting natural materials from the park is generally prohibited. However, pursuant to §2.1(c), the following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or possession and consumption restrictions:

  • Noni Fruit Limit: 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.

Determination: The gathering of these fruits in these amounts and within the location will not adversely affect park resources. Extreme care must be exercised in the collection so as not to damage the host plant or surrounding vegetation. If a harmful effect on wildlife or vegetation is observed, the collection of noni fruit will be prohibited.

 

36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife Protection

(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:

  • All park areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of artificial light.

36 CFR §2.3 – Fishing

(e) Fishing in saltwater with net, spear or weapon, are authorized in the following areas only and in the following manner:

  • Along coastal shore and in compliance with laws and regulations of the State.
  • Fishing is prohibited in all anchialine pools.

36 CFR §2.4 – Weapons, Traps, and Nets

(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations:

  • While transporting weapons utilized for fishing within the park, all weapons must be in an unloaded condition until in the act of fishing in the ocean away from the vicinity of other park visitors.

36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking

Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a) (1) “Closures”.

Conditions for Picnicking:

  • Groups of more than 25 people are restricted to the Picnic Area and must obtain a permit.

36 CFR §2.13 – Fires

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

Designated Areas:

  • Fires are only allowed in the Picnic Area.

Receptacles Allowed:

  • Fires are allowed in the park-provided fire grills or in self-contained portable propane or charcoal grills.

Established Conditions for Fires:

  • During a period of “High Fire Danger” and a County of Hawaii designated “Burn Ban”, all fires will be prohibited in the park.

(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:

  • Stoves or lanterns are allowed within the picnic area only.
  • Stoves or gas-powered lanterns are not allowed on coast or trails.

(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:

  • Fires should be extinguished with water.

36 CFR §2.14 – Sanitation & Refuse

(a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is allowed under the following conditions:

  • The dumping of household, commercial or industrial refuse brought from private or municipal property is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.15 – Pets

(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches, and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:

  • Visitor Center, Amphitheater, Royal grounds and the Puuhonua.

  • All government buildings.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

  • Pet waste must be immediately picked up and properly disposed of in a waste container by the person responsible for the pet. Owners may dispose of pet excrement in covered garbage cans provided throughout the park.

36 CFR §2.17 – Aircraft & Delivery

(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent through written authorization.

Authorization may be requested from the Superintendent’s Office at the Park Headquarters.

36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking

(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking:

The smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and the use of E-cigarettes or Vapor Cigarettes or similar devices is prohibited in all government buildings, structures or facilities and within the following outdoor areas of the park:

  • Royal Grounds
  • Puuhonua
  • Amphitheatre
  • Picnic Area
  • Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited.

Determination: The above locations are small areas where visitors congregate to enjoy park facilities, attractions and beaches. To prevent visitor conflicts and exposure to second-hand smoke, these areas are closed to smoking. Both the State and County of Hawaii have banned smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on State and County beaches.

36 CFR §2.22 – Property

(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:

  • Unattended property will be considered abandoned after 24 hours and impounded or disposed of.

  • Geocaching is not permitted in the park.

36 CFR §2.23 – Recreation Fees

(b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:

Entrance Fee Areas:

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Park is a designated fee area as mandated by 36 CFR Section 71.3(a) and requires an entrance fee.

Entrance Fees & Permits

Prices

Vehicle Permit (valid for 7 days)

$20.00

Motorcycle Permit (valid for 7 days)

$15.00

Individual Permit (valid for 7 days)

$10.00

Tri-Park Pass (valid at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP, and Haleʻakalā NP)

$80.00

Annual Pass (Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau)

$35.00

Annual Senior Pass

$20.00

Lifetime Senior Park Pass

$80.00

Access Pass

Free

Age 15 and under

Free

  • Organized non-commercial groups (service organizations, scouts, church groups, and college/school clubs) and any non-commercial vehicle with a passenger capacity of 15 or more will be charged $10 for each person on board. Valid passes may be used as defined on the back of the pass. $7 per passenger for commercial tours

  • An educational fee waiver may be granted to schools or bona fide academic institutions that are conducting outings for non-commercial educational purposes. (per the guidelines for educational fee waivers).

The collection of recreation fees will be suspended during the following periods:

  • National Public Lands Day (One day in September each year)
  • Puuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Cultural Festival
  • Other days as designated by government policy

36 CFR §2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages & Controlled Substances

a)(3)(i) The following areas and facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

  • Government Buildings

  • Royal Grounds

  • Pu’uhonua

36 CFR §2.37 – Noncommercial Soliciting

Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.

36 CFR §2.50 – Special Events

a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefore has been issued by the Superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 – Demonstrations

(b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

(c)(2) The following location is designated as available for demonstrations:

  • The last parking stall between the exit road and fee booth. One shade tent may be used at this area.

36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization

(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, or in the following areas and according to the following conditions:

  • Scattering ashes from human cremation is not allowed within the park boundaries.

36 CFR §3.16 – Swimming & Wading

Swimming or wading is allowed in waters, subject to closures or restrictions designated in §1.5 of this document.

36 CFR §4.10 – Travel on Park Roads & Routes

(a), (b) Operating a motor vehicle is prohibited except on park roads, routes and areas designated for off-road motor vehicle use.

Designated park roads are shown on the official park brochure and are limited to:

  • The road into the Visitor Center parking lot
  • Coastal Access Road

There are no roads, routes or areas designated for off-road motor vehicle use.

36 CFR §4.21 – Speed Limits

(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

  • The road into the Visitor Center parking lot: Five (5) mph
  • Coastal Access Road: Five (5) mph

36 CFR §4.30 – Bicycles

(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas, and on routes designated for bicycle use. Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in §1.5 of this document.


Designated park roads are shown on the official park brochure:

  • The road into the Visitor Center parking lot
  • Coastal Access Road


No routes have been designated for bicycle use.


E-bikes:

  • The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower).
  • E-bikes are allowed in Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP where traditional bicycles are allowed.
  • E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
  • When used by persons with diabilities, the NPS considers e-bikes to be OPDMDs see section on OPDMDs.
  • A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
  • Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.

The park’s use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionallyprotected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be to help ensure public safety and security;facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1).

Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2)

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.

Area & Activity Restriction Maps

 
Map of the Royal Grounds with restrictions listed. See drop down box below image for full alt text
 

 
Map of the Puʻuhonua area with Restrictions listed. Full alt text is available in the drop down box below image.
 

 
Map of the Picnic Area with restrictions listed. Full alt text is available in drop down box below.
 

 
Map of the Designated First Amendment Area. For full alt text see drop down menu below.
 

Last updated: October 24, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO BOX 129
Hōnaunau, HI 96726

Phone:

808 328-2326

Contact Us