Nature & Science

A close relationship with the ʻāina (land) remains an integral part of Hawaiian culture, even today. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau not only serves as a refuge for us humans, but also a refuge for the unique and plentiful flora and fauna of coastal Hawaiʻi. When visiting the park you'll be immersed in the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Perhaps you will...

... hear the rustling of the wind blowing through coconut fronds as the peaceful waters of Hōnaunau Bay lap upon the shores of Keoneʻele Cove providing a place for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) to forage the underwater rocks for algae.

...feel thousand year old lava hardened beneath your feet creating the earth on which you walk

...smell the ripe fragrance of the noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit and appreciate its many uses in traditional Hawaiian medicine.

...taste the salt air as it blows off the crests of crashing waves.

... see an ‘ulili (Wandering Tattler) peering into the tidepools searching for food.

With the majestic waters of the blue Pacific Ocean stretching out before you, the power and beauty of the natural landscape surrounds you at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. One cannot overlook the nature and science that prevails as part of this park's foundation.