COVID-19 Safety

During this COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellness of our visitors, employees, partners, and communities are of the utmost concern. The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to safely increase access on a park-by-park basis. For more information on the current status of operations at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park visit the Current Conditions page.

For information on how to stay safe as you visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP and other National Park Service sites continue reading below.

Staying Safe in Your Parks

 

The health and safety of those who visit and work in national parks continues to be paramount, which is why we ask visitors to be our partner in adopting social distancing practices. The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases while enjoying the outdoors.

When recreating, the public is encouraged to follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, social distance and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

We urge visitors to park only in designated areas, plan a visit at times other than busiest of the day, maintain social distance from other visitors, wear a face covering and if you encounter a crowded trail-head or area, seek another location to recreate.  

We are also encouraging visitors to find their virtual park! Explore Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park from the comfort of anywhere in the world through the virtual tour, the PUHO Facebook page (for videos, photos, and interpretive posts), and the Learn About The Park section of this website.

 

Alt Text for COVID-19 Safety Alert

Black Bar header with National Park Service Arrowhead and text: "National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior"
Below is a red header with text "COVID-19 Safety Alert"
Main body text:

• The National Park Service follows CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Practice social distancing. Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and others.

• Wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

• Cover you mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

 

Masks in Parks

Mask Requirement (Effective 8/18/2021): Regardless of vaccination status or local community transmission levels, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking, in all common areas and shared workspaces in federally owned buildings administered by the National Park Service and in office space leased by the National Park Service.

'Federally owned buildings administered by the National Park Service' include, but are not limited to, visitor centers, administrative offices, maintenance facilities, and shared government quarters; buildings assigned to concessioners or other park partners; and buildings leased for commercial purposes to individuals or entities other than the National Park Service.

All individuals over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status or local community transmission levels, must wear masks in the following outdoor areas when others are present, except when actively eating or drinking, where the superintendent has determined that physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained:

• Visitor Center and Walkways adjacent to restrooms, bookstore and information tables.
• Viewing areas at Canoe House in the Royal Grounds

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals must comply with all orders regarding masks issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers on public transit, regardless of vaccination status. Masks remain required on all forms of public transit that operate within parks, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in transportation hubs.

Recreate Responsibly

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Park Service encourages all visitors to help keep parks and communities safe by recreating responsibly when visiting your National Parks. For tips on how to recreate responsibly please see the infographic below or visit the NPS Recreate Responsibly Webpage. We're all in this together, mahalo (thank you) for your kōkua (help).

 

 

Alt Text for Infographic

Stylized image of lava rock and white sand beach with coconut trees with the title: "RECREATE RESPONSBILY" and the following tips: 1) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, Visit nps.gov to find information on current park conditions and operations. Make a plan, have supplies on hand, and if you are sick, stay home. 2) KEEP IT WITH YOU, Brought something in? It's your responsibility to take it out. Trash pickup and restrooms may continue to be limited throughout many NPS sites; as always follow the "leave no trace" rule. 3) KEEP YOUR DISTANCE, Recreate with people in your household. Give others plenty of room with CDC social distancing guidelines of six feet, and cover your nose and mouth if safe social distancing is not possible. 4) KNOW YOUR LIMITS, Consider postponing challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on the pandemic. 5) KEEP IT CLOSE, Follow the state and county orders governing open status of the area you're considering visiting. When possible, stay close to home."