Permits & Reservations

 
Sunset viewed from the Picnic Area through coconut trees and parked cars
The Picnic Area is a popular spot for large group gatherings, weddings, commercial filming, and more.

NPS / Jeff Walsh

 

A permit is required for the following activities:

Activities That Require a Permit in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP

Weddings

All weddings, regardless of size, must obtain a special use permit. Maximum group size for wedding ceremonies is 50 people. Weddings will be permitted for the Picnic Area only. See the Special Use Permits section.

Large Group Gatherings & Special Events

Gatherings with more than 25 people must obtain a special use permit. Groups can be no larger than 50 people. See the Special Use Permits section.

Filming & Photography

Please see the Filming & Photography section of this page for more information.

Commerical Activities (Business & Non-profit)

To operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). This includes commerical tours.

First Amendment Activities Over 25 People

Please see the First Amendment section of this page for more information.


Filming & Photography Permits

Statement

Effective October 28, 2022 and following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on October 21, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) functionally reinstated previous laws and regulations related to commercial filming in national parks. The NPS has rescinded the interim guidance that was in place during litigation and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks.

This means that all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 
 

 

Questions and Answers

 

 

Special Use Permits

 

Commercial Use Authorization


To operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). All commercial tours that enter the park on a regular basis must have a CUA and are required to pay the commercial tour fee at the entrance station at each visit. The CUA is for commercial services that originate and terminate outside of the boundaries of the park. Activities such as advertising, soliciting, collecting fees or selling goods or services within the park boundaries are strictly prohibited.

Park fees include: $200 for the CUA ($350 as January of 2024) and $10.00 per person upon all entry into the park (including walk-in and bicycle tours). To be considered for a CUA you must complete the Commercial Use Authorization Application (PDF 180 KB) in its entirety and submit the completed application with payment to the park.

NEW! Video for first time applicants of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)


E-mail: kahocua@nps.gov
If you have any questions, please email us.
We look forward to working with you and seeing you in the park.
 

 

First Amendment Area

 
Satellite image of the parking lot with the first amendment area highlighted in red.


The First Amendment area is located in the last parking space across from the Administration building. The dimensions of the area are: 27 feet x 23 feet. One free-standing tent may be used in this area for protection from the sun.

  1. The sale of merchandise in the park is prohibited by Title 36 C.F.R. § 5.3 except for the sale of printed matter as defined in Title 36 C.F.R. § 2.52. Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted or distributed on park property. Printed matter will be limited to message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines and leaflets whose primary purpose is the advocacy, definition or explanation of a group's or individual’s political, religious, scientific or moral beliefs. PERMITTEE may also distribute printed material free of charge. All other forms of merchandise, including posters, coffee mugs, audio tapes, DVDs, video tapes, T-shirts, hats and other clothing materials may not be sold under this regulation.

  2. The free distribution of non-commercial message bearing electronic media to the public, such as CDs, DVDs, and other readable electronic media is authorized, but the PERMITTEE may not ask or demand payment or request a donation in exchange for these items.

  3. No fee may be collected or donations solicited, except for the sale of printed material as noted above. Donations may be passively collected if participants choose to make a donation, but not for the exchange of any product or service.

  4. First Amendment Activities are restricted the designated First Amendment area.

    1. The last parking space on the north side of the parking lot on the exit side

Last updated: October 24, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO BOX 129
Hōnaunau, HI 96726

Phone:

808 328-2326

Contact Us