Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Start your visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park at the visitors center, where you can see part of the original wall that divided this area into two parts. Then, explore the Royal Gardens. Head to the north to explore the Pu'uhonua. This was an area where pardoned individuals could live out their days, which was why this park was initially called the City of Refuge Park. See wooden images and an ancient Heiau. This is also a fantastic place to enjoy the bay and its tidal pools. 

Hiking Trails

• 1871 Trail

  Henry Cooper laid out this trail in 1871. This trail starts by following a dirt road from the largest parking lot at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Hiking along this two-mile path is a great way to see Hōnaunau Bay. This trail was a typical ala loa trail running between essential sites. 

  Location

  Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, State Highway 160, Hōnaunau, Hawaii 96726

  Length

  2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Pu'u Wa'awa'a Trail

  The Pu'u Wa'awa'a Trail begins at the hunter check-in station off Vulcanite Road. Hike along the gravel road to see the Tamaki Corral, located on one of the Big Island's largest ranches. This area contains some of the most extensive lava flows ever to occur on the island. Then, head to the southeast following the contour of the Pu'u. You can see stunning views of the Kīholo Bay shoreline from the summit. 

  Location

  Near Pu'u Wa'awa'a State Forest Reserve. 71-1645 Hawaii Belt Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

  Length

  6.7 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Diamond Head Summit Trail

  Climb across the switchbacks on the natural surface trail to reach the summit of Diamond Head. This trail, constructed between 1908 and 1911, played a vital role in allowing soldiers to see what was coming in the days following Pearl Harbor. This trail that is relatively steep and rocky is also a great place to see nature. 

  Location

  Diamond Head State Monument, Diamond Head Road at 18th Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

  Length

  1.8 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial

  Pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought for the United States by visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Watch the show in the theater to understand even more. Then, head out with park rangers to tour the USS Arizona. 

  Location

  1845 Wasp Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

• Hanauma Bay State Park

  Start your visit to Hanauma Bay State Park by watching the mandatory nine-minute video about ongoing conservation efforts. Then, explore this pristine marine environment. It is a fabulous place to go snorkeling. 

  Location

  7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

• Iolani Palace

  Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs. Tour the first and second floors of this palace with a tour guide, or follow the self-guided audio tour. 

  Location

  364 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Museums

• Bishop Museum

  The Bishop Museum is the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. It contains the world's most extensive collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts. The natural history collection contains more than 24 million items. 

  Location

  1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

  See airplanes and helicopters used in Pearl Harbor and World War I by stopping at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. This museum is housed in hangars that were instrumental during World War II. Pay attention to the damage that they sustained during the invasion. 

  Location

  319 Lexington Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

• Hawaii Army Museum Society

  Explore the elaborate religious preparations that went into preparation for battles when Hawaii was a kingdom by visiting the Hawaii Army Museum Society in Fort DeRussy Beach Park. Learn about Battery Randolph's role in protecting the Ring of Fire by visiting the US Army Museum of Hawaii. Study what happened during World War II when over 33% of Hawaii's residents had at least one Japanese ancestor. 

  Location

  2131 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Simply Wood Studios

  Find a vast array of hand-carved wooden products from Simply Wood Studios. Get hand-carved pens, bowls, vessels, and boxes. They also carry local artwork. 

  Location

  2131 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

• Hasegawa General Store 

  In its fifth generation, the staff at Hasegawa General Store has served customers in this location since 1910. At this family-operated store, you can find groceries, clothing, fishing equipment, water toys, books, and home décor. 

  Location

  5165 Hana Highway, Hana, Hawaii 96713

• Manago Hotel Restaurant

  Since 1917, diners have enjoyed eating at the Manago Hotel Restaurant. Try their fabulous fried pork chops. Their breakfast is a great way to start the day. You will love the historical décor in this café. 

  Location

  82-6155 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704

• Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery

  Located in a historic sugar plantation building constructed about 1910, Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery offers creative twists on traditional Hawaiian cuisine, including fresh fish. You can find many free-range and grass-fed meat options on their menu, along with organic vegetarian options. Do not be surprised when your wait staff dances the hula.

  Location

  55-3415 Akoni Pule Highway, Hawi, Hawaii 96719

How To Get To Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

It is easy to get from Captain Cook, Hawaii, to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Start by getting on Hawaii Belt Road going south. This road will become State Highway 160. Turn left on Pu'uhonua Road, which becomes Keala O Keawe Road. Turn right on Honaunau Beach Road. The historical park will be on your right. Many people choose to take a boat or a plane from Honolulu to visit this location. 

Address

State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, Hawaii 96726

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian or cyclist, age 16+) $10.0

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian or cyclist, age 15 and under) $0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle, 1-8 people) $20.0

Learn more about the Kona laws and the pardoning that a priest could do if a person could reach them in time by visiting Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. A great way to get to this park is in an RV. If you do not live in Hawaii, consider renting one on RVshare.com.