Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park - Activities

Begin your visit at the park's visitor center where you can pick up the park's brochure that includes information on the self guided trail. You might take in one of the orientation talks in the amphitheater, check the visitor center for the schduled time. The self-guided trail takes about 30 minutes and takes you through the royal grounds and place of refuge (pu'uhonua). You may find cultural demonstrators working and sharing their knowledge on traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts. Foreign language and other informational handouts are available at the front desk. We provide bottled water, but food or beverages are not sold in the park.

For those who enjoy nature, you can often spot green sea turtles or humpback whales during the winter months. Handouts on the local plants and birds are also available. Turtles are endangered and protected by law, please enjoy them from at least 10 feet away.

Picnickers can take the gravel road adjacent to the visitor center. This leads to a picnic area located near the shore and shaded by coconut trees. Barbecue pits and tables are available. Snorkeling is located next door at Honaunau bay.

Interested in hiking? You can follow the historic 1871 trail that takes you along the coast for about a mile.