Where is Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park,Hōnaunau, Hawaii?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is located in Hawaii, USA on the Big Island. It lies between Kailua-Kona and Captain Cook and is situated along the western coastline of the island. It is famous for its ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, sacred temples, and cultural history.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Location Map,Hōnaunau, Hawaii

Top Attractions Inside Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

  • Royal Grounds & Sacred Sites – Restored structures and ceremonial spaces showcasing ancient Hawaiian culture.
  • Great Wall & Earthworks – Historic stone walls defining the sacred area and traditional architecture.
  • Wahi Pana (Heiau & Temples) – Sacred temples used for religious rituals and cultural preservation.
  • Visitor Center & Exhibits – Educational displays on Hawaiian history, customs, and park significance.
  • Kaiolohia (Canoe Landing) – Historical shoreline used for traditional canoe landings and ocean access.
  • Walking Trails – Paths through lush landscapes connecting historical and cultural sites.
  • Wildlife & Coastal Views – Opportunities to observe native birds and enjoy scenic ocean vistas.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Facts

Official NamePu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
LocationHōnaunau, Hawaii County, Hawaii, USA — Kona Coast, Big Island
Latitude & Longitude19.4761° N, 155.9047° W
Total AreaApprox. 420 acres (≈1.7 km²)
Established / OpenedJune 5, 1955
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionBig Island of Hawaii / Kona Coast / Hawaiian cultural and historical region
Address82-5900 Hawaii Belt Road, Hōnaunau, HI 96726, USA
Zip Code96726
Area Code808
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneHawaii-Aleutian Time (HST) – UTC−10 (no daylight saving)
Theme / ConceptHawaiian culture and heritage, sacred sites, historical refuge, archaeology, traditional Hawaiian practices, coastal preservation
Main Sections / AreasRoyal grounds (hale o papa, temple areas), ceremonial grounds, reconstructed hale (houses), coastal access areas, sacred grounds, visitor center
Famous AttractionsHeiau (temples), royal grounds, sacred fishponds, reconstructed Hawaiian village, walking trails, cultural demonstrations, coastline views
Annual VisitorsApprox. 100,000–150,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypeFree admission; donations encouraged
Ticket Price RangeFree entry; guided tours and educational programs may have separate fees
Ticket OptionsSelf-guided visit, ranger-led tours, cultural and educational programs, photography, hiking trails
Best Time to VisitYear-round; mornings recommended to avoid crowds; spring and fall for milder weather
Nearby AirportKona International Airport (KOA) – ~30 miles (48 km)
TransportationCar via Hawaii Belt Road, walking trails, guided tours, shuttle or taxi services from nearby towns, cultural demonstration access
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm

Distances from Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Hōnaunau Bay – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Honaunau Village – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Two Step Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Kealakekua Bay – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Captain Cook Monument – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Big Island Coffee Farms – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Keauhou Bay – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Mauna Loa Observatory – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Kona International Airport – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Ali‘i Drive (Kailua-Kona) – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Kona Coffee Living History Farm – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Kahalu‘u Beach Park – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Hulihe‘e Palace – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Honokohau Marina – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Mauna Kea Summit – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Waipi‘o Valley – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Akaka Falls State Park – 90 km (55.9 mi)