When you visit Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park you’ll find yourself immersed in the history and culture of these islands. Spreading across a remarkable 170 hectares, the park houses relics from the past, including the Great Wall to the Royal Grounds and a sacred temple. Visit the park as the sun starts to go down for stunning views across the Pacific Ocean.
A self-guided walking tour is available and you can pick up maps from various locations around the park that will guide you in the direction of the major attractions. Talks are held twice a day by rangers at the amphitheatre, where you can learn about the history and customs of people who once lived here.
Take one of the trails that leads away from the Visitor Center to see the Great Wall, an impressive 3-metre high, 5-metre thick wall constructed from dry masonry, that was once a place of refuge for lawbreakers, keeping them safe from certain execution after having broken a ‘kapu’, an ancient Hawaiian law. You can’t miss the towering wooden sculptures, or kii, which guarded the temple within the wall.
The Royal Grounds were once home for the chief of Kona. Here, you’ll see ancient fishponds, houses and a sacred temple, or heiau, which is one of the park’s oldest surviving buildings. Play a game of papamu, a game that was once played by royals. You'll find the playing surface in the Royal Grounds – find out more about how to play from the Visitor Center.
The park is open daily, and is situated just over 30 kilometres south of Kailua-Kona. It is best to get here by car or taxi, and if you’re driving then parking is included in the admission charge. Charter buses are available, and you can book at Kailua-Kona. Bring your own food along with you. There is only drinking water available at the site.
