Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park protects one of Hawaiʻi’s most important sacred sites, a place of refuge on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, about 22 miles south of Kailua-Kona via State Highway 160. Under ancient kapu law, a lawbreaker who reached this lava-rock sanctuary could be absolved and spared, and the site remains under the protection of Lono, the god of life (source: NPS).
A self-guided trail leads from the royal grounds, where aliʻi once lived among fishponds and coconut palms, to the Great Wall. This mortarless stone barrier, built around 1550, runs roughly 965 feet. At the shoreline, carved wooden kiʻi guard the reconstructed Hale o Keawe, a temple that once held the bones of 23 chiefs. Visitors also pass thatched hale, canoe sheds, and a stone kōnane game board. Green sea turtles often rest on the lava shelves.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Entry costs $20 per vehicle and is valid for seven consecutive days (source: National Park Data). Annual passes are not sold on site, so buy one online beforehand if you need it (source: NPS). Arrive early in the morning for cooler temperatures and quieter grounds. Midday heat on the black lava is intense, so bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Respect the sacred areas by staying on the paths and leaving rocks undisturbed. Afterward, snorkel at nearby Two Step, just north of the park entrance.
