Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
National Historic Park

On the black lava flats of the southern Kona Coast, Pu'uhonau o Honaunau is a preserved ancient Hawaiian village.  This National Park is located adjacent to the excellent snorkeling spot of Honaunau Bay.

Tall royal palms surround the temple complex that sits on a 20-acre finger of lava bordered by the sea on three sides. The only access to the pu'uhonua (temple of refuge) was by swimming across a bay known as the shark's den. If you managed to survive, the kahuna (priest) was required, under pain of death, to offer you sanctuary and absolve you of all wrong doing.  Here in the national park you can walk through an ancient Hawaiian village and see firsthand how the kings of Hawaii once lived.

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (daily 7.30am-5.30pm; $2; ), four miles on from Kealakekua, is the single most evocative historical site in all the Hawaiian islands, jutting into the Pacific on a small peninsula of jagged black lava. The grounds include a palace, with fishpond and private canoe landing, and three heiaus , guarded by large carved effigies of gods - reproductions, but still eerie in their original setting. An ancient " place of refuge " lies firmly protected behind the mortarless masonry of the sixteenth-century Great Wall.  Those who broke ancient Hawaii's intricate system of kapu (taboo) - perhaps by treading on the shadow of a chief, or fishing in the wrong season - could expect summary execution unless they fled to the sanctuary of a place such as this. As chiefs lived on the surrounding land, transgressors had to swim through the shark-infested seas. If successful, they would be absolved and released overnight.

More photos and underwater videos of Honaunau, Place of Refuge.

Hiking the 1871 Trail
For those wanting to explore further, the backcountry trail offers a 2 mile round trip hike along the 1871 trail through the agricultural areas that surround the park. On this trail, you will encounter Hawaiian heiau, holua sled courses and the dramatic Keanae'e cliffs.

The 1871 Trail follows the path of an ancient trail. It is part of a system of trails that encircled the island to serve as trade routes. This portion of the trail was last improved in 1871, hence the name 1871 Trail. The trail is part of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and it begins behind the park's visitor center. Walking the trail, you will be led through Hawaiian history and natural resources until you reach the abandoned village of Ki'ilae.  More information on the 1871 Trail - NPS website.  Ask at the visitor center for a backcountry trail guide.  For information call: (808)328-2326

Attractions: ancient Hawaiian ruins, national park
Activities: picnicking, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sunbathing
Extras: parking lot and bathrooms at national park

Directions - Take Rte 11 South from Kailua Kona for about 19 miles.  Take a right on Hwy 160 (Ke Ala o Keawe Rd) near the 104 mile marker.  Be sure to arrive early because parking is limited.  View map of Honaunau.

Note - You can also reach Honaunau via Kealakekua bay by traveling south on Hwy 160 for 3.2 miles.  Place of Refuge National Park ($5 entry) immediately adjacent to beach park; bathrooms in the park

Visit The Sea Caves Near Honaunau