The pu‘uhonua also provided a safe haven to women, children, the infirm and the elderly seeking protection in time of battle.
You'll begin the park's easy .5-mile self-guiding walking tour at the visitor center, where you're given a handy map/guide. A cellphone tour also is offered. From here you immediately enter the sacred wahi pana (legendary place) through the Royal Grounds. With pretty Hōnaunau Bay to your right and swaying coconut palms all around, it's a lovely setting. Along the path you'll see hale (houses), hālau (open-ended structures) and heiau (temples), as well as a cove that served as a royal canoe landing.
The Royal Grounds (the area reserved for chiefs and their people) and the pu‘uhonua are separated by a 1,000-foot-long, 12-foot-high and 17-foot-wide stone Great Wall. At the bay end of the impressive Great Wall, ki‘i (carved wooden statues representing Hawaiian gods) surround the thatched Hale o Keawe temple, which was originally a mausoleum once containing the bones of 23 ali‘i (chiefs). These bones were believed to possess mana (divine or supernatural power) and protect the pu‘uhonua.
On the sanctuary side of the Great Wall you'll pass stone heiau, coastal tide pools and a fishpond before returning to the visitor center. If you have time, after hopping back in the car, drive to the far end of the parking lot and turn onto the dirt road that's just left of the visitor center. In a few minutes you'll reach the park's picnic area—a series of tables (with barbecue grills) along the coastline. If you've come in late afternoon, it's a beautiful, tranquil spot to watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
Visitors also can hike 2 miles round-trip on the 1871 Trail to view Ki‘ilae Village, which includes abandoned house sites, agricultural features, animal pens and salt vats; a flier is available at the visitor center.
The visitor center has restrooms, a gift shop, a few exhibits and rangers on duty to answer questions. Orientation talks are presented daily at 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30 (also most Wed. at 11) when staff is available.
Note: Camping is prohibited. Heiau are culturally significant and should be treated with respect. Allow 1 hour minimum. One-way drive time from Kailua-Kona is about 40 minutes.
Address inquiries to the Park Superintendent, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, P.O. Box 129, Hōnaunau, HI 96726.
The 421-acre park is open daily 7 a.m.-dusk. The visitor center is open daily 8:30-4:30.
A 7-day pass is $20 per private vehicle; $15 per motorcyclist; $10 per pedestrian or bicyclist; free (ages 0-15). A Hawai‘i Tri-park Annual Pass (which includes Haleakalā National Park and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park) is $55. Phone (808) 328-2288 or (808) 328-2326.