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For other posts about this trip, see our 2024 Adventures page.

Now we are on our way back to Kona, leaving Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (without seeing any lava ☹️) We stopped at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the way. I would highly recommend visiting this one!

There are 2 main sections to the park: The Royal Grounds and The Pu’uhonua. There is also the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail right through the park. At the far end it the Ki’ilae Village site. It had started raining, so we didn’t take the over 2 mile round trip walk to see the village site.

Just beyond the visitor’s center, there is an interpretive wall about the voyage to the islands and early life here. There is also a small garden with native plants.

More information about the images below can be found HERE (click Image descriptions on NP page).

We attended a Ranger Lecture while visiting. The Ranger is a descendant of a Chief who was initially interred here. It was a very interesting and informative presentation. I didn’t realize the site was still used for ceremonies.

We did the self-guided walking tour of the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua. Basically, the Royal Grounds were a meeting and ceremonial place for the Chief. The Pu’uhonua was considered a place of refuge during war, after war, and for “criminals” – if you made it here, you might be absolved of whatever crime they were trying to punish you for (casting your shadow onto the Chief, catching the a fish out of season, and even murder). Video by National Park Service HERE.

The Royal Grounds has/had several rules/laws that must be followed by those of royal descent. Commoners were forbidden.

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The Hale 0 Keawe – This Royal mausoleum is a sacred place with a temple inside. It used to house the bones of 23 chiefs. The bones have been moved to a Royal Mausoleum on Oahu. Each Ki’i is a representation of the different Gods.

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The Great Wall: This wall separates the Royal Grounds from the Pu’uhonua. It is 1000 feet long, 10 feet high, and 17 feet thick. There is one opening and it is open to the sea. This is how warriors escaping enemies or “criminals” would have to enter.

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Inside the Pu’uhonua: This is a sacred area for refuge, sanctuary, and redemption.

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And, of course, our daily travel map. This National Park site is about halfway between Waikoloa and Volcanoes National Park.