DESCRIBING: Color image of two guardian kiʻi, or carved wooden images of Hawaiian gods, stand in the foreground, perched on the edge of a black volcanic seawall looking out over the clear blue waters of Hōnaunau bay.
SYNOPSIS: Behind the guardian kiʻi lies the thatched Hale o Keawe surrounded by a wooden palisade with three visible fencepost kiʻi spaced along its length. In the inner court lies a semi-circle of carved kiʻi representing various aspects of the god lono, two guardian kiʻi near the small doorway into the thatched structure, and a wooden lele (two tiered offering platform) with ladder. To the left of Hale o Keawe lies the edge of the Great Wall, a 12 foot by 18 foot by 950 foot dry-stacked masonry wall of interlocking black volcanic rocks. Behind the Great Wall tall coconut trees dot the clear blue sky. In front of the wall lies a solitary, smaller kiʻi. White coral sand spreads out along the ground.
CAPTION: Guardians Two ki‘i (wooden images of Hawaiian gods) stand on shore to alert everyone of the great mana here.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
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In the time of ancient Hawaiʻi, this place possessed extraordinary mana (spiritual power). It came in part from the 23 aliʻi (chiefs) whose bones were protected in Hale o Keawe, the heiau (temple) shown above. The Royal Grounds were a center of power, open only to aliʻi and those serving them. Beryond the Great Wall, the Puʻuhonua served as a place of refuge for those who broke kapu, the sacred laws and beliefs by which all lived. These wahi pana (legendary places) and ancient Hawaiian culture endure here as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a darker-skinned man.
SYNOPSIS: Man in traditional clothing of a red malo (loincloth) and white kihei (shawl) blows pū, a conch shell trumpet. He wears yellow wraps around his head, wrists, and ankles. Around his neck is a green leaf-like necklace.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
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The sound of a pū (conch) announces the approach of aliʻi. Skilled paddlers maneuver waʻa (canoes) around the lava rocks to land at Keoneʻele Cove. Aliʻi step onto the Royal Grounds with their advisors and priests. For the next several months, they will hold ceremonies and host gatherings. They might engage in negotiating war or peace, meeting in the shade of a hālau (thatched shelter). They participate in amusements like kōnane or the sport heʻe hōlua (sled riding). Attendants and servants perform daily tasks, hurrying between hale (houses), serving the aliʻi or perhaps preparing fish taken from the royal fishponds. Priests consult with the aliʻi on matters of spirituality, and conduct rituals, here at Hale o Keawe, and in the Puʻuhonua
In the time of kapu, a woman eats with a man. A makaʻāinana (commoner) casts his shadow on an aliʻi. Someone catches a fish out of season. Break these or any other kapu, and you face the ultimate punishment of death. Your only chance of survival is to elude your pursuers on foot, make your way to the coast, and swim to the Puʻuhonua. If you make it—and many do not—you may be absolved by a priest.
During times of war, the Puʻuhonua served another role—as sanctuary for children, elders, and other noncombatants. Defeated warriors could also seek safety in the refuge. When the battle ended they were free to return home and resume their lives regardless of the battle’s outcome.
The Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, like all puʻuhonua in the islands, served Hawaiians for hundreds of years until kapu ended in 1819. It remains a sacred place of peace, calm, and refuge to Hawaiians, open to all who find their way here.
Could someone swim to safety? Coming by ocean might seem easy—but the distance is great, the currents strong, the waves powerful, the lava sharp.
IMAGE 1 of 2: Colored aerial map of Puʻuhonua.
DESCRIBING: Aerial view of the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua with the large L-shaped Great Wall separating the two and blue ocean extending out beyond the Puʻuhonua.
SYNOPSIS: The sandy Picnic Area lies to the left of the Puʻuhonua. Numbered stops 1-16 dot the map—Red in the Royal Grounds, yellow in the Puʻuhonua. The following features are labeled on the map, listed from left to right, top to bottom: Picnic Area, ʻĀleʻaleʻa, Hale o Keawe, The Great Wall, Coastal Access Road, Keoneʻele Cove, Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail (1871), Amphitheater and Visitor Center.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
MAGE 2 of 2: Number 2 post
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a post.
SYNOPSIS: Wooden post with the number “2” carved on it.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
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Follow the numbered posts on a half-mile self-guiding tour of the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua. Check the regulations and safety tips on the other side of this brochure before you begin. Please be respectful of this sacred site.
Red = stops in the Royal Grounds
Yellow = stops in the Puʻuhonua
1. RED- Royal Grounds Here, in ancient times, you would have seen workers pound kalo (taro), take fish from the ponds, or prepare the grounds for ali‘i. On the far side of the Royal Grounds is the Great Wall (stop 7), the boundary of the Pu‘uhonua.
Follow the sandy path to the right.
2. RED- Temple Model This structure is a small reconstruction of Hale o Keawe, the heiau at stop 8. This model shows details of the heiau. Its frame is ōhi‘a wood, the roof is thatched with kï leaves, and the trim is of ama‘u (fern).
3. RED- Kōnane This Hawaiian strategy game is played with black and white pebbles on a papamū (stone playing surface). Papamū can be any size and are carved into a lava surface. If you would like to play kōnane, ask for rules at the visitor center.
4. RED- Kānoa These bowls, carved into rock, may have been used for dying kapa (bark cloth), tanning fishing nets, or pounding ‘awa root to make a ceremonial drink.
5. RED- Tree Mold When hot lava surrounds a living tree, moisture in the tree causes the lava to harden before it burns. Sometimes this leaves tree molds like you see here. Many molds in the park are of loulu palms. Loulu were once abundant, but now are endangered.
6. RED- Keone‘ele This protected cove was kapu; only ali‘i could land canoes here. At times, honu (sea turtles) rest on the shore. Please watch them from a distance; they are protected by law.
7. RED- The Great Wall Up to 12 feet tall, 18 feet wide, and over 950 feet long, this wall defines the sacred space of the Pu‘uhonua. The wall was constructed over 400 years ago using uhau humu po haku (dry-set masonry)—stones fitted without mortar.
8. YELLOW- Hale o Keawe This heiau was a royal mausoleum housing bones of 23 ali‘i, including Keawe-‘Ī-kekahi-ali‘i-o-ka-moku, Kamehameha’s great-grandfather. These bones give the heiau immense mana. Hawaiians still revere this place and sometimes leave ho‘okupu (offerings) on the lele (tower). The wooden images are ki‘i representing Hawaiian gods.
9. YELLOW- Pu‘uhonua Imagine scrambling out of the waves onto the rough lava. Although exhausted and out of breath, now you are safe. In a few days you will be absolved by a priest and can go home.
10. YELLOW- Keōua Stone According to local tradition, this was a favorite resting place of Keōua, a high chief. Holes in the lava surrounding the base may have supported a coconut leaf canopy.
Walk back to the sandy path to continue the walking tour.
11. YELLOW- ‘Āle‘ale‘a This may have been a principal heiau long before Hale o Keawe (stop 8). The platform was built in seven stages. After Hale o Keawe replaced this heiau, oral tradition describes ali‘i relaxing and watching hula on the platform.
12. YELLOW- Ka‘ahumanu Stone Legend holds that Queen Ka‘ahumanu, a favorite wife of Kamehameha, swam to the Pu‘uhonua after they quarreled. She hid under this stone, but her barking dog revealed her location. Fortunately, she and her husband reconciled.
13. YELLOW- Papamū Small poho (depressions) were carved into flat lava rock to create this surface for playing kōnane (stop 3). The skills mastered in this game could be used in battle or other pursuits.
14. YELLOW- Old Heiau Site Long ago, another heiau was built here. It may have been the first heiau for the refuge. Ravaged for centuries by ocean waves, only remnants remain. They are among the oldest structures in the park.
The path now leads back toward the Royal Grounds. Just before the Great Wall, you pass a pond on the right. It is an anchialine (an-kee-uh-line) pool, fed by a freshwater spring and the ocean. The tour continues through a modern opening in the wall.
15. RED- Royal Fish Ponds These anchialine pools held fish to be eaten by the ali‘i.
The next stop is the large thatched shelter.
16. RED- Hālau In ancient times, this structure would have been made of ōhi‘a wood tied with cord and thatched with pili grass. Today it serves as a hālau wa‘a, or canoe house. Artisans work in the smaller hālau.
KĪPAIPAI ʻIA I KA ʻOIAʻIʻO – BECOME INSPIRED BY THE AUTHENTIC
IMAGE 1 of 5: 2 people standing with a drum between them
DESCRIBING: Colored image of two people and a tall drum.
SYNOPSIS: A woman in white traditional clothing beats a tall ceremonial drum as a boy in white traditional clothing stands with arms at chest level, performing hula.
CAPTION: Chants and drumbeats lead dancers in hula.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 2 of 5: Child sitting
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a younger child leaning over a piece of wood.
SYNOPSIS: A girl with braided hair and pink traditional clothing sits with crossed legs on the ground. She beats kapa (barkcloth) with a kapa beater and base.
CAPTION: Hawaiians maintain traditions like making kapa.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 3 of 5: Man leaning over wood
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a male working.
SYNOPSIS: Man in traditional clothing carves a wooden kiʻi with mallet and chisel.
CAPTION: Hawaiians maintain traditions like carving wood.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 4 of 5: Man with fishing net
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a man leaning over with net in hands.
SYNOPSIS: Man in traditional clothing prepares a fishing net.
CAPTION: Hawaiians maintain traditions like preparing to gather fish.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 5 of 5: Two people standing on h=sandy beach
DESCRIBING: Colored image of two people with bright colored clothing.
SYNOPSIS: A man in yellow feathered cape and helmet stands next to a boy in traditional clothing holding a red and yellow feathered kāhili, royal standard.
CAPTION: Only aliʻi wore helmets and capes embellished with feathers.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
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Today the Hale o Keawe, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, Royal Grounds, and surrounding lands remain a center of traditional Hawaiian life. This long tradition has been perpetuated by the National Park Service since 1961. At the park’s cultural festival, held every summer, you can become immersed in Hawaiian culture.
IMAGE 1 of 3: Pointed wooden weapon
DESCRIBING: Colored image of wooden weapon with sharp edges.
SYNOPSIS: A Hawaiian weapon with shark teeth lining the carved pointed wooden edge.
CREDIT: NPS
IMAGE 2 of 3: Wooden gun
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a 1800s pistol.
SYNOPSIS: Dark wood pistol with a black barrel. The butt of the gun has a brass-like cap.
CREDIT: MOSSGREEN
IMAGE 3 of 3: Man sledding
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a man laying down on a board.
SYNOPSIS: A man in traditional clothing lays on a papa hōlua (sled) on an incline covered in leaves
CAPTION: Kēōkea Hōlua Aliʻi competed in the spot hōlua—sledding down lava-rock ramp on a 15-foot papa hōlua (sled). The sled runners were slicked with kukui nut oil and the ramp with leaves and grass. A replica papa hōlua hangs in the visitor center.
CREDIT: ANNE CAMPBELL STONE
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A historical timeline ranging from 900 - 1819 CE (Common Era) stretches across the top of the page.
900–1100 CE (Common Era): Polynesians arrive in the Hawaiian islands, likely from the Marquesas Islands 2400 miles south. Their voyaging canoes carry plants, animals, and supplies needed to live here. People settle in hereditary groups led by a chief. Their farming, hunting, and gathering begin to change the land.
1100–1400: Tradition tells of ali‘i (chiefs) voyaging back and forth between Hawaii and ancestral Kahiki (eastern Polynesia and Tahiti). They bring new ideas and traditions like temple drums, wooden images, and ritual human sacrifice. Tradition also says voyaging ends by 1400. Afterward, Hawaiians live in isolation for several hundred years.
1400–1600: As the population expands, ali‘i establish land boundaries and centralize their power. They begin enforcing kapu (sacred laws), which separates them from the maka‘āinana (common people) by controlling all aspects of life. During this time, people settle Hōnaunau, establish a pu‘uhonua (place of refuge), and build the first heiau (temple) here.
1600–1778: Hawai‘i island is united under one ali‘i in the early 1600s. Hōnaunau becomes a royal center. Hale o Keawe heiau is built to house the bones and mana (spiritual power) of the ruling ali‘i, Keawe-‘Ī-kekahi-ali‘i-o-ka-moku. Ali‘i continue to expand their power and influence. In the mid-1700s, Kamehameha is born. His uncle Kalaniopu‘u was the ruling chief of the island by the late 1770s.
1779–1810: In 1779, English explorer Captain James Cook sails into Kealakekua Bay, north of Hōnaunau. His is the first recorded contact with Hawaiians on this island. In 1782, Kalaniopu‘u dies. Kamehameha defeats his rivals and rises to power. He unifies the Hawaiian islands by 1810 through treaty and conquest.
1819: Kamehameha dies. During the mourning period, two of his wives—Ka‘ahumanu and Keōpūolani—and his son Liholiho (Kamehameha II) defy kapu by eating together. Their action begins the collapse of the kapu system. More profound changes in Hawaiian society follow as Christian missionaries arrive along with other Europeans and Americans.
Today, the Hawaiian story continues to evolve through the sharing of traditions and the work of archeologists, anthropologists, and other specialists.
DESCRIBING: The park map is primarily for orientation and information; however it also highlights various cultural features.
SYNOPSIS: The map shows surrounding roads, boundaries of ahupuaʻa, the smaller land divisions running from mountain to ocean created by Hawaiians. The map shows four ahupuaʻa. From north to south they are: Hōnaunau Ahupuaʻa, Kēōkea Ahupuaʻa, Kiʻilae Ahupuaʻa, and Kauleolī Ahupuaʻa. The map is oriented with north at the top and represents the 420-acre L-shaped park spanning the coastline and upward into the Kiʻilae ahupuaʻa at the southern end of the park. The main amenities are found at the visitor center near the parking lot, Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua. A larger map of this area is shown on the other side of this brochure. A short unpaved road allows for vehicle access to the picnic area located south of the Puʻuhonua. The southern portion of the park is only accessible via the Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail (1871 Trail) and the Coastal Trail.
LEDGEND:
The legend has symbols for wayfinding and amenities. Wayfinding symbols include; parking (symbol the letter P), information (symbol circle with question mark), picnic area (symbol picnic table), restrooms (symbol man and woman figures with line between them), unpaved road (brown dashed line), trail (green dashed line), and ahupuaʻa boundary (white solid line).
Life extended beyond the Puʻuhonua and Royal Grounds for both aliʻi and makaʻāinana.
From the ocean to the mountaintop, Hawaiians divided the island into moku(large districts) and smaller land divisions called ahupuaʻa. In each ahupuaʻa, they found all they needed to thrive: access to the sea, fertile farmland inland, forests in the upland, and sacred land in the upper elevations. People lived either makai (near the ocean) or mauka (toward the upland); some people had parcels both near the ocean and higher in the agricultural zones. They used a complex system of trails to travel within the ahupuaʻa.
UA OLA NO O KAI IA KAI – LIFE COMES FROM THE SEA
IMAGE 1 of 6: FIshing lure
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a shell wrapped around a stick.
SYNOPSIS: An octopus lure consisting of a cowrie shell and rock lashed to a wooden lure with a sharp hook at the bottom.
CAPTION: lūheʻe
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 2 of 6: Octopus
DESCRIBING: Drawn image of an octopus with tentacles spread out.
SYNOPSIS: Grey octopus with legs going in all directions. Four of the tentacles have the suction cups facing up.
CAPTION: Heʻe (octopus)
CREDIT: NPS / PHYLLIS MAGAL
IMAGE 3 of 6: Sea turtle
DESCRIBING: Image of a Hawaiian green sea turtle.
SYNOPSIS: Brownish-green turtle with a relatively flat shell. The turtles' skin is brown with whiter lines creating a scale-like design.
CAPTION: Honu (green sea turtle)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 4 of 6: Parrotfish
DESCRIBING: Image of a colorful parrotfish swimming above the ocean floor and rocks.
SYNOPSIS: Bight blue fish with red lines throughout.
CAPTION: Uhu (parrotfish)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 5 of 6: Sea urchins
DESCRIBING: Image of a black ocean-worn volcanic rock with two black sea urchins.
SYNOPSIS: Black ball-like shape with many legs circling the bottom of the urchin where it sits on the rock.
CAPTION: Hāʻukeʻuke (sea urchin)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 6 of 6: Limpet
DESCRIBING: Image of a black ocean-worn volcanic rock with multiple yellowish limpets.
SYNOPSIS: Many small shells that are a mix of yellow and grey.
CAPTION: ʻOpihi (limpet)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
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From ocean to shore, Hawaiians found plenty to eat. They fished from canoes. To catch heʻe, they used lūheʻe — a lure of shell, stone, wood, and bone. Uhu was one of many reef fish they harvested with nets and spears. Along shore, they gathered delicacies like hāʻukeʻuke and ʻopihi. And they prized honu for its meat and beautiful shell.
UA OLA NO O UKA IA UKA – LIFE COMES FROM THE LAND
IMAGE 1 of 10: Coconut palm
DESCRIBING: Color image of a thin brown tree with large green leaves.
SYNOPSIS: Photograph of a coconut palm and ipu container consisting of two ipu with necks cut off and lashed together with coconut cordage.
CAPTION: Niu (coconut palm)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 2 of 10: Coconut and gourd container
DESCRIBING: Two coconuts are stacked on top of each other and wrapped with twine.
SYNOPSIS: The coconut on the bottom is a darker brown, and the one on top is a pale brown. The bottom one has fewer wrappings than the top one. A single strain of twin wraps around the front to be placed over an arm.
CAPTION: Niu (coconut palm) provided fiber for sturdy cord used and this container made of ipu (gourds).
CREDIT: JACK WOLFORD
IMAGE 3 of 10:
DESCRIBING: Photograph of various fishing implements on a table.
SYNOPSIS: Implements include bone fishhooks, stone sinkers, and ipu containers.
CAPTION: Olonā, now a rare plant, was used to make fine, strong cord for fishing implements
CREDIT: GARY EOFF
IMAGE 4 of 10: Taro
DESCRIBING: Drawn image of the taro plant with tuber, stems, and leaves.
SYNOPSIS: Single grey seed, with three larger leaves protruding in opposite directions off the top.
CAPTION: Kalo (taro), the source of poi
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 5 of 10: Breadfruit
DESCRIBING: Drawn image of ʻulu fruit and leaves.
SYNOPSIS: Round yellow seed protrudes from the stem along with two large pointy leaves.
CAPTION: ʻUlu (breadfruit)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 6 of 10: Sweet potato
DESCRIBING: Drawn image of ʻuala tuber and leaves.
SYNOPSIS: Small brownish-grey circular ball coming off a vine. Three leaves slightly larger than the ball divert off the thin vine.
CAPTION: ʻUala (sweet potato)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 7 of 10: Indian mulberry
DESCRIBING: Drawn image of noni fruit and leaves.
SYNOPSIS: Yellowish-green lumpy seed with a stem that leads to two relatively thin green leaves.
CAPTION: Noni (Indian mulberry)
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 8 of 10: Lily leaf
DESCRIBING: Drawn image of ti leaves
SYNOPSIS: Narrow green stem with many thin green leaves protruding off of the main stem.
CAPTION: Ti or kī
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 9 of 10: Various objects on a large leaf
DESCRIBING: Photograph various objects on a lauhala (woven with hala leaves) mat.
SYNOPSIS: Objects on the mat are on top of green tī leaves. Objects include: woven basket, ipu container, fish, bone fishhook, and stone sinker.
CREDIT: NPS / PUHO
IMAGE 10 of 10: Translucent tree
DESCRIBING: Translucent photograph of the hala tree.
SYNOPSIS: Green and white bush like plant with many thin narrow leaves pointing in different directions.
CAPTION: Hala (Pandanus)
CREDIT: JUPITER NIELSEN
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Food, medicine, clothing, ritual—Hawaiians had many uses for “canoe plants” brought by their ancestors. Examples are shown here. Niu (left) provided food, drink, and fiber for cord. ʻUlu, ʻuala, and kalo (right and below) were staple foods. Kī leaves (below far right) could be made into sandals and capes, among other uses. The stiff leaves of hala (the tree below) were made into mats, baskets, and sails. Noni (far right) was one of many medicinal plants.
DESCRIBING: Colored image of a rock waterfront.
SYNOPSIS: Photograph of the 1871 Trail as it winds up the coast. To the left, see shallow, clear turquoise-blue water jutting up against black lava rock cliffs. A white sand trail stands out among black lava rock and green foliage.
CREDIT: NPS / POHU
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The National Park Service welcomes you to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, established in 1961. We invite you to explore the culture and enjoy the coastal landscape that speaks of people who lived here for centuries.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is in the South Kona district of the island of Hawaiʻi. Take Māmalahoa Highway (Hwy. 11) to Ke Ala o Keawe Road (Hwy. 160) between mileposts 103 and 104. Follow Hwy. 160 to the park entrance.
Open daily. Information, exhibits, gift shop. Call or check the park website for hours.
Pick up a trail guide at the visitor center for this 2.25-mile roundtrip hike that passes ancient and historic sites, volcanic features, and ocean views. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on lava.
DESCRIBING: Graphic of the Hawaiian islands
SYNOPSIS: Green graphic of the Hawaiian islands. Eights islands are depicted with blue surrounding all of them. A dot with a line pointing to a location on the furthest to the bottom and also the largest of the islands is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Wrapping around the exterior of the islands is the word "HAWAII" is white and all capitol letters.
CREDIT: NPS / POHU
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Explore traditional Hawaiian life at other National Park sites on this island: Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historical Site, Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
PO Box 129
Hōnaunau, Kona, HI 96726
PHONE: 808-328-2326
WEBSITE: www.nps.gov/puho
Additional Links: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historcial Park is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks, visit www.nps.gov.
National Park Foundation. Join the park community. www.nationalparks.org