Meaning “Place of Refuge of Honaunau” this puuhonua is where ancient Hawaiians fled for safety or to seek absolution after breaking kapu (laws). Located in South Kona, Honaunau was the original seat of the Kona chiefdom and the ancestral home of the Kamehameha dynasty. A sign on Highway 11 points out the park’s turnoff.

Translated, the “Place of Refuge at Honaunau” is the most complete restoration of an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary in Hawaii. 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.