-
Punaluu Bake Shop and…
19 reviews
Naalehu, HI
Category: Bakeries
-
Four Seasons Resort…
17 reviewsKaupulehu-kona, HI
Category: Hotels
-
Manago Hotel
13 reviewsCaptain Cook, HI
Category: Hotels
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
19 reviews for Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Since I was a keiki(child) I have always wanted to come here.
The moment I walked into the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, I was in awe.
I was transported back to the days of the Ancients.
Everything that I have ever read about of the days of the Ali'i (chiefs), Kahuna (priest & wisemen), Kumu (teachers), Kapuna (elders) and the all the people of Ancient Hawai'i.
I saw them at work; fishing and building. At play of (sports and game); pa'ani. At worship, dance and the celebrations of life and the Akuas (gods).
I seen warriors seeking refuge and healing from battles lost, or those who have broken kapus(laws) seeking a sanctuary and forgiveness; for this is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau - the city of refuge.
Standing in front of the heiau (temple) and looking into the faces of the gods with their grim and savage visage; as they looked across the land(aina), towards the mountains(mauka) and out to sea(makai). I couldn't help but wonder as a shiver ran down my spine, if they knew back then what the fate of those that worshiped them and the aina (land) would be.
At that moment, I was sadden by the outcome, and yet still proud to be a Kama'aina (from the land).
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
What can I say here? If you are reading this review you are probably also going to read the others here and they all give you the basics of this place.
Let me say this: Do you recall that one episode of The Brady Bunch where they were in Hawaii and they found a cursed idol on the beach and kept it? All sorts of things went wrong. The lesson there: Don't anger the Gods! Take a look around and check out some of these Gods! They look like they could really release some serious Kapu-style action on you! Leave them alone.
And while you are leaving things alone, don't touch the sea turtles. They are cute and all that, but only Ellen Degeneres ever really had any luck with them. If you are a crazy tourist like my daughter you can actually swim with them if you get lucky enough just down the beach from this park. Rent some snorkeling gear and have a ball!
This place is a sweet deal! We were there on the big island for 17 days and we visited this place I believe 4 times over the course of a week for the bargain price of $5.00. This whole park is a history lesson covered in soft sand, amazing vegetation, really big turtles, wooden Gods and even a fortress and it will provide a ton of fun and adventure for your family!
Just take a lesson from Greg and Marsha and all of the other annoying children on that one old show about the mixed families and the crazy housekeeper that could never keep her dirty hands off the local butcher and his meat. Don't steal stuff. Don't annoy the Gods. Don't kidnap a turtle (it won't fit down your swim trunks.) Don't try to smuggle out a Yellow Tang.
Have fun! Relax! You are in Hawaii! You lucky bastard!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Honestly, it's cool to go to just to get a sense of Hawaiian culture, but it wasn't THAT interesting. You walk around and read some signs. Everything on the Big Island, you realize, is considered sacred so it doesn't feel like you are walking any where particularly more sacred than the rest. I think the place would definitely be more engaging if there was a tour that gave you a sense of history of the place.
It's called the Place of Refuge (as we read from our own guide book) because people would receive forgiveness for any wrong doing and clemency from death. People who were chased by warriors to be killed would automatically be spared as soon as they landed on the place of refuge. Interesting! Would have been even more interesting if there was a tour guide who told me this...but the bf and I love tours.
We saw a turtle in the cove. That was cool too.
FYI - there's good snorkeling at a beach that's within walking distance to the park. Just park your car in the park parking lot and walk over. It's a good place to check out fishes.
Yes, yes, and yes to all the things my fellow Yelpers have said about Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. But one really great tip I don't think I saw mentioned:
Since it may be a half day trip for most people depending on where you're staying, might as well pack a picnic lunch and use their camp grounds. Talk about Place of Refuge! You're not allowed to eat in the actual park area because it's sacred, but the camp ground is just a short drive away and offers several clean picnic tables under the shade of coconut trees.
Sure there's plenty of great beaches to picnic at on the Big Island, but something about being so close to the peace and serenity of the park... we could have sat there all day watching the surf. Awesome.
This review may not be in the right place as we did not actually visit the park at the place of refuge but only went to snorkel right next to it at two step. It's called two step because there are actually two large steps down into the water where you can don your flippers and mask before entering the water. This makes is very easy to start your snorkeling as well as disembarking. If the water is a little choppy be careful as the waves can push you up against the rock when you are getting in or out. They can also sweep you back off the shelf when you don't have your gear situated.
The snorkeling was awesome here. There were a lot of fish as well as some sea turtles and gorgeous coral formations.
The best sighting there though was a woman who found out the hard way to be careful of the waves when gettig out and had her top knocked off, allowing a full view of everything that a bikini top typically covers up. :)
This review may not be in the right place as we did not actually visit the park at the place of refuge but only went to snorkel right next to it at two step. It's called two step because there are actually two large steps down into the water where you can don your flippers and mask before entering the water. This makes is very easy to start your snorkeling as well as disembarking. If the water is a little choppy be careful as the waves can push you up against the rock when you are getting in or out. They can also sweep you back off the shelf when you don't have your gear situated.
The snorkeling was awesome here. There were a lot of fish as well as some sea turtles and gorgeous coral formations.
The best sighting there though was a woman who found out the hard way to be careful of the waves when gettig out and had her top knocked off, allowing a full view of everything that a bikini top typically covers up. :)
Day 2 on the Kona side of the island, we decided to spend a few hours at the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (also known as the ancient City of Refuge).
The park itself is a preservation of land where ancient Hawaiians who sought refuge (from breaking kapu or where defeated warriors went). In the large compound, you can do a self walking tour to view royal ponds, temple platforms, reconstructed huts, and wooden carvings (ki'i) http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
It was an extremely informing and peaceful couple hours we spent there. I definitely advise bringing sun block, water, and hats as it gets pretty warm in the area. So warm, that the honu are often spotted sunbathing on the shores http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The cost is quite minimal at $5 per car (includes its passengers) to visit the facilities. We definitely recommend spending some time here and bring your camera!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (4)
Referred to this place by a woman in a gift shop in Kona, we headed to see what a City of Refuge was all about. This place is an absolute must see.
We grabbed a brochure and wandered the beautifully preserved gardens, stopping at each numbered exhibit to read and take countless pictures/video.
We were especially taken by the peace and serenity that was evident all over the grounds. Combined with the 360 degree breathtaking beauty of the views, this place could have no native significance and it would still be worth the stop. Given its history, it was all the more special.
The other reviewers really hit all the points, so there's not much need for me to add anything except my 5-stars.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
This is a well-maintained park with many interpretive activities to explore and a dozen different sites within it to educate you. However, I will brief you on the history of the site before all the recreations you will find excellently maintained there.
The ancient Hawaiian system of Kapu was harsh. Kapu is similar to the concept of taboo and consisted of a massive web of laws and rules designed to prevent the gods from destroying the Hawaiian people.
If kapu was broken, it would presumably result in the destruction of people and property unless the transgressor was punished with death. Some examples of Kapu:
Looking at royalty: Kapu
Stepping where royalty walked: Kapu
Letting one's shadow fall within the royal grounds while not being royalty: Kapu
There were also rules on eating, cooking, living, smiling, breathing, being and not being and maintaining certain behaviors that became more convoluted as fewer and fewer victims were found for the priests, who were ever on the prowl for violators.
There was one way out. You had to run to safe ground at the Place of Refuge, beating the priests there and gaining entry. If you did, you would be allowed to perform certain rites and make certain changes to your life to allow you to live.
Lord knows how bad those could be... check out the place, it is well worth it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Seriously one of the best examples of what a national park and monument SHOULD be.
Immaculately maintained (tricky with sand), you can easily meander through the park and feel like you are in a life size version of those Zen sand gardens you are supposed to run a comb through and find relaxation.
Only here it really works and you don't feel like an idiot channeling Mr. Miyagi.
Gorgeous restored canoes, dwellings and amazing rock walls with hand carved idols are everywhere. The fish ponds are awesome, still stocked with fish and I personally witness some really exotic birds fishing in them.
You won't feel like you have to waste your whole day here doing something "touristy" as an hour or two is totally sufficient to see everything really well, take pictures and relax.
This is a must visit for any Big Island trip and a wonderful representation of the Hawaiian culture and values.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
I must admit, I was very skeptical when I first walked in and saw the huge historical display on the wall with freaky information recordings. At that moment I thought... "oooh boy, what am I in for?". But, I was very pleasantly surprised once I passed this section and found the beautiful main part of the park waiting for me to explore.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau is such a gorgeous place to visit. I was blown away with the views and scenery. It's definitely a place you'll want to go flash happy at. You can pick up a brochure with a self guided walking tour map with descriptions of points of interest, if you're interested.
There are several huts, wooden statues, and tons of palm trees scattered throughout the park. My favorite part was exploring the shore area. When I walked up to the shore I saw this thing moving in the water. It was a sea turtle just chilling right there in front of me! The turtle was literally one foot away from me. It was amazing! Shortly after, I realized there were 3 others sunning themselves nearby. That was definitely a treat to see.
My family and I had a great time wandering around, enjoying the sights, and taking pictures. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau is a definite must if you're visiting the Big Island.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
There was a tour group taking up the entire visitor's center when we arrived, so we decided to explore on our own for a bit, even though we had no idea what we were looking for or where it was located. As we walked around, we would ask other tourists where we should walk and what we should see. #1 answer: the sea turtles. I didn't realize that was why I went to this National Historical Park, but like the sheep we were, we followed their advice, and spent about an hour near the water looking at all the sea turtles. Pathetic, yes( "ooh, look, it's a little bitty turtle"). Amusing, yes. After getting that out of our system, we headed back to the now deserted Visitor's Center (everyone was now congregated at the water watching the turtles) and learned some history of the area and picked up a map. The park really does have a lot to offer, aside from the sea turtles, so I would recommend getting a brochure and checking it out.
The wall that separates the Puuhonua (place of refuge) from the royal gardens is made of perfectly placed lava rocks and the ki'i (carved wooden images) that surround the Puuhonua are huge and interesting. Imagining individuals running (or in this case swimming/canoeing) for their lives to reach this spot to be absolved of their sins and the death sentence given for those sins was somewhat intense. Based on how strict the rules were at that time (if you cast your shadow on a chief or even watched them arrive you were sentenced to death) I would have likely spent quite a bit of time at the place of refuge. Maybe even taken up residence there....
If it is a hot day, I would recommend sneakers. My flip flops offered little/no protection from the hot, black lava rocks all over this area. Bring your snorkel gear because there is a great spot just north of the NHP. Check out the turtles, but make sure you see the rest of what this park has to offer too!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
On the southern Kona Coast, sits the serene, tranquil City of Refuge - aka Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Take Route 160 right off Hwy 11 (or look for the sign saying Painted Church Rd). $5 Admission will gain you a week's access!
This Park holds 2 attractions - the Royal Grounds & the City of Refuge
Royal Residence held 10 structures, made out of thatched roofs where everyone lived from Royalty to their servants - winds blowing through the thatches are super-soothing; hearing the waves lapping up on shore & it's much too too relaxing
City of Refuge is bordered by a stone wall & was intended as a safety haven for injured soldiers from any Tribe who could come here to heal w/ no fear of further injury
Few houses still stand as well as some Tiki statues - the immediate beach is roped off so the turtles can come on shore & sun themselves - directly beside this beach is a public beach where people can snorkel & potentially swim w/ the turtles
But just don't try to touch them - they need sanctuary too!
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (5)
Excellent place. Lots of exhibits on Hawaiian history/culture. If you are lucky, you can see the famous turtles. They are so pleasant to watch (touching them will get you a 10,000$ fine). Apparently a great place to snorkel (which I did not unfortunately). Especially good for school groups.
They dont sell any food here. Bring your own food! The giftshop is decent (simple stuff like magnets are not expensive). Toilets are clean. the staff are wonderful and helpful.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
The place of refuge is a great place to learn a little bit of history. The self-guided tour was easy to do and follow. The place was well preserved too. We were disappointed in that we didn't see sea turtles. We had a picnic in the area behind the visitor center and had a great view of the ocean. There is also a snorkeling area near hear which seemed to be pretty popular.
Hundreds of years ago, islanders were under strict rule, and could be sentenced to death for minor offenses. Places of refuge existed around the island; if the condemned managed to make it to one of these places before execution, s/he would be pardoned by a priest and allowed to live. The pu'uhonua and royal grounds are still considered by many to be sacred. It was only accessible by kayak at the time, so I'm not sure how many people were actually saved.
However, for a nominal parking fee, you can go there without worrying for your life. This is a great place with a lot of history (your tour is self-guided) and a lot to learn. Replica wooden/thatched structures are kept in good condition, wooden carved statues guard the grounds, and an original building, free of mortar, is still intact. There's a large (old, duh) lava flow you can walk out on, a roped off beach right there where sea turtles climb onto the sand to catch some rays, and in some of the areas, artisans practice traditional crafts. When we visited, a man was carefully weaving what he told us would be a warrior's helmet, a work that would take about a year. He gave us a lot of information about the tradition, the roles of artisans, and how many traditions are dying. The helmet was close to being done, and the man actually let us pass it around and inspect it.
I'm told snorkeling and diving there is great, too. The site also has areas for receptions, and lends special wheelchairs with beach-friendly wheels to visitors who need them.
We way underestimated how interesting the site would be, and regrettably had to leave before we'd seen everything. Make sure you allow yourself time to really take in the grounds.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
Place of Refuge is a great snorkel spot as well as interesting historical site to explore. We began our morning checking out the snorkeling, which was really different from the other places we checked out. There aren't as many fish here as Kahaluu Beach, but the water is deeper, and the underwater coral architecture is truly an amazing site. After a few hours of snorkeling, we walked over to the historical site of Place of Refuge, where there are outdoor exhibits of games they used to play, huts, etc. This Place of Refuge is where Hawaiians would come if they broke to law to avoid the punishment -death. Think Hunchback of Notre Dame - sanctuary! I really loved the tiki statues, especially the one as described in my guide book to Hawaii - "an anatomically correct tiki god, that is if the gods really were that well endowed." haha. Also, we enjoyed exploring the lava beds, where there were 2 quiet and lazy turtles sunning themselves.
This National Historical Park is south of Kealakekua Bay and Napoopoo. If you can get there at the end of June there's a fabulous local culture festival, but it's worth the trip any time. Unlike some of the ancient sites that are grudgingly preserved within hotel grounds or other commercial areas, this park preserves and documents ancient Hawaiin culture with respect and care.
Adjacent to the park is a remarkable snorkeling site called two-step, where you step down from the lava shelf into waters teeming with fish -- you don't understand the word "teeming" til you have done this!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Very photogenic, of course, with rangers around to answer questions and tell tales, and honu, or sea turtles, sunning on the beach (as well as feeding, tails up, in the inlet). The fantastic part: A few yards away, down a residential side street, is some of the best snorkeling ever. You'll have to tread carefully as the rock shelf is slippery, of course, but once in you'll swear someone dunked you a coral-reef city. You might even see honu "winging" their way through the water.
It's a bare mile or so from the crowds and aggressive kayak rental company at the Kealakekua lot (and the requisite paddle to Captain Cook) but soooo killer. Just be careful where and when you decide to come "ashore," 'cause there ain't one as far as I could tell, and the rock shelf that is there is covered with spiky sea urchins.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I first visited this park back in 1998 and was quite blown away by the snorkeling nearby. I'm quite ashamed to admit that I haven't spent much time looking at the historical park and will certainly make an effort during my next visit. Back to the real story, just north of this park is a small bay with rock ledges that make entering and exiting the ocean much easier - if you time the waves right, you can get in quickly escaping any body blows from the reef and waves. My first trip here was incredible, ocean gets deep fast which makes it much more difficult to damage the reef and fish much more plentiful. I went earlier this year, close to dusk and while was still amazed, the cloudy and fast fading sun didn't make it as memorable. Early morning dives are probably better here, smaller waves and sunnier skies. Use caution around the reef, avoid the black spiny sea urchin - don't even bother trying to poke it, you're guaranteed to get stung if you mess around.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
