What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Junior Ranger books, Hawaiian games, fishponds, and free child entry keep 5–12s learning and active, yet sharp lava, open water, and no strollers mean parents must monitor and bring sturdy shoes.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours allows a family to complete the self-guided tour, attend a cultural demonstration, and enjoy a picnic without rushing.
Self-Guided Walking Tour:
Follow the numbered map stops around the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua for a 0.5-mile loop past the Great Wall, temple, and fishponds.
Tip: Download the NPS app for the free audio guide and let kids follow the stop numbers to hear kapu legends.
Junior Ranger Explorer Guide:
Pick up age-specific activity booklets with puzzles, coloring, and bingo to earn badges.
Tip: Ask for the Honu Helper book for younger kids (3-6) and Explorer Guide for older kids (6-12).
Cultural Demonstrations & ʻOhana Games:
Watch and join weaving, kapa beating, and traditional Hawaiian games.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to find a good spot and let kids test their skills in woven bracelet making.
Picnic & Fish-Feeding Walk:
Relax in the shaded coconut grove and then stroll to the royal fishponds to spot tilapia nests.
Tip: Bring your own snacks and refillable water bottles; sit at the grove tables under palms.
Snorkeling at Two Step:
Step into clear waters just outside the park to watch fish and honu (sea turtles) in shallow reef.
Tip: Bring child-size life jackets and gear; go early to avoid crowds and calm currents.

Ram Ramakrishnan
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours learning about Hawaiian history and traditional ways of life. We began our visit with a short documentary that explained the history of the community that once lived here. The park offers a self-guided tour and a Junior Ranger workbook for kids, which made the experience engaging and enjoyable for them. ...
Dawn Conyers
Beautiful, native Hawaiian historical site. Stunning location, if you're there when the tide is out, you can look for fish in the tide pools. I like to imagine what it might have been like to have lived here before outsiders ever arrived.
Janardhan Pala Bushanam
Puuhonua O Hōnaunau is a ceremonial site bounded on its southern and eastern sides by a massive L-shaped wall, known as the Pā Puʻuhonua (Great Wall), and on its northern and western sides by the ocean. Within the Puʻuhonua are important ceremonial structures: Hale o Keawe (the only representation of a traditional hale poki : consecrated house on the island and Āleʻaleʻa a significant ancient Hawa...
Pat Cook
My SIL from micronesia said she could live here. It was very authentic. There were many details that were implemented. Cordage was handmade, stakes were hand carved, tikis wère awesome, boat houses made in a accurate island tradition. Schools of fish visible from shore.
Chiro248
Great history. If people were banned from their clan they had the chance to swim to the Place of Refuge to be forgiven from the priest and were safe there. Many people didnt make the swim. I went on a Sunday so it was free to just walk in and explore. TIP- be quiet when you enter this place as it was a sacred ground.
Plan your visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. If you visit the last weekend of June, join the free annual cultural festival with hula, canoe rides, lei-making, and fishing demos.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle park entrance permit (covers 4) | USD 20 |
| Picnic snacks and water | USD 15 |
| Guidebooks or souvenirs | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 55 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726, USA
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