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United States/Things to Do in Hawaii, with kids

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park?

79%Kids-Friendly
View Map

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.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 6,069 reviews)

Positives:

  • Engaging for Kids: Activity booklets and games keep children focused and excited about history.
  • All-Age Admission: One vehicle permit covers up to 8 people, so the whole family can enter for $20.

Challenges:

  • Uneven Terrain: Walkways are lava rock and coral sand; pack sturdy shoes and watch little ones closely.
  • No On-Site Snacks: There are no food vendors; bring picnic supplies and plenty of water for the kids.
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🏖️ Explore Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park?

  • A National Historical Park preserving Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge and royal sanctuary under the kapu system
  • A cultural landscape anchored by a 950-foot lava rock Great Wall, the Hale o Keawe temple, wooden kiʻi (images), and royal fishponds
  • A U.S. National Park Service–administered archaeological site safeguarding sacred structures, petroglyphs, and traditional Hawaiian architecture

What is so special about Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for with kids?

  1. Interactive self-guided tour with audio stops designed for kids
  2. Junior Ranger programs and cultural demos teach Hawaiian traditions hands-on
  3. Picnic under coconut trees and fishpond walks combine fun with learning
  4. Shallow snorkeling at Two Step lets older kids spot fish and turtles safely
  5. Free vehicle permit covers the whole family and kids enter free

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

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.

(View Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

  1. Download the NPS App: Get the audio tour before arrival to play it offline during the walking tour.
  2. Time Your Visit: Arrive right when the park opens at 8:30 am to enjoy cultural demos before peak heat.
🏖️ Tour Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

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Ram Ramakrishnan

Ram Ramakrishnan

Dec 2025

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

Dawn Conyers

Dec 2025

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

Janardhan Pala Bushanam

Dec 2025

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

Pat Cook

Nov 2025

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

Chiro248

Oct 2025

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.

When is the best time to visit Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (Hawaii, United States)?

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.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Hawaii on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Private vehicle park entrance permit (covers 4)USD 20
Picnic snacks and waterUSD 15
Guidebooks or souvenirsUSD 20
Total EstimatedUSD 55

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Address: State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726, USA

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About Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Opening Hours

Monday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 808-328-2326

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