Pu'Uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park

The Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park spans a total area of about 420 acres of land that is located on the Kona Coast of the island of Hawaii. To access the park, visitors should take HI 11 to HI 160 and continue downhill for about four miles to the main park entrance. Once at the park, visitors can get to see and experience a lot of the features that made the authorities decide to protect the land for posterity.

For example, visitors can get to see and experience royal fishponds, coconut groves, ancient house sites, and the spectacular shore scenery. Also, until the year 1819, when Kamehameha passed away, this land was considered sacred ground and a safe-haven for vanquished Hawaiian warriors, noncombatants, and kapu (ancient law) breakers that made it to this part of the island. 

The historic land was declared a national historic park on July 26, 1955, and was called the City of Refuge National Historical Park before later changing its name to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park on November 10, 1978. Besides the historical and cultural attraction of the park, there are several other goings-on that make this national historic site a favorite place to visit. 

Some of the recreational activities that visitors to the park come to enjoy include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, and wildlife viewing. There are several amenities in the park that visitors to the park can enjoy including a picnic area, bathhouse, visitor center, museum/exhibit, restrooms, and self-guided trails. 

Like most other parks, the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a place that dog owners can bring their dogs to enjoy some fun and relaxed time. That said, it is important to note that dog owners must ensure that their dog is well-behaved and kept from running amok in the protected lands of the historic park.