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Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge)

P.O. Box 129, Honaunau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96726
808-328-2326
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Ranked #2 of 6 attractions in Honaunau
Type: National Parks, Historic Sites
Activities: Arts and crafts, Hiking, Snorkelling
Description: This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites.
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234 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    155
    66
    11
    2
    0
Date Rating
Edmonton, Canada
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

Hawaiian history brought to life. Easy access, and easy to walk. Learn about traditional Hawaiian life. Wet your toes next door!

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Branson, Missouri
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

If you're only slightly interested in Hawaiian History this place is a must visit. The location is one of the most scenic places on the coast and has easy access off Hwy 11. There's lots to see and learn plus it's next door to TWO STEP which is an excellent snorkel location as well. Give it a shot.

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Pleasanton, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

We were lucky to hear the presentation by one of the park rangers that was a true Hawaiian native . She made the history of her homeland come alive. This is such a beautiful spot full of history and natural island beauty. One of my favorite spots on the island. Beautiful tide pools to explore and tiki's too.

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Seminole, Florida
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

This is a beautiful beach park with a nice historical walking tour spaced out around the beach area. The beach is beautiful and we stayed to watch an amazing sunset. We went in the later afternoon after a full day of sightseeing and really enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the beach combined with the historical aspect of the exhibits. Be... More

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Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

The beach just beside the City of Refugee is great, fantastic spot for snorkelling!!! The most beautiful coral reefs and more fishes, plus we could swim with dolphins!!!! and turtles! Strongly recommend!

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Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

This is a nice stop as are driving along the southern highway between Volcano & Kona. The self-guided tour lasts about 30mins to 1hr and allows you to see some old and traditional ways of living for Hawaiians. What is also nice: Right next to the park is also an area where you can go swimming and snorkelling - we... More

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Volcano, Hawaii
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

"The Place of Refuge" to ancient Hawaiians. Yes, it's mostly recreated, but it's done accurately. Rangers are on hand to give detailed explainations, and the view is not to be missed. It's worth the $5.00 park admission.

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Leominster, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013 via mobile

This is a sacred Hawaiian site situated on the ocean It gives you an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian history and culture while also getting in some great photos. It is well laid out and is easy to navigate through. The site is sandy, so people with limited mobility may face some challenges. I did note som large wheeled "beach... More

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Cartersville, Georgia
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

.part of national park system,great self guide tour is a great expierence for all ages. experience the history of the hawii royal grounds on the beaitiful blue ocean. tour is approx 1/2 mile and is handicap access.service animals are welcome. bathroom and water are available. on the week end nearest july 1 there is a hawaii festival. fishing,picnicing and a... More

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NY, NY
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

Myself, my wife, and our two kids (8 and 10) visited the Place of Refuge and found it fairly interesting (although we each had different favorites). Basically, there is a self guided tour of the ruins/reconstructions, some ocean and tide pools to explore, and a hale where locals demonstrate Hawaiian crafts. Our daughter got to weave a bowl out of... More

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