#1 - The Royal Grounds

Journey back to ancient Hawaiʻi and walk in the footsteps the ancestors. On this first stop of the self-guided walking tour, explore the Royal Grounds, which were once reserved for the chiefdom of Kona.

• As you step off the ramp into the Royal Grounds you'll hear the crunch of white coral sand beneath your feet. Coconut trees tower above and smaller native plants dot the landscape. Islands of black lava rock appear amidst the white sand. Small thatched hālau, or a-framed structures, and carved kiʻi images can be seen throughout the royal grounds. A large, black stone wall divides the Royal Grounds from the Puʻuhonua with the following dimensions: 10 feet high, 17 feet wide, and over 1000 feet in length. The blue waters of the Pacific ocean are held back by smaller sea walls made in the traditional way, dry-stacked black lava rock. Gentle waves lap on shore at Keoneʻeleʻe cove in the middle of the Royal Grounds. Two small brackish water ponds occupy the southwest portion of the grounds.

#10 - Keōua Stone

The 10th stop on the walking tour takes you to an unassuming bench-like boulder that is actually a relic that crosses the era of myth into the historical period, a memory from a distant past.

• Within the black textured lava rock, next to the northern edge of the ʻĀleʻaleʻa platform lies a large bench-like boulder approximately 12 feet in length, 2.5 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. If you were to sit upon the stone, you could look out at the expansive Pacific Ocean, calm Hōnaunau bay, and up the green gentle slopes of Mauna Loa.

#11 - ʻĀleʻaleʻa

Stop number 11 on the walking tour is the ʻĀleʻaleʻa which was the primary heiau (temple) for the puʻuhonua before Hale o Keawe. Not fully restored, you must use your imagination to picture the thatched temple houses, carved kiʻi images, and wooden palisade that would top this platform.

• A large rectangular stone heiau, or temple, platform approximately 10 feet high 50 feet wide and 100 feet long. The platform is constructed using interlocked stacked lava rocks with sizes ranging from large boulders to small pebbles. The platform sits just off the white coral path and extends out to the lava rock bench.

#12 - Kaʻahumanu Stone

The 12th stop on the walking tour tells a heart-stirring tale of love, regret, and power in Old Hawaiʻi. This rock is mentioned in a story of Queen Kaʻahumanu and King Kamehameha the Great.

• A large rectangular boulder approximately 8 feet long by 6 feet wide by 2 feet high sits propped at a small angle creating a small space beneath the southern side of the rock. The boulder is made up with pahoehoe lava rock and textured ripples of stone appear throughout.

#13 - Papamū

Stop 13 takes you to an ancient kōnane papamū (playing surface) weathered with time. Upon close inspect you will notice nine rows of eleven carved depressions for playing pieces.

• A flat lava rock approximately 1 foot by 2 feet with 9 rows of 11 small carved depressions serves as a kōnane playing surface or papamū. You can tell that this papamū is ancient as the carved depressions are weathered with age. White coral stone pieces and black lava rock pieces sit within the carved depressions.

#14 - Old Heiau Site

Stop number 14 on the walking tour reminds us to tread carefully when exploring our island as what may appear to be a mere pile of rocks might be the remains of a great heiau (temple) site.

• A large pile of lava rock stones is all that remains of this temple site. The pile of rubble blends in with the surrounding lava rock making this feature easily overlooked. Beyond the remains of the temple site lies a grove of coconut trees and the ocean beyond.

#15 - Royal Fish Ponds

The 15th stop on the walking tour takes you to two tranquil lokoiʻa or fishponds that were once meticulously and sustainably managed to provide food for the aliʻi (royalty) who visited the Royal Grounds of Hōnaunau.

• The white coral sand pathway leads between two small brackish water ponds. The one on the left as you face the mountain is in a semi-circular shape stacked-stone walls lining all but one small opening. The pond on the right is larger and less well-defined in shape with brackish water filling the natural depressions in the lava rock. Beneath the surface of the murky water tilapia make circular nests and larger native fish dart and jump above the water's surface. Coconut trees and native vegetation line the edges of the ponds.

#16 - Hālau

On stop 16 of the walking tour see the two open-air long houses called hālau. In ancient Hawaiʻi these structures would have been meeting places, places for storing canoe, and places of learning. The tradition continues today as cultural practitioners use this place to pass on their manaʻo (thought) and ʻike (wisdom).

• Two thatched a-frame structures with open ends sit facing the water. Each structure has a small lava rock wall foundation on either side of the a-frame. The structure has no floor and simply provides shelter from the elements. The two structures are of different sizes. The larger one on the right as you face the mountain is approximately 30 feet high, 30 feet long, and 20 feet wide. The smaller workshop structure to the left is approximately 20 feet high, 20 feet long, and 10 feet wide. Carved canoes lie within the larger structure while carved kiʻi, gourds, capes, and various other items adorn the smaller workshop structure.

#2 - The Temple Model

A small reconstruction of the Hale o Keawe heiau lets you see the interior of a typical hale poki (consecrated house) structure and admire the ingenuity of traditional Hawaiian building techniques.

• A square dry-stacked lava rock platform approximately two feet tall holds a small reconstructed model of Hale o Keawe. The steep A-frame ʻōhiʻa wood structure is thatched on three sides with kī leaves and amaʻu ferns. Inside of the structure shows shelving that would hold the remains of the chiefs.

#3 - Kōnane

A game of strategy and wits, kōnane was more than a game of leisure, it was also a political tool, often used to settle disputes. Test your wits and try a game today!

• A flat lava rock papamū, or kōnane game board sits near the sea wall on the edge of the Royal Grounds. The papamū is raised about 2 feet off of the ground and is encircled by small tree stump chairs. On the surface of the papamū are 10 x 10 rows of small carved indentations that hold alternating white (coral) and black (lava rock) game pieces. In the distance, on the other side of the cove, stands the Hale o Keawe temple site.

#4 - Kānoa

The fourth stop on the walking tour shows ancient bowls called kānoa that were carved into the lava rock. These subtle archeological features remind us of the active lifestyle engaged in by the native Hawaiians of old.

• Within the black lava rock at your feet, a series of three circular bowls are carved into the rock. The bowls vary in size from about 1 foot in diameter to six inches in diameter. The bowls are about 6 to 12 inches deep and tool marks are visible in their bases. Plants are beginning to grow within the cracks in the lava rock.

#5 - Tree Mold

While the area appears tranquil today, evidence of a more tumultuous past is hidden in the lava rock. Can you spot it? The fifth stop on the walking tour lets you take a closer look at tree molds.

• Within the lava rock at your feet is a tree mold of the trunk an endemic loulu palm. A narrow, open cylinder about two feet long and six inches in diameter ending on one side in a fully enclosed hollow hole. Close inspection of the tree mold reveals intricate bark patterns from the surface of the loulu palm. Small plants have begun to grow within cracks in the lava rock.

#6 - Keoneʻele Cove

For centuries, this protected cove was used as a canoe landing for visiting Hawaiian chiefs. At this stop on the walking tour, learn about traditions associated with this canoe landing and the natural resources protected here today.

• The shallow, protected waters of Keoneʻele cove appear before you. Lava rock sea walls line the edges of the cove, protecting it from larger storm waves. A white, gently sloping beach area is roped off to protect the natural and cultural resources of the cove. Often honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles, bask in the sun on the shores of the cove. At the mouth of the cove a carved kiʻi sits in the water. Coconut trees line the royal grounds on the edges of the cove and the Great Wall and Hale o Keawe lie to the left.

#7 - The Great Wall

The 7th stop on the walking tour takes you to one of the most impressive features in the park, the Great Wall. See an extraordinary example of uhau humu pōhaku (Hawaiian dry-set masonry), built by stacking interlocking rocks without the use of mortar.

• The impressive Great Wall stands in front of you with interlocking black lava rock intricately stacked to form a solid structure. The wall stands 10 feet high, 17 feet wide, and over 1,000 feet long. Rocks within the structure range from large boulders to small pebbles. The niho (conerstones) are chosen so that the wall forms a 90 degree angle at the corner. Green lichen adorns some of the rock faces. The white coral sand at the base of the wall makes for a stark contrast against the black lava rock. Coconut trees dot the sky above.

#8 - Hale o Keawe

Hale o Keawe is perhaps the most iconic scene at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau with thatched hale poki, intricately carved kiʻi, and lele (offering tower). This wahi kapu (sacred place) remains an active place of worship for Native Hawaiians today.

• A wooden palisade fence about 5 feet in height lines the edges of Hale o Keawe. Along the fence, carved 10 foot fencepost images appear at the corners. Within the courtyard lies a lele (offering tower platform), a semicircle of intricately carved 15-20 foot high kiʻi images and two smaller carved kiʻi near the small 3 foot by 3 foot entrance of Hale o Keawe, the mausoleum. The mausoleum is thatched on all sides with dried brown fern foliage and has an A-Frame-like structure. Outside of the fence, a pair of intricately carved kiʻi stand facing Hōnaunau bay.

#9 - The Puʻuhonua

One of the most well-preserve puʻuhonua, or place of refuge, within the islands, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau served as a safe haven for breakers of kapu, defeated warriors, and non-combatants.

• A white coral pathway leads between black lava rock. On your left the Great Wall extends along the eastern boundary of the puʻuhonua separating it from the Royal Grounds. On the right lava rock tide pools lead out to the crashing waves of the ocean. Ahead the large stone platform of the ʻĀleʻaleʻa is the only built structure visible within the bounds of the Great Wall. Coconut trees, native ground cover, and small brackish water ponds dot the otherwise barren landscape.

1871 Trail Composting Toilet

• Along the rocky 1871 trail, at the western boundary of the park, lies a small light blue building with a ramp to access.

1871 Trail Introduction

The 1871 Trail is a section of the larger Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile long trail corridor on Hawaiʻi Island.

• A white sand and black lava rock trail with stacked lava rock curbstones lining the trail extends out ahead. Green vegetation grows between black lava rock on the edges of the trail.

1871 Trail Tour Conclusion

The journey down the 1871 trail and into the past makes us wonder what knowledge or lessons from the past can we apply to our world today?

• Trees shade the path in front of you and stacked stone walls line the edge of what remains of Kiʻilae Village.

1871 Trailhead

The rugged lava shoreline of the South Kona coast beckons you to explore the backcountry trails of the park. Have you ever imagined visiting a historic abandoned Hawaiian village? Come and experience this special and unique area. Step back in time. The ocean will whisper ancient stories from the past as you pass by places used by people of long ago.

• A rocky, relatively wide, trail extends before you with native vegetation such as noni bushes and coconut trees on either side. Feral goats, mongoose, and birds are commonly spotted in this area.There is an informational trailhead sign and a pet waste station marking the trailhead.

A - Hōnaunau Holua

Can you imagine sledding down a lava rock slope on a sled no wider than 12 inches? This hōlua was used by the aliʻi (royalty) in the area to prove their agility and bravery as they sledded down the steep slope.

• Off to the left, up the mountainside is a lava-rock paved ramp that extends about 50 feet down the slope.

B - Kōnane Papamū

An ancient kōnane playing surface, or papamū, sits on the side of the 1871 trail. One of many along the trail and coastline.

• On the right side (ocean side) of the trail in the black, smooth, pahoehoe lava rock is a carved kōnane papamū that is about 18 inches by 18 inches. Rows of small depressions are carved into the rock much like a modern day "Go" gameboard. The depressions are weathered with time so it is difficult to make out how many rows and columns the board contains.

C - Stone Walls & Curbstones

The stone walls of historic enclosures aren't the only thing that lines the trail at this location. Curbstones along the edges of the trail help delineate the trail for pack animals.

• A 3 to 4 foot stacked lava rock wall runs parallel to the trail. This wall is part of a large rectangular shaped enclosure. Rocks are stacked along both sides of the trail forming curbstones that delineate the trail.

D - ʻŌmaʻo Heiau

A large pile of rubble and an upright standing stone is all that remains of the ʻŌmaʻo heiau (temple).

• A large pile of black lava rock rubble sit in front of and around a large upright standing stone about 6 feet tall. This feature is about 100 feet off-trail on the makai (ocean) side.

E - Kēōkea Hōlua

The Kēōkea Hōlua is one of two hōlua slides that you can view from the 1871 trail.

• A break in the vegetation and some stone rubble is all that remains of this hōlua, running upslope about 1000 feet.

F - Animal Pen

This high-walled animal pen is indicative of changing times when goats where introduced to the island.

• A square enclosure with stacked stone walls sits just off the trail on the mauka (mountain) side. The walls are six to eight feet high and three feet wide. A lava rock cliffside extends up beyond the enclosure.

G - Alahaka Heiau & Keanaeʻe Cliffs

A large pile of stone rubble is all that remains of this once impressive heiau (temple) with natural amphitheater of lava cliffs behind.

• A large pile of black lava rock stone rubble with the dimensions of about 50 feet length (parallel to the trail) and 30 feet width. Behind the alahaka heiau ruins is a large volcanic cliffside that forms a natural amphitheater behind the heiau.

H - Alahaka Ramp

See the Alahaka Ramp on the 1871 Trail section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Imagine trying to scale this 20-foot cliffside without the improvement of this constructed stone ramp!

• A ramp extends up a 20 foot cliff on the ocean's edge. Constructed out of stacked black lava rock with two foot rock walls lining the edges. The cliff wall extends on the left-hand side and the ocean on the right.

Hawaiian History Interpretive Wall Exhibit

Learn about the intense history of Hawaiian culture from the first Polynesian voyagers to the end of the kapu system with this blended audio story and artistic mural.

• This interpretive wall exhibit blends interpretive graphics with a recorded audio story and serves as an introduction to the intense history of Hawaiian culture. The wall acts as a a timeline with the earliest event of Polynesian voyaging on the far left to the unification of the islands and the end of the kapu system at the end on the far right. The exhibit is spread along an open-air breezeway that leads to the Royal Grounds. The wall is divided into five panels with every other panel set back a few feet adding depth to the exhibit. Artwork on the interpretive wall is comprised of a variety of materials: painted ceramic tile mosaics, carved wooden images, and 3D relief images. The background of the wall is painted a bright golden yellow color and most of the tile designs have a bright, sky-blue background color. We can divide the exhibit into three section corresponding with the audio stories. The first section shows a group of polynesian voyagers in traditional clothing sailing on a double hulled canoe with woven sail and small A-frame shelter. Beneath the canoe swims a large white shark. In the sky above, two translucent figures of a goddess with long flowing hair and a god watch over the voyagers. To the right a carved wooden sun with facial features lies over the snow capped forms of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, the islands two tallest volcanoes. A little to the left of this scene is another scene showing the various “canoe plants” or plants brought by the Polynesian voyagers to grow in the islands. The scene shows plants such as coconut trees, sugarcane, gourds, and taro. The second section shows the story of Hawaiian chiefs and the beginning of the kapu system. A man blows, pū, a conch shell trumpet to alert that the chief is coming. Commoners lay prostrated on the ground at the base of the chief’s feet. His warriors stand next to him protectively hold spears. The chief is the only image in color, and the colors are brilliant reds and yellows, the colors of royalty. He wears a malo, loincloth, a red and yellow feathered cape and yellow feathered helmet. The second part of this scene shows warriors with spears pointing at a man with a terrified expression on his face. He has broken kapu and now a warrior with spear in hand runs towards him. A chief stands in the background watching the action take place. The third section shows the story of the Puʻuhonua or place of refuge, the unification of the islands, and the end of the kapu. The first scene shows women and children in traditional clothing as well as warriors taking refuge in the Puʻuhonua. Some warriors appear to be injured while others assist the wounded. The accompanying scene shows a relief map of Hawaii island with two prominent volcanic mountains, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. A large carved image of a muscular, tall Kamehameha the first stands adorned with a feathered helmet and traditional weapon in hand.

I - Waiū o Hina Lava Tube

The Waiū o Hina lava tube was formed by molten lava flowing from Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth.

• About halfway up the stone Alahaka Ramp is an 5-foot tall entrance to a lava tube or cave in the lava rock cliffside. The entrance to the lava tube is blocked with a metal gate.

Inner Court Kiʻi at Hale o Keawe

The kiʻi images found within the inner court of Hale o Keawe are the focal point of the heiau (temple). These images are all forms of Lono that represent the various functions of the Puʻuhonua. Learn about which forms of Lono these images represent.

• Within the wooden palisade of Hale o Keawe lies a semi-circle of seven intricately carved kiʻi (temple images). Each image varies in design and shape ranging from 15 to 25 feet tall. The images are standing on a semi-circular black lava rock platform that is about two and half feet tall. The kiʻi images each have legs, a torso, arms, a head, and headdress.

J - Shoreline Viewpoint on the 1871 Trail

A gorgeous view of the expansive South Kona coastline and Keanaeʻe Cliffs awaits those who make the trek out to the top of the Alahaka Ramp on the 1871 Trail.

• A small wooden bench sits in the shade of a tree at the top of the ramp up Alahaka cliff. From this vantage point there are expansive views of the South Kona Coastline that include the large volcanic cliffs towards the mountainside and extends down to the coconut grove in the picnic area. Bright blue clear waters of the Pacific ocean crash against shoreline cliffs below.

Junction of the 1871 Trail & Coastal Trail

The junction with the Coastal Trail allows you to take this shoreline route to the Picnic Area.

• Two trails intersect at this location with one continuing to parallel the shoreline and the other extending out west towards the water and eventually looping around to the picnic area. A black sign with blue writing marks the trail junction. The sign reads "Visitor Center" with a arrow pointing straight and "Picnic Area" with an arrow pointing to the left.

K - ʻĀhinahina Point - John Ahu Complex

The John Ahu House Complex at ʻĀhinahina point shows a prime location for housing in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

• The remains of a house site sit on a lava rock cliffside above the expansive Pacific ocean. A cistern, rock house platform, and rock walls are all that remain of this house site. A few trees and shrubs cover the area.

Kiei & Hālō

This iconic pair represents the akua (gods) Kāne (Kiei) and Kanaloa (Hālō), two of the four major akua in the Hawaiian pantheon. Throughout Polynesia, Kāne and Kanaloa are acknowledged as the gods of creation and life. The pair is represented twice at Hale o Keawe; in their iconic setting looking across Hōnaunau bay, and again immediately outside of the entrance to the inner precinct of the temple.

• A pair of intricately carved kiʻi (temple images) stand on the shoreline looking out over Hōnaunau bay. The kiʻi are about 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, standing about 1 foot apart. The pair are of similar shape with a head, torso, arms, and legs. The heads of the kiʻi are where the pair differs from each other. The kiʻi on the more inland side has a smooth headdress, more pronounced, angular eyes, and a smaller open mouth with visible teeth. The kiʻi on the ocean side has an intricately carved, textured, headdress, barely visible eyes, a larger mouth with visible teeth, and concentric lines surrounding the mouth on the cheeks and chin.

Kū-i-ke-ālai

An image of great importance at the heiau, Kū-i-ke-ālai is "the one who guards the way" and a protector of the heiau. Crucial to the ceremonial function of the heiau, Kū-i-ke-ālai ensures that the sacred confines of Hale o Keawe are not breached; what belongs outside the heiau does not enter, and that which must remain in the heiau does not encroach on the outside world. Kū-i-ke-ālai is one particular aspect of the akua Kū, one of the four major gods in the Hawaiian pantheon.

• A carved wooden kiʻi (temple image) about 10 feet tall and two feet wide. This kiʻi is noticeably different from the other images at Hale o Keawe. Like the other images, it has legs, a torso, arms, and a head. On this kiʻi the head is smaller, more angular, and it lacks the open mouth with teeth.

Kū-ka-ʻilimoku

A guardian god of governance and warfare, Kū-kaʽilimoku was a patron deity of the ruling aliʽi on the island of Hawaiʽi. See this carved kiʻi in the Royal Grounds near the kōnane papamū (playing surface).

• An intricately carved kiʻi (wooden image) about 10 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The image has a carved headdress, large angular eyes, nose, and open mouth with visible teeth. The carved body of the kiʻi has a torso, arms, and legs. It is standing on a carved post about 3 feet high.

L - Kiʻilae Village

Kiʻilae Village offers a glimpse into the past, when Hawaiʻi was changing rapidly, but still supported traditional aspects of daily life.

• As the trail continues down the coastline, walls begin to appear on the mauka (mountain) side of the trail, these enclosures are the former house sites of Kiʻilae Village. Trees and brush obscure almost everything besides the walls and the trail at this site.

Lono-o-makahiki

Lono-o-Makakhiki is one particular aspect of the god Lono – one of four major deities in the Hawaiian pantheon. The god Lono is associated with agriculture, rain, storms, fertility, peace and more. Associated with the passage of time, Lono-o-makakhiki is not to be confused with Lono-i-ka-Makahiki, a patron god of the annual Makahiki festival on the island of Hawaiʽi.

• A carved kiʻi (temple image) about 4 feet high and two feet wide. The smooth head has oval-shaped eyes, a nose, and a mouth that resembles two circles next to each other. The body of the image has a torso, arms, and legs with bent knees.

Lono-ʻilikai

Lono-ʽilikai, or “Lono-on-the-surface-of-the-sea,” stands directly over the area where the land and the ocean meet. In this location, Lono-ʽilikai watches over those arriving by way of the sea.

• A carved kiʻi image stands on the rocky shoreline just at the surface of the water. It stands facing out towards the water. The image consists of a head, a torso, arms, and legs.

M - Kahikina House Site

This house site was the home of the Kahikina family who were expert fishermen.

• A stacked stone wall with an opening in the middle leads to an overgrown enclosure.

Meet the Kiʻi Introduction

• Two thatched a-frame structures with open ends sit facing the water. Each structure has a small lava rock wall foundation on either side of the a-frame. The structure has no floor and simply provides shelter from the elements. The two structures are of different sizes. The larger one on the right as you face the mountain is approximately 30 feet high, 30 feet long, and 20 feet wide. The smaller workshop structure to the left is approximately 20 feet high, 20 feet long, and 10 feet wide. Carved canoes lie within the larger structure while carved kiʻi, gourds, capes, and various other items adorn the smaller workshop structure.

Mural I- The Voyagers

• A mural created on a yellow backdrop with blue tiles painted to depict native Hawaiian life. Carvings are of the sun, warriors, a man blowing a conch shell, and commoners prostrating themselves before the chiefs. Paintings depict polynesians sailing across the ocean by double hulled canoe.

Mural II, III, IV- Ke Ali'i

• Mural II- Carvings and paintings on a yellow wall. Paintings on left side of mural show plants brought by the first polynesian settlers such as coconut, sugar cane, bottle gourd, banana, and taro. Painting in center of wall shows a darker skinned man depicting a chief dressed in a red and yellow cape, helmet, and loincloth. Carvings in center of mural show a man blowing a conch shell, commoners prostrating themselves before the chief on the ground, and his royal attendants holding spears and fans.

Mural V - Pu'uhonua

• A large map relief of the island of Hawai'i with snow capped mountains and a wooden carving of a helmeted Hawaiian warrior.

N - Mauka-Makai Trail

This old mauka-makai trail connected Ki'ilae villagers with upland gardens.

• An old trail is visible going up the mountainside along the fence line.

O - Pā Hale

The pa hale (house sites) of Ki'ilae village show a more traditional way of life.

• Trees shade this central section of Ki'ilae village. Rock walls about 3 feet high line both sides of the trail. These walls are part of rectangular enclosures that form the house site. Many of these house sites are overgrown, but on some you can still see rectangular stone house platforms.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Entrance Station

The entrance station at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is an essential starting point for any park visit and is where you are required to purchase an entrance pass or present an existing pass to gain access to the park.

• An entrance station at the national park.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Picnic Area

Coconut trees, ocean views, tide pools, and more! The picnic area is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Located south of the Great Wall, the picnic area is a fantastic place to relax, have a beach picnic, explore the tide pools in the lava rock, and experience the iconic South Kona coast.

• Coconut trees tower above, white coral sand crushes below your feet, and the expansive Pacific Ocean extends as far as the eye can sea. Picnic tables, grills, and waste receptacles dot the beach area. In between the white coral sand and the ocean waves lies a black lava rock bench with multiple tide pools and nooks and crannies to explore.

The Coastal Trail Trailhead

Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the wind rustle coconut fronds, and see ocean waves break on the rocky lava shore. This short connector trail takes you along the sandy coast then turn mauka (towards the mountain) to connect with the longer 1871 Trail.

• This trailhead, located on the southern end of the picnic area, has a low metal chain across the relatively wide sandy trail. Coastal vegetation lines the sides of the trail. In between the vegetation catch glimpses of the lava rock shoreline and more expansive ocean views. A trailhead sign and pet waste station mark the trailhead.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Visitor Center

• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Visitor Center
• The Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Historical Park Visitor Center is open year-round.

• Birdwatching at Kaloko-Honokōhau
• Grab your binoculars and set out on a birdwatching adventure along the Kona coastline. See the vibrant yellow saffron finch, hear the boisterous calls of the common Myna, and watch as the ʻAukuʻu (black crowned night heron) slightly stalks its prey.

• Explore the Shoreline
• Hidden in cracks, pools, and depressions within the lava rock shoreline are miniature underwater worlds for you to explore. See bright yellow lauʻipala (yellow tang) darting through pools, hāʻukeʻuke (shingle urchins) holding fast to the rocks pummeled by waves, loli (sea cucumbers) stretched out along the bottoms, elusive puhi (eels) peeking out from rocky depths, and more!

• Play Kōnane
• Peahea ka hoʻonanenane? Want to test your wits? Play a game of kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay with your ʻohana (family). This game can be learned in minutes, but may take a lifetime to master.

• Snorkeling Nearby
• The clear blue waters of Hōnaunau Bay hold spectacular wonders of the underwater world. Spinner dolphins with their amazing acrobatics frequent the bay, eels and octopus lurk in the cracks and crevices of the reef, and a colorful variety of fish flourish among the corals. Come explore the depths at "Two Step," located just outside of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

• Self-Guided Walking Tour
• Journey back to ancient Hawaiʻi and walk in the footsteps the ancestors. Explore the Royal Grounds, which were once reserved for the chiefdom of Kona. See the intricate masonry of the Great Wall. Find tranquility in the Pu'uhonua, where breakers of kapu (religious law) sought forgiveness and people found refuge during war. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while surrounded by scenic views of coastal Hawaiʻi.

• Relax in the Picnic Area!
• Relax in the shade of coconut trees as you enjoy the picturesque setting of the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau picnic area. Bring your whole ʻohana (family) for a beach picnic and make memories as you explore in the shallow tide pools in the lava rock. Watch for a "green flash" as the sun sinks below the horizon and a rainbow of colors light up the sky during sunset.

• Experience Culture
• Experience a taste of life in ancient Hawaiʻi as National Park Service staff and cultural practitioners demonstrate traditional Hawaiian craft techniques and practices such as weaving, carving, lei making, games, and more! Become inspired by the authentic!

• Hike the 1871 Trail
• The rugged lava shoreline of the South Kona coast beckons you to explore the backcountry trails of the park. Have you ever imagined visiting a historic abandoned Hawaiian village? Come and experience this special and unique area. Step back in time. The ocean will whisper ancient stories from the past as you pass by places used by people of long ago.

• Birdwatching at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
• Grab your binoculars and set out on a birdwatching adventure along the South Kona coastline. See the vibrant yellow saffron finch, hear the boisterous calls of the common Myna, and watch as the ʻAukuʻu (black crowned night heron) slightly stalks its prey in the Royal Ponds.

1871 Trail Tour to Kiʻilae

See the convergence of ancient and historical times as you step back in time with us, walk in the footsteps of the ancestors, and explore the rugged lava shoreline of the South Kona Coast on the 1871 Trail. This is an out-and-back trail with a roundtrip total of two miles. The trail traverses over rugged lava with few opportunities for shade. Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended. Please stay on the trail at all times and do not disturb any archeological sites.

Meet the Kiʻi

The kiʻi at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park attract visitors from all over the world. Take a journey around the Royal Grounds and meet the kiʻi of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. Learn about what kiʻi are, the history of kiʻi at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, and the forms of the akua (gods) that they represent.

Royal Grounds & Puʻuhonua

Take a step back in time to ancient Hawaiʻi and walk in the footsteps of the ancestors. Explore the Royal Grounds which were once reserved for the chiefdom of Kona and pass beyond the Great Wall into the Puʻuhonua, where people found refuge during war or after breaking a kapu (religious law). This self-guided walking tour is about half of a mile long. The terrain is a mixture of crushed coral sand and lava rock.

Visitor Center Mural

Listen to a brief description of how our ancestors settled these islands and thrived in isolations for hundreds of years before outside contact.