The Place of Refuge is just down the road from the Captain Cook monument. It is not only a great spot to snorkel, but to learn about Hawaiian history by exploring the park. T
he park contains reconstructed Hawaiian temples, houses, and some petroglyphs (which are drawings on rock.) In addition, the park boasts a great stone wall, called the Great Wall, which was built in the 1500s. The wall is about 10 feet high and was meant to separate the Pu’uhonua (a place of refuge where lawbreakers could go and perform rituals required by the priest to be forgiven) from the Ali’i’s palace grounds.
You can park your car at the national park and then walk over Honaunau Bay, which is right next to the boat launch (only a minute walk). You’ll see an area of black smooth rock, and can just plunk your things down and hop in! It is like jumping right into an aquarium…







April 23rd, 2007 at 11:15 pm
This is possibly the best readily accessible snorkel spot in Hawaii… Awesome place, and the National Park next door is a great bonus.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:43 am
Yeah, it’s a great place that can be used by everyone. The coral and the fish are amazing and really are better than anything I’ve seen on Oahu.