Puuhonua O Honaunau, Kaloko-Honokohau NHPs closed; Puukohola Heiau NHS modifies schedule

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park are both closed due to concerns over the coronavirus.

“Following the guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau NHP is temporarily closed and all park programs have been cancelled,” the National Park Service posted on the park’s Facebook page on Friday morning.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site in Kawaihae remains open, according to a Friday press release. However, all special events, cultural demonstrations, guided programs, including orientation talks and walks are canceled until further notice.

The modifications to operations are following the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing, the National Park Service said in a press release.

The covered open lanai area of the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site’s Visitor Center will remain open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the 27-minute park orientation video played from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park also has a free audio tour that visitors may access using their smartphone by visitng ht.ly/MFvTT.

Visitors may continue to take self-guided tours along the park’s half-mile loop trail to view the temples and other historic sites. The museum and book store will be closed indefinitely.

The National Park Services urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, the service asked that those persons to take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.