Wednesday October 26, 2005
Stop # 20
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
Place of Refuge
National Historical Park
Located in Honaunau Bay on the Kona coast of the big island, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is a National Historic Park that was established in 1961. This site was very important in traditional Hawaiian culture.
With this site’s sheltered location and supply of fresh drinking water, this place was established as an important residence of several ali’i (royal chiefs). Ten or more thatched buildings were built here as residences and temples.
A massive stone wall separates the residence of the ali’i from the pu’uhonua (the place of refuge). This was a place of sanctuary where defeated warriors and people who had broken kapu (sacred law) could come. This place was sacred ground where no blood could be spilled. The site was believed to be sacred because the remains of former ali’i resided here.
The wall seperating the royal grounds from the place of refuge
a Hawaiian man carving a ki'i (wooden image)
Konane, a traditional Hawaiian game
Endangered green sea turtles bask on the shores, including the royal canoe landing
A green sea turtle