City of Refuge
Pu' uhonua O Honaunau
| The Pu' uhonua O Honaunau, formerly the city of refuge, was set aside as a National Historical Park in 1961. It was called the city of refuge because it was a haven for injured or captured warriors, as well as old men , women and children in times of war. It also served as a place of renewal and forgiveness to the ancient Hawaiians; if you were found guilty of breaking a kapu or crimes against the gods you could flee to Pu' uhonua and there be absolved by a priest. If a priest were to refuse to give sanctuary or absolution they too could forfeit their lives. In 1816 Kamehameha II defied the kapu and abolished the old religion in favor of western ways, this in turn made Pu' uhonua O Honaunau unnecessary and it ceased to function. When the land was originally set aside not much of the old structures remained. Since then the site has slowly been transformed, through the help of traditional artisans and craftsmen, to restore the area to resemble what it looked like at the height of it's significance in the 17th century. | |
Figure 1. Hale o Keawe Heiau (Kings palace as it appeared in 17th century) The bay, Keone`ele Cove, was the personal landing area for the royal canoe. The area was strictly forbidden to all commoners. |
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| Figure 2. Pat in front of Hut in Coconut Palm Garden | |
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| Figure 4. Royal Fish Pond. All fish caught for the King would be held here | |
| Figure 3. Pahoehoe lave as seen from the Pu' uhonua side. | |
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| Figure 5. Great wall 17ft. long, 10ft. high, 1000ft. long |
Figure 6. Group as we enter the Coconut Palm Garden.
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