PUUHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
KONA COAST, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND
Located on Honaunau Bay in south Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau immerses you in ancient Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.
Kapu, or sacred laws, were of utmost importance to Hawaiian culture and the breaking of kapu could mean death. A kapu-breaker's only chance for survival was to evade his pursuers and make it to a puuhonua, or a sacred place of refuge. Once there, a ceremony of absolution would take place and the law-breaker would be able to return to society.
Hundreds of years old yet beautifully restored, Puuhonua o Honaunau is one of Hawaii's most sacred historic places. Take a walking tour and explore the grounds including the Great Wall, standing 10 feet high and 17 feet thick. Fierce kii, or wooden images of gods, guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple that housed the bones of 23 alii, or chiefs. A black lava rock shoreline hindered kapu-breakers from approaching by sea.
Beyond the puuhonua, explore the nearby Royal Grounds, which were the sacred home of alii (chiefs). See Keoneele Cove, the royal canoe landing, as well as heiau (sacred place of worship), halau (thatched huts), and fishponds. Beautiful at sunset, this sacred place gives visitors an important glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture.
> Learn more about the Kona Coast
QUICK FACTS
Name:
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park
What is it:
National Historic Park, historic place of refuge, former royal grounds
What to do:
Hike, picnic, fish, view cultural demonstrations, learn about ancient Hawaiian history
What to bring:
Camera, shoes, food and drinks for picnicking
