There’s so many beautiful places to visit on the island of Hawaii. The most popular attraction is by far the Volcano’s National Park where eruptions have been almost continuous since January, 1983. But along the west side of the island lies another National Park that’s well worth your time while visiting the island. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is on the Kona Coast about 15 miles south from the village of Kailua-Kona.
If you have a National Park pass entrance to the park is free, otherwise there’s a small charge to enter the park. The visitor’s center offers a self-guided walking tour through a recreated ancient Hawaiian village complete with carved tiki and Hawaiian canoe’s and shows how Hawaiians lived centuries ago.
Just imagine the history. Honaunau Bay, as it’s known today was long inhabited by early Hawaiians. The royal grounds were home to the ali’i’, the royal chiefs. The canoe landing and royal grounds were for the exclusive use of the ali’i’ and their servants. Their residences included thatched huts, coconut palm groves, and fish ponds.
The Place of Refuge, or pu’uhonua is separated from the royal grounds by a huge wall made of stone around 1500 and is said to have been a sanctuary for those who were caught breaking any kapu, or sacred laws. If an offender were to make it to the pu’uhonua safely a priest, or kahuna, could perform a ceremony for their deed to be forgiven. This was important because breaking a kapu could mean death.
The structures, plants, artifacts and wildlife all make this National Historical Park a must-see for visitors. Each summer around the 1st of July an annual cultural festival is held. Picnicking, hiking, diving, snorkeling and fishing are features as well. Online information is available at http://www.nps.gov/puho
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The Puka Shell Tour Guide 