Place of Refuge

by Joe
(Kona )

Pu' uhonua o Honaunau National Park is more commonly known as Place of Refuge and is located 20 miles south of Kailua Kona.

From around 1550 AD to the early 1800's Place of Refuge was a sanctuary for anyone who broke "Kapu", Kapu was the law of the land. Punishment was always death. But if you could make it to the Pu'uhonua a ceremony of absolution was performed by a kahuna pule (priest) and all was forgiven and you could return home and all was forgiven.

If your were on the losing side of a battle and could make it to Pu'uhoua you were safe as no blood could be shed in the confines of the refuge.


Directions:
From Kailua-Kona: Take Highway 11 south, approximately 20 miles. Between mileposts 103 and 104, at the Honaunau Post Office, turn right towards the ocean onto Hwy 160. Travel 3.5 miles and turn left at the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park sign.