(click on photo for larger
version)
Johanna at Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
On the Big Island of Hawaii, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park preserves the site where early Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or "pu`uhonua." The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the pu`uhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.
The 182-acre park established in 1961 includes the pu`uhonua and a complex of archeological sites including temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks and some coastal village sites. The Hale o Keawe temple and several thatched structures have been reconstructed. It's also a good place to find friends in high places to go with clubbing with you.
Visit Pu`uhonua o Honaunau web site