Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, on the coast of Honaunau Bay in the south Kona area, preserves a site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu (the culture’s strict laws) could avoid certain death by fleeing to a puuhonua. The offender would then be absolved by a priest and then let go. During battles, defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge at a puuhonua. Among the highlights of a self-guided walking tour at Puuhonua O Honaunau: fierce kii, or wooden images of gods that guard a temple area called Hale o Keawe Heiau. (The temple housed the bones of 23 Early Hawaiian chiefs.). Adjacent to the puuhonua area, are royal grounds once a favored residence of Hawaiian chiefs (alii). Last fall, Puuhonua O Honaunau — one of the last preserved places of refuge in Hawaii — marked its 50th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service.




Check out these related HawaiiMagazine.com posts:
Maui and Kauai counties begin ban on plastic shopping bags
Big Island mayor signs bill to ban plastic bags at store, restaurant checkouts
Honolulu City Council backs bill to ban plastic bags at store, restaurant checkouts