Imagine you had just broken the sacred laws, the kapu, and the only punishment was death. Your only chance of survival is to elude your pursuers and reach the Puʻuhonua, a place of refuge. The Puʻuhonua protected the kapu breaker, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the time of battle. No physical harm could come to those who reached the boundaries of the Puʻuhonua.

Traditional Hawaiian kiʻi stand watch over Hale o Keawe, within the Royal Grounds of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

A walk around the royal ground leads you to ‘Āle‘ale‘a Heiau, a temple built centuries ago.

If you look closely, you'll find traditional Hawaiian flora throughout the park, including a garden with kalo.

Throughout the week, cultural demonstrators at the park show visitors some traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts.

At the annual Cultural Festival, many forms of Hawaiian arts (including hula) are presented to community members and visitors.

Hawaiian kiʻi stand watch over the Puʻuhonua.

On a walk through the Puʻuhonua's Royal Grounds, you can feel how this sacred area might have felt hundreds of years ago. Hale o Keawe can be seen on a walk through the Royal Grounds.

Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

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Nearby Parks

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail