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Categories: Fun & Games; Sports & Recreation; Outdoor Adventures; Local Highlights
Overview.0 Before the Hawaiian King Kamehameha abandoned traditional religious practices, daily life in the islands was organized by a system of taboos, or "kapu." From not eating certain foods to not eating with certain people, the list of kapu was lengthy and complicated. Breaking kapu sometimes meant death in order to appease offended gods. On the island of Hawaii, in the southeastern Kona area, the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau ("place of refuge of Honaunau") offered sanctuary to those condemned to die. Located on a finger of lava surrounded by the sea and separated from the island by a massive wall and royal compound, refuge-seekers had to swim or canoe to safety. In the sanctuary, "kahuna" performed the rituals necessary for cleansing the offenders of their wrong-doings and reintroducing them into daily life. This park preserves the temples and includes the lava beach.
What to see and do. 0 Between outdoor activities and touring the grounds, you could spend a day here. Begin at the visitors center, where you can get information for a self-guided tour. A large mural with push-button audio presentations introduces you to the Hawaiian belief system that made this refuge so important. A 1,000-foot long mortarless lava stone wall separates the royal compound from the temple area. On the compound side, walk through reconstructions of a work shed and a canoe shed. At the canoe landing you'll find traditional koa wood canoes and fishponds. On the temple side, don't miss the authentic-looking reconstructions of temple gods. From old drawings and records, local artists carved wood logs to resemble the original massive gods protecting the refuge. One temple has been reconstructed; two others are only stone platforms. Throughout the park, you may get a glimpse of living history demonstrations of traditional island life in the late 18th century, when King Kamehameha consolidated his power and before the European influence had overwhelmed Hawaiian culture. Take a few minutes to play "konane," an ancient board game, and watch islanders in costume weave, carve, or fish.
After you've toured the two sections, explore the grounds. Take one of several trails along the lengthy beach and cliffs. A wheelchair is available at the visitors center along with maps of accessible trails. Fish, swim, or snorkel in the warm waters, or picnic on the beach. If you leave the trails to wander among the coconut trees, beware of falling coconuts. The park is open from 7 AM until 8 PM daily.
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