Located on the coast of Honaunau Bay in south Kona, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, also called Place of Refuge, is an incredible place to visit and explore. For the Hawaiian people it is a site of great importance. The 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for vanquished warriors and fugitives, those who offended the Hawaiian chiefs. There they would be protected from their pursuers by the gods.
On the grounds you’ll find a massive stonewall, called the Great Wall which is not made from cut stones and without mortar. It was built in the 1500s and is 1,000 feet long, 10 feet high and 17 feet thick in most places. It separated the Pu’uhonua from the Alii’s place grounds.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park has been very well restored and offers a fascinating and clear glimpse into Hawaii’s ancient history and culture. We feel it’s well worth the visit.
