Pu'uhonau O Honaunau - Honaunau, Big Island, Hawaii
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 19° 25.313 W 155° 54.605
5Q E 194391 N 2150091
Pu'uhonau O Honaunau National Historic Park, on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii, was once royal ground, but also housed a sacred altar...a "place of refuge."
Waymark Code: WM85KV
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 02/02/2010
Views: 21
This former royal ground and place of refuge is a sacred site. It has been operated as a restored site by the state and offers a fantastic look at Ancient Hawaiian beliefs. The visitors center has an ampitheatre with an orientation of the site. The park displays reconstructed thatched huts, restored temples, ancient games, a guarded canoe launch and royal fishponds.
But the soul of Pu'uhonau O Honaunau National Historic Park is the sacred "site of refuge". No blood may be shed here. The Hale o Keawe holds the bones of 23 Hawaiian chiefs, which are believed to hold their mana (spiritual power) even after death. At this heiau (temple), anyone guilty of kapu (sinful or illegal acts) had the opportunity to get to such a place of refuge, have rituals performed by the kahuna pule (priest) could cleanse the soul of the kapu and gain a clean slate. This is also where defeated warriors could offer loyalty to their defeater with amnesty.
The 182-acre park features a 500-year old Great Wall, which marks the boundary of the sacred grounds. The wall is 10 feet high, 1,000 feet long, and 17 feet thick. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the restored sites and watch demonstrations of period life.
Name of Source Book: 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die
Page Location in Source Book: 930-931
Type of Waymark: Site
Location of Coordinates: Hale o Keawe Heiau
Cost of Admission (Parks, Museums, etc.): 5.00 (listed in local currency)
List Available Hours, Dates, Season:
7:00 am - 8:00 pm daily
Official Tourism Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Because of the vastness of many of the "non-localized" sites (Gobi Desert, Great Wall of China), waymark owners are encouraged to allow visits that reflect different perspectives and experiences.
Localized waymark sites (Structures, Landmarks, Businesses) should reflect standard waymarking visit criteria (Logs & photos).