Place of Refuge

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a wondefully serene historic site. Translated it is a Place of Refuge, with perfectly manicured grounds including the Great Wall -- a 1,000 foot long, 10 foot high continuous wall built in the 1500s which protects the palace grounds. Wood carvings (reproductions) guard these sacred grounds.

Those who broke ancient Hawaii's system of kapu could flee to the sanctuary of the Place of Refuge. If they reached the grounds -- by evading the surrounding land owned and lived upon by chiefs, often by swimming -- they could be absolved of their crimes and released.