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Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
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100% Like It
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 (808) 328-2326
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Hwy 160 & Hale O Keawe Rd, Honaunau, HI 96726
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Known as the "City of Refuge", this was once a sanctuary for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.
Features
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• General: Cost: Paid
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• General: Educational
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• General: National Park
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• General: Photo Opportunity
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• Hiking: Hiking
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• Sightseeing: Great Views
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• Tours: Self Guided
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• Cultural & Historical: Heiau / Sacred Site
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• Cultural & Historical: Museum / Art Center
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In ancient Hawaii if you broke a Kapu (sacred law) it was punishable by death. And breaking a Kapu could be as simple as entering an area that was reserved only for chiefs or just eating a forbidden food.
So what do you do to avoid death? Your only chance for survival was to make it to Pu'uhonua (place of refuge), where a ceremony of absolution would take place and you could return to society. Remember playing tag as a kid and how "gool" (or goal if you prefer) was the safe zone? This place was like that but in more of a life or death scenario.
Today you're allowed to take a self guided tour of this sacred place. There are cultural demonstrations, hiking trails, fishing, and places to enjoy a picnic. The popular Honaunau Bay / Two Steps is nearby as well.
The Pu'uhonua is still considered a sacred site. Therefore the following restrictions are in effect: No nudity, beach chairs, towels, mats, beach umbrellas, coolers, picnicking, pets, weddings or wedding photos, smoking, recreational activities (such as frisbee throwing, football tossing, etc) are permitted here. Please help to preserve the Pu'uhonua as in the ancient times.
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