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Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park/The shrine entombing the ashes of 23 royal family members is protected by the guardian deity ki'i.
Credits: HTJ
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(Big Island)
This National Historic Park preserves the site where native Hawaiians
came when they broke the kapus, which was one of the laws of ancient
Hawaii. Often the penalty for breaking a kapu was very harsh, including
death, but the punishment could be avoided if the individual made
it to pu`uhonua – or officially recognized place of refuge.
After a certain period of time, the kahuna, or Hawaiian priest,
could absolve the offender, and they would be free to join the Hawaiian
society again without further penalty or recrimination. Defeated
warriors and non-combatants could also seek refuge in the pu`uhonua
and avoid the ravages of war or being sacrificed to the gods as
losers in battle. The 182 acre park, established in 1961, includes
the pu`uhonua and a complex of archeological sites including: temple
platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and some coastal village
sites. The Hale o Keawe temple and several thatched structures have
been reconstructed. If you are the Kona side of the Big Island,
a visit is well worth it.
Directions:
Driving south towards Volcano from Kailua-Kona on Highway 11. Turn
down towards the ocean on Route 160 at the Honaunau Post Office.
Watch for the park sign as you drive towards the ocean.
Hours:
6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.
The Visitor Center is open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily.
Admission Price:
Entrance to the park is $5.00 per car (good for seven days,) $3.00
for people walking or riding a bike.
Website:
http://www.nps.gov/puho
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