"Renewal of life and spirit" Top 5 Page for this destination Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Tip by KiKitC

Pu'uhonau O Honaunau is not in Kailua-Kona, but I've placed it in this section because if you are staying on the Kona side of the island, it is just a short trip south on 11, onto Napoopoo Road.

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 life then. But the soul of the park is the sacred site of refuge. No blood may be shed here. At the Hale o Keawe heiau, anyone guilty of kapu (sinful or illegal acts) had the opportunity to get to this spot, have rituals performed by the kahuna pule (priest) to cleanse the soul of the kapu and gave a clean slate. This is also where defeated warriors could be cleansed and offer loyalty to their defeater with amnesty. After driving through rough, obstructive lava fields to get to this park, it's hard to imagine how it was reached years ago.

Address: Puuhonua O Honaunau Nat'l Historical Park
Directions: South of Kailua-Kona on Hwy 11
Take Napoopoo road down to the coast.
Phone: 808-328-2288
Website: http://www.nps.gov/puho/