Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Hawaii
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, located on the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island, preserves a significant cultural site where ancient Hawaiians who broke kapu laws could seek sanctuary to avoid death. This place of refuge, or puʻuhonua, also protected defeated warriors and non-combatants during battles. The park spans 420 acres and includes archaeological sites such as temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and coastal village remains. Central to the park is the reconstructed Hale o Keawe heiau, an ancient burial temple built around 1650 AD for the ruling monarch Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku and his descendants. The site's great wall enclosed the refuge, with royal residences and crafting communities nearby. The park honors Hawaiian traditions and spirituality, with the flag of Hawaii uniquely allowed to fly alone here. Visitors can explore thatched structures, sacred statues, and learn about the kapu system and Hawaiian nobility. The puʻuhonua remains a powerful symbol of protection and cultural heritage in modern Hawaii.
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Tipp: Visit during the dry season for optimal weather and enjoy quieter mornings to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Entrance fees may be waived on designated National Park Service fee-free days. Consider booking guided tours or ranger programs in advance to deepen your understanding of the site's cultural significance. Wear comfortable footwear for walking on uneven terrain and bring sun protection. Junior Ranger programs are available for families. Check the official park website for current conditions and special events before your visit.
Interessante Fakten
- •Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is one of only four places in Hawaii where the Hawaiian flag can fly alone without the American flag.
- •The Hale o Keawe heiau served as a royal burial site for Kona chiefs including Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku and a son of Kamehameha I.
- •The site was protected by the mana (spiritual power) believed to reside in the bones of the chiefs buried there.
- •Lord George Byron, cousin of the famous English poet Lord Byron, looted the heiau in 1825.
- •High Chiefess Kapiʻolani ordered the destruction of the temple after relocating the bones to a hidden cliff above Kealakekua Bay.
Geschichte
The site was originally established as City of Refuge National Historical Park in 1955 and renamed in 1978 to reflect its Hawaiian heritage.
The Hale o Keawe heiau was built circa 1650 AD as a royal burial site and remained significant until the abolition of the kapu system in the early 19th century.
The temple was dismantled after the bones of chiefs were removed in the 1820s and 1830s, with remains relocated to the Royal Mausoleum in Honolulu.
The park's archaeological complex includes sites dating back to the late 15th century, reflecting generations of Hawaiian nobility and their communities.
Reconstruction efforts in the 1960s restored key features such as the Hale o Keawe heiau and traditional thatched structures to preserve and interpret Hawaiian cultural history.
Ortsführer
Hale o Keawe Heiau1650 AD
An ancient Hawaiian temple built around 1650 AD as a royal burial site for the aliʻi nui of Hawaii Island. It was a sacred place believed to hold the mana of chiefs and was reconstructed in the 1960s. Visitors can see the stone platform and learn about its historical and spiritual significance.
Great Wall and Royal Residencescirca 15th-17th century
The large ancient wall enclosed the puʻuhonua, separating the sacred refuge from surrounding areas. Several generations of powerful chiefs lived in the royal residences just outside the wall, supported by a nearby crafting community.
Archaeological Sites and Coastal Village
The park includes temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and remnants of coastal villages, offering insight into the daily life and culture of ancient Hawaiians who inhabited the area.
Kontakt
Telefon: (808) 328-2326
