Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is located on the western coast of the island of Hawaii in the United States. This historical site was once a traditional seat of the Hawaiian kingdom and is now a small fishing community.1

The park preserves the puuhonua, or place of refuge, which dates back to at least the 15th century. These sacred sites offered sanctuary to warriors, fugitives, and those who broke taboos, allowing them to escape death if they reached the refuge and performed religious services. The most significant refuge in the islands was located here, protected by a substantial lava wall and containing several heiau (ceremonial structures). The area was declared a national historical park in 1961.1