La’aola Bay Beach Park
Kona-Kailua
In old Hawaii, if you had broken a law, the penalty was death. Perhaps you had entered into an area that was reserved for only the chiefs, or had eaten forbidden foods. Laws, or kapu, governed every aspect of Hawaiian society. The penalty for breaking these laws was certain death. Your only option for survival is to elude your pursuers and reach the nearest puuhonua, or place of refuge.
As you enter, the great wall rises up before you marking the boundaries between the royal grounds and the sanctuary. Many ki’i (carved wooden images) surround the Hale o Keawe, housing the bones of the chiefs that infuse the area with their power or mana. If you reached this sacred place, you would be saved.
Today, you may visit Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and still feel the spirit of peace and forgiveness that continues to surround and bless this special place.
The Pu’uhonua is still considered a sacred site. Therefore the following restrictions are in effect. No commercial filming, nudity, beach chairs, towels, mats, beach umbrellas, coolers, picnicking, pets, weddings or wedding photos, smoking and recreational activities such as frisbee throwing, football tossing, etc. are permitted. Please help to preserve the Pu’uhonua as in the ancient times.
From Kailua-Kona: Take Highway 11 south, approximately 20 miles. Between mileposts 103 and 104, at the Honaunau Post Office, turn right towards the ocean onto Hwy 160. Travel 3.5 miles and turn left at the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park sign. Travel times will vary due to ongoing construction in North Kona.
From Hilo, going north: Take Hwy 19 to the junction of Hwy 190 in Waimea. As the road bends follow Hwy 190 until it intersects with Hwy 11 and turn left. (Hwy 11 is also known as Hawaii Belt Road and Queen Kaahumanu Hwy). Between mileposts 103 and 104, at the Honaunau Post Office, turn right towards the ocean onto Hwy 160. Travel 3.5 miles then turn left at the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park sign. Total travel distance is approximately 116 miles.
From Hilo, going south: Take Hwy 11 south past Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the towns of Pahala and Naalehu. Between mile posts 103 and 104, at the Honaunau Post Office, turn left towards the ocean onto Hwy 160. Travel 3.5 miles then turn left at the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park sign. Total travel distance is approximately 107 miles.
Because it can be very hot and sunny, bring drinking water (or purchase it at the visitor center), sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself.
Walking along the rocky coastline or accessing the tidepools can be physically challenging. The lava rocks are uneven, loose and are sometimes wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes and use common sense.
The ocean can be unpredictable. Please obey any warnings that may be posted due to high surf, winds, or other dangers. Eels, which may bite and sea urchins that sting, live in the ocean and are sometimes found in the tidepools. Know these animals and respect their habitats.
The nearest hospital is located in Kealakekua, approximately 8 miles north of the park on Hwy 11.
Activities | Cultural Site |
Published on 03/10/2016 by bigislandadmin
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