Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Welcome to Poo oo hoe noo ah oh Hoe now now National Historical Park, an extraordinary one hundred and eighty acre sanctuary located roughly twenty three miles south of Kailua Kona. As we begin our exploration near the visitor…

Let us proceed to the pristine area known as the Royal Grounds. As we walk along the sandy path, bordered by the dark, pockmarked lava rock, you will notice a transition in the atmosphere. …

As we continue our walk through the royal enclosure, look carefully at the large, flat slabs of volcanic rock situated near the sandy pathways. You will notice intricate patterns of small depressions carved meticulously into the…

Now, we find ourselves standing in the shadow of one of the most magnificent feats of ancient Polynesian engineering in existence: the Great Wall. This massive, formidable structure rises before us, serving as the physical and…

As we pass the boundary of the Great Wall and approach the edge of the ocean, we arrive at the spiritual epicenter of the park: the Hah lay oh Kay ah vay. This reconstructed thatched structure, built upon an elevated stone…

We now step fully into the sanctuary itself, the actual Poo oo hoe noo ah. This is the very ground where desperate lives were saved. …

Turning our path inland, we encounter the serene royal fish ponds. These shallow, walled enclosures are a testament to the sophisticated aquaculture developed by the ancient Hawaiians. …

As our journey through the City of Refuge draws to a close, it is highly recommended to linger in the park as the late afternoon sun begins its descent. This location is widely considered to be one of the most magical places on…