PU'UHONUA O HONAUNAU (PLACE OF REFUGE)

This very special place was designated by Congress in 1961 as a National Historical Park. It is sometimes called the "Place of Refuge," referring to its role in ancient times as a safe haven for criminals, prisoners-of-war, and breakers of the strict laws of "kapu" (forbidden). Priests "purified" the lawbreakers and allowed them to live here.

Within the 180-acre park is the restored temple complex of Hale O Keawe Heiau, originally built in 1650, surrounded by carved wooden images of Hawaiian gods. encompasses ancient temples, royal grounds, burial sites and a place of refuge (or pu'uhonua). It's worth spending some time exploring. You'll see things like the carved-wood representations of ancient gods and the stone board for playing konane, an ancient form of checkers played with black lava and white coral.

Just north of this park is a beautiful location to snorkel and dive. When you come in to our shop to rent tanks or snorkel equipment, we will offer you a map that shows you how to get there and illustrates in detail the underwater features of this area. An ideal day would be to take picnic lunches there and spend the day diving, snorkeling and sunning, and if you're interested in Hawaiian Culture, checking out the park and the hiking trails. As part of our 3-Tank Advanced Charter, we may do a drift dive off the southern tip of the bay, where large pinnacles punctuate the lava and coral terrain.