Our Hawaiian Vacation: Last Stop of Afternoon Trip Along Southern Kona Coast
This post continues details of our afternoon trip along the southern Kona Coast, which we enjoyed on our eighth day on the island of Hawaii (Monday, May 24th). Our first stop was at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church in the little village of Honaunau. Our second (and last) stop was at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, or Place of Refuge at Honaunau as it is translated, preserves the site where Hawaiians who broke a kapu (one of the ancient laws) could avoid certain death by fleeing to this sanctuary. The offender would perform a ritual, be absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle.
Reconstructed Hale o Keawe
This Heiau (temple) was originally built by a Kona chief named Kanuha. After the death of Keawe, a great chief of Kona in the mid 16th century, his bones were entombed within the temple. The ali’i (nobility) of Kona continued to be buried here for 250 years.
Dorothy took this picture of Bob and me with three Ki’i (wooden images) that stand watch over the Hale o Keawe.
After walking the grounds of the Place of Refuge, we enjoyed a BBQ at the picnic area as well as the sight of a beautiful sunset.
John grilling chicken; Bob watching
Bob and I
(Note how our hair glows from the setting sun!)
Another gorgeous Hawaiian sunset!
Setting sun
I will close this post with a video that Bob prepared, which showcases some of the things that we saw and did while at the Place of Refuge. The video is a little long, 2 1/2 minutes. In the first minute Bob shows dolphins jumping in the ocean.
Stay tuned! The next several blog posts will provide details and photographs of a two-day tour of the island of Hawaii.
The Beauty Around Us 
11 Responses to “Our Hawaiian Vacation: Last Stop of Afternoon Trip Along Southern Kona Coast”
Hi Linda, The Place of Refuge looks like the neatest place… Interesting how the warriors would go there for sanctuary/refuge…. Love the video.. Those dolphins really jumped straight out of the water, didn't they? Great picture of you and Bob –with the sun's light in your hair… AND–that sunset was amazing… Thanks for another great post.Hugs,Betsy
Very cool pictures. Been to Maui and the big island twice. Wifey's been to Kauai too. Glad you're having a good time. Life's too short. The dolphins are always cool too see. Thanks for the video.Stephen Tremp
Loved seeing the spinner dolphins; they're so snoopy and cute. The Place of Refuge is a place that my Bob and i sort of reference and return to mentally when an apology, explanation or a new start is needed. Loved all your pics and music; now i really need to return to those peaceful shores.
Sure looks like you had a great time. can't wait to see some more of the trip.
The place looks so peaceful! Oh, and the dolphins in the video area are almost jumping for joy! I bet there's fish out there!
That's an interesting trip, you must really enjoy the moments. I love all your photos from the palm tree view, sculpture and with your hubby together. Hope had a fun trip there.If you can visit my new blog please, or a favor to add my link and follow, I've added your link too.http://www.daygazers.blogspot.com
What a very cool place to visit, great photos and I enjoyed the video very much. Thanks Linda. Thanks also for dropping by and wishing me a happy birthday the other day. I appreciated it very much.An English Girl Rambles
the wonderful sunset with trees at front is a favouritew but it's also nice to se the person behind the blog 🙂
Beautiful photos of your trip , Linda! The temple look neat. I lvoe the picture of you and your hubby next to the statues.
I enjoyed the pictures you posted on flicker. The video was great too!
That Great Wall is amazing…and that moth you captured is pretty…enjoyed all the pics.