Hale O Keawe Ki‘i: Photograph by Will Tenney

Hale O Keawe Ki‘i

Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park is an archeological park with stunning views and an interesting history. Located on a point of land jutting out into the ocean, an imposing stone wall surrounds the royal grounds which, according to tradition, offered refuge to anyone who had broken the kapu, the sacred laws (aka taboo), who could get to this place. Those who made it were protected from retribution. At the entrance to the walled part of the compound, immense carved figures (ki‘i) stand guard around the Hale O Keawe, a sacred building which once served as the repository for remains of kings and chiefs.