Then we went over to Pu'uhonua (a Place of Refuge) (map
point ) where the ancient Hawaiian criminals went
to be protected from their chief's army. There they would be safe for a
number of days depending on how bad their crime was.
The weather was really hot but it was worth it! We visited some Hales'
(Hawaiian houses) as well as other sacred areas.
Lele (platform) where food offerings were placed, in front of Hale
O Keawe Heiau, a temple housing the bones of 23 chiefs
A Hale, made of ohi'a wood for the framework, and ti leaves and
pili grass for thatching
A Konane,
a Hawaiian checker game, still played today (click here
for the rules)
Two carved wood statues at Pu'uhonua
He-Le-Palala, a fishpond that served only the royalty
In the evening, we stayed at the King Kamehameha hotel in Kona. In the lobby, there was an exhibit of paintings of Hawai'i Kings and Queens. Also displays of old Hawaiian artifacts, such as a Ahu'ula (feather cape, worn by high chiefs), a Lei Niho Palaoa (whale tooth pendant, made from the sperm whale's teeth and fastened by braided human hairs), a Maha'ole (feather helmet, a symbol of rank and status), and kapa (quilts, made by Hawaiian women who learned the skill from the missionaries). It had been so hot that we took a swim in the pool!
At Ohana time (family time) after dinner, we each made a Lauhala bracelet and an orchid leis. We would take the leis with us tomorrow to the Mo'okini heiau.
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back to the start of the trip ... 
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to 13 March 1996