Hale o Keawe stands prominently in the pu'uhonua, protected by several watchful ki’i (wooden images of the gods), alerting visitors this is a special and important place. Surrounding the pu'uhonua are the royal grounds, the area once exclusively reserved for use by the chiefs and their court. The neighboring Ki’ilae village offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s past and the changes that came to Hawaii after the arrival of Europeans.