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Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Parkhale o keawe
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Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
The Royal Grounds

In the past, chiefs entered the royal grounds from Keone'ele Cove by canoe. The pu (conch shell) is sounded to warn of thier approach, for it is forbidden for others to look upon or even cast their shadow on the ali'i (chiefs).  As the canoe makes land fall, other members of the royal court stroll past the royal fishponds, looking for a choice fish for dinner. Other chiefs my engage in a game of konane.  The spectacular golden colors of sunset play upon the vast ocean. The beauty, splendor and history of the royal grounds at Pu'uhonua o Honuanua are still felt as you take a self-guided walking tour along the trails once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.

 

Ka'ahumanu stone  

Did You Know?
Did you know that according to legend, Queen Ka'ahumanu once swam a great distance to the pu'uhonua after a quarrel with her husband Kamehameha I? She hid under a large stone, but her barking dog gave away where she was hiding. After her husband found her, the two soon made up.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST