Hauola City of Refuge

Hauola City of Refuge, Kauai

Located at the mouth of the Wailua River, right next to the Hikinaakala Heiau, Hauola City of Refuge was a pu'uhonua (place of refuge) in ancient Hawaii. It was a sanctuary for kapu (taboo) breakers. It was forbidden, for example, to walk in the shadow of an ali'i (royalty). Breaking a kapu was punishable by death. But if one made it to a pu'uhonua such as this one, one could find refuge and was ultimately able to escape prosecution and resume one's life. A place of refuge also served as a sanctuary during times of war.

Hauola City of Refuge Overview

Ancient pu'uhonua (place of refuge) after a kapu was broken or during times of war
Located at the mouth of the Wailua River

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Reviews and Comments:


A few signs and visible marker stones. Come alone or with your lover. Best at sunset mid-week. Few people then. Stroll and sit, trying to imagine this sanctuary in the times before western men came. A spiritual place!!!
Kent , Sat May 16, 2015