Hauola City of Refuge

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


Show Form

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