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Puuhonua o Honaunau, or Place of Refuge. In ancient times, Hawaiians lived under strict laws. The penalty for violating a sacred kapu (law) was death. Hawaiians often chased down an offender and swiftly put him to death unless he could reach a puuhonua, or place of refuge. There he could be absolved by a kahuna (priest) in a purification ceremony, then return home with his transgression forgiven. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle.

On the way into the park, our guide told us about the papaya tree. It's enzymes can be used as a meat tenderizer, and native hawaiians believe that eating the seeds can cure cancer.

This thatched structure is a recreation of a men's "halau". It is where the men of the village would work, and women and children were not allowed to enter. Ah, the good ol' days.

Since ancient hawaiians did not have refrigeration to preserve meat, they built these small ponds where they could throw freshly caught fish until they were ready to eat them.

We were told that it was not uncommon to see Turtles swim up to shore. Sue actually tried to get a picture of one floating in the water. I guess turtles need refuge, too.

A lot is made of Egyptian and Mayan building technique, but the ancient Hawaiians were not so shabby, either. This was was immense, Much more so than any I've seen at Mayan ruins. Our guide theorized that this large rock could be hiding something (a tomb perhaps), but no one will know unless permission is given to excavate.

Look how straight that wall is. There are no gaps you could even fit a piece of paper into, and the whole thing is held together without any mortar.

And it's over 20 feet wide. That'll keep out invading armies.

This totem stands look-out out over the harbor.

The Hale O Keawe heiau, or temple, is surrounded by large ancient wooden kii (statue), which stand guard over the buried bones of 23 alii (Hawaiian royalty).

Here are two more guardians up close.

A look from behind the thatched temple.

Sue and I stop for a picture with the lava field in the background.