HONAUNAU

village and historical site, at the southern end of Kealakekua Bay, on the western coast of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, U.S. Once the traditional seat of the Hawaiian kingdom of Kona and now a small fishing community, it is the site of numerous archaeological remains, principally the City of Refuge. Located on a 20-acre (8-hectare) lava shelf that dips into the Pacific Ocean, the refuge (puuhonua), one of several sacred spots that provided sanctuary in times of war, was established by at least the 15th century. Warriors, fugitives, and taboo breakers escaped death if they reached the site ahead of their pursuers; after remaining a few days and performing religious services, they were free to depart, protected by the gods. It was the most important refuge in the islands. Square in shape, the refuge lies between the ocean and an L-shaped lava wall, 1,000 feet (300 m) long, that was built about 1550 and averages 10 feet in height and 17 feet in width. Three temple (heiau) platforms are within the wall; Alealea Heiau is the largest, and Hale-o-Keawe (dating from 1650) was a depository for the bones of deified kings and chiefs. In the reign of King Kamehameha II, the old religious practices were forbidden (1819) and the temples razed. The City of Refuge was declared a national historic park in 1955. Nearby St. Benedict's Church, called the Painted Church for its colourful murals depicting biblical scenes, was the first Roman Catholic church in Hawaii. The site where Captain James Cook was killed is 3 miles (5 km) north of Honaunau. Pop. (1990) Honaunau-Napoopoo, 2,373.