City of Refuge

Under the early rulers, the laws were rather strict. If you broke a law--a kapu--you died. End of story--almost. If you could make it to the City of Refuge, the kahuna or priest could absolve you of your crime and you returned to society free and clear. As Hal pointed out, somewhat like the confessional process in Catholicism. We drove south to the City of Refuge, not far from Honaunau, and did a self-guided walking tour. I was impressed by this very determined tree that grew out of a chunk of lava. And those that looked like they were ready to take off walking.

The City of Refuge is guarded by quite a number of fearsome looking gods.

Here are my fellow travelers resting outside the wall of the temple.

Also spent a lot of time watching a photographing a turtle that was leisurely munching his/her way around some of the tidal pools.

On the way back to Kailua, we stopped for fish and salad in Honaunau and at the Painted Church (aka St. Benedict's) outside Captain Cook (the town).


At the close of the day, we carried our gin and tonics (disguised in water bottles) up the road to the closest beach to watch the sunset, except there wasn't one, exactly. Still nice, though!