Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, the ancient Hawaiian "City of Refuge" located just south of Kailua-Kona, is one of the most sacred sites in all of Hawaiʻi. What was the name of the strict ancient Hawaiian law system that made this place of refuge so essential to Hawaiian society — and what happened to those who successfully reached the sanctuary after breaking one of its rules?

Nestled along the rugged Kona Coast, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park invites visitors to step back into Hawaii’s spiritual past.

This revered sanctuary, once a refuge for those seeking forgiveness, stands as a powerful symbol of the Hawaiian people’s strength and tradition.

Stroll through the Royal Grounds, where ancient chiefs once ruled, and admire the formidable Great Wall that marks the edge of this historic safe haven.

Upcoming Events

Kailua-Kona’s lively music scene is buzzing with energy this March, offering residents and visitors a range of unmissable events.

Laverne’s Sports Bar will debut the Lucky We Live Hawaii Music Festival & Green Theme Party on March 17, 2026, with performances by Solid Roots, Haunani, Bubba, and more. Guests are invited to dress in green, with doors opening at 5:00 PM and tickets available for purchase.

The 31st Annual Kona Brewers Festival arrives on March 14 at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. This beloved event pairs craft beer tastings with live music from Ron Artis II, supporting local nonprofits and uniting the community.

King Kamehameha Cultural Historical Tour

Date: March 17
Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Admission: No registration required.
Details: For more information, please visit the website here.

Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series

Date: March 21
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

Admission: Buy tickets here.
Details: For more information, please visit the website here.

An inventive partnership is connecting art, conservation, and community, as local press-on nail brand ʻIwi Nails and bird illustrator Jo Camara work alongside the Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge to spotlight Hawaiʻi’s endangered birds and raise preservation funds.

Nail designs inspired by native species like the ʻiʻiwi, ʻakiapōlāʻau, and ʻakepa flew off shelves, supporting critical habitat restoration efforts for the island’s vulnerable birds.

Launched by Līhau Willing on Molokaʻi, ʻIwi Nails celebrates local identity through creative manicures featuring Camara’s art, turning everyday self-expression into conservation action.

Business Spotlight

Discover Chefs & Table in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii—a destination for passionate food lovers and home cooks alike.

Explore their carefully chosen cookware, elegant tableware, and glassware designed to elevate every meal.

Step into their lively demonstration kitchen, where chef-led dinners, hands-on workshops, and engaging seminars highlight the region’s best local and artisanal ingredients.

Photo of the Week

The law system was called the kapu system. Breaking a kapu was punishable by death. However, if a lawbreaker successfully reached the puʻuhonua (place of refuge) — by swimming across the bay or running through enemy territory — a resident kahuna (priest) would perform a ceremony of absolution. The lawbreaker was then forgiven and free to return safely to society, their transgression wiped clean. The kapu system was abolished in 1819, shortly after the death of King Kamehameha I, and the site fell into disrepair before being designated a National Historical Park in 1961.