Ka Puana: Pu‘uhonua
By Linda Ching
In the Hawaiian world order, there was always room for forgiveness. Transgressors of the strict and sacred laws of the land could always find redemption and a second chance waiting if they could make it to the Pu’uhonua, Place of Refuge. Those who persevered, overcoming all obstacles and their pursuant, surely must have felt the grace of the gods.
The Hawaiian kapu system was a strict and severe codification of sacred laws. The chiefs ruled with heavy hand. A transgression could mean punishment by death. However, if you could make it to the pu’uhonua you could receive absolution and prayers from the kahuna before returning to your family and community to start anew.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, known to be the largest Place of Refuge, stands as a monument of peace and forgiveness, a sacred ground where life can begin again.
Photo and text from Ao, Ten Years of Light by Hawai‘i photographer and author Linda Ching a new book illustrating Hawaiian mo’olelo, the stories of old. Available at area gift and book stores and Amazon.com. www.lindaching.com.
Photo by GP Merfeld, gpmkona.com
