Puako Trip Overview
In old Hawaii, the kapu system governed all aspects of everyday life in Hawaii from your social status to what you were allowed to eat. Breaking these strict rules often resulted in death. However, there were places throughout the islands known as Puʻuhonua or Cities of Refuge. One of the purposes of the Puʻuhonua was to act as a sanctuary for anyone who had committed a crime, and they would be forgiven. However, that was if they were able to make it to the Puʻuhonua alive.
Tensions reached a climax, and war broke out between the ʻAi Noa and ʻAi Kapu factions after Liholiho, Kamehameha II, broke the ʻAi Kapu. The Christians were led by Liholiho and backed by two Queens; Kaʻahumanu and Keōpūolani. The opposing side was led by Kekuaokalani and supported by his wife, the chiefess Manono. The conflict ended after the Battle of Kuamoʻo when Kekuaokalani and Manono were killed.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Starts: Puako, United States
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Puako Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Puako, Hawaii, United States
In old Hawaii, the kapu system governed all aspects of everyday life in Hawaii from your social status to what you were allowed to eat. Breaking these strict rules often resulted in death. However, there were places throughout the islands known as Puʻuhonua or Cities of Refuge. One of the purposes of the Puʻuhonua was to act as a sanctuary for anyone who had committed a crime, and they would be forgiven. However, that was if they were able to make it to the Puʻuhonua alive.
Tensions reached a climax, and war broke out between the ʻAi Noa and ʻAi Kapu factions after Liholiho, Kamehameha II, broke the ʻAi Kapu. The Christians were led by Liholiho and backed by two Queens; Kaʻahumanu and Keōpūolani. The opposing side was led by Kekuaokalani and supported by his wife, the chiefess Manono. The conflict ended after the Battle of Kuamoʻo when Kekuaokalani and Manono were killed.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Lekeleke Burial Ground, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI
This is where the battle took place. Most of the Hawaiians killed in this battle are entombed here. We will tell stories of what had happened
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, 1871 Trail, Honaunau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96726
In the city of Refuge it is said that most of the families not fighting waited here. This was one of the places that if you broke any laws was a safe haven if you made it to this spot
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: The Painted Church, 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, Island of Hawaii, HI 96704-8409
This is one of the first churches built by the Christians upon their arrival. This church was where the Kamama Family was learning about Christianity. This is some of what lead up to the lead up to this battle.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Pu’ukohola Heiau, 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Kawaihae, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-9720
The majestic, stone Puukohola Heiau can be seen off the road, just north of the resorts of the Kohala Coast. This National Historic Site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii and is part of the National Park System. Heiau were sacred places of worship for Native Hawaiians, and Puukohola Heiau was a site built to fulfill a historic prophecy.
Duration: 1 hour
