PU`UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (Place of Refuge) 19'28.40N by 15'555.16W DIRECTIONS: From KCD, turn on Hwy. 19 (becomes Hwy 11). You will drive up to the 2000 ft. elevation and through old villages such as Kainaliu, Kealakekua and Captain Cook. Along the way, there are many interesting and historical sites. When you have traveled the distance of 18.2 miles, you will find a well marked intersection with signs indicating that Hwy.160 will take you down to Honaunau. When you have driven 3.6 miles down hwy 160, you will see the National Park entrance on your left. Continue past the entrance for less than a quarter mile until you find a narrow, unimpressive roadway on your left. Take it downhill to the dive site.HISTORIC FOOTNOTES: Long ago when stealing a banana or walking in the shadow of an Alii meant certain death, someone contrived a sporting plan where by, if a sinner could swim across the bay or run over the lava and scale a huge rock wall while villagers were pelting him with rocks and spears, he would be exonerated from his past ill doings. (Ego, Place of Refuge).THE PLACE OF REFUGE DIVE SITE Be of brave heart. The land portion of this dive is not easy but worth your effort because this most likely is the best shore dive on the Big Island. When you arrive, you will find the narrow road lined on both sides with automobiles and boat trailers. The trailers gradually disappear as fishermen, who left well before dawn, return with their catches. Sometimes the local residents offer parking on their property for a couple of bucks. Another possibility is to unload your gear then drive the car to the Place of Refuge free parking lot just a short block away. There are no amenities at the dive site although a portable potty is sometimes available. Not far away at the entrance to the Place of Refuge National Park, you will find restrooms, drinking water and telephones. 1. TYPE OF ACTIVITY: Scuba and Snorkeling 2. POTENTIAL HAZARDS: A. Surf. Due to the protection offered by this bay it is very unlikely that you find any wave action in the dive areas. SPECIAL CAUTION: STRONG WINDS AND SEA CONDITIONS FROM THE WEST OR NORTHWEST WILL MAKE THIS SITE UNDIVEABLE. B. Reef and Shoreline- The shoreline entrance at this site is off Pahehoe. When the surf or swells are running from one to two feet, I personally would use the boat ramp as to my entrance and exit. If the surf or swells are running more than two feet, I would ABORT the dive altogether. C. Winds- From the west and northwest will cause a surf condition. D. Current- Usually no currents within area shown on the map. E. Roads- Roads are paved but narrow at dive site. F. Seasonal Weather- Usually good any time of the year. During winter and spring months this site has the potential of having a little more wave action. A LITTLE WORD TO THE WISE: (ONE) Divers who go to the left from the entry steps need to remember that they will be crossing the boat channel. (If, for any reason, they decide to surface, they must first STOP & LISTEN.) All boats using this channel are outboards so their high pitched scream is easily discernable. It is strongly advised that divers tow a dive flag float on this dive. (TWO) - The deep channel that bisects the bay (see your chart). Around the edge of the bay you will find beautiful coral gardens in depths of 10-20 feet. Down the middle you will see the deep blue of depth that begins to your right at 60 feet and reaches greater than 300 feet as the bay joins the sea. The walls are profusely covered with an incredible variety of coral and sea life. The bottom is pure white sand. The danger that exists is caused by the fact that this is such a diver friendly environment. If you drop over the edge and begin a leisurely descent you will be shocked when you finally check your depth gauge. This is because there are no thermoclines to remind you that your depth is increasing. Also, when you can see the surface from 100 feet down, it is deceptive. To dive safely under these conditions you must monitor your gauges frequently or stay on the upper reef where your dive time will be much longer. 3. SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to advanced. 4. FOR SCUBA AND SNORKELING: (Entry/Exit) You will find a series of large flat lava steps (two steps) that all divers and snorkels use to get into or out of the water. This probably is the easiest reef entry/exit you will ever find. 5. WHAT TO EXPECT AT SITE: Lots of Pahoehoe lava and tide pools. It is not unusual for a school of porpoises to come charging along to cavort with the divers while mother whales cruise back and forth with their calves at the entrance of the bay. Friendly turtles peer from behind coral heads to see if they recognize any of the divers. Pink and green parrotfish leisurely cruise about. A SPECIAL NOTE: The green sea turtles are an endangered species, protected by Federal Law. Please do not touch or harass the animals. The Hawaiian humpback whales are seasonal here from December through late March. 6. WATER DEPTHS: Five to hundred feet. The entry at the two steps is about 5 feet deep. 7. TYPE OF TRANSPORT TO THE SITE: Any automobile will get you there. No public transport is available other than taxicabs. 8. SITE FACILITIES: There are no amenities at the dive site, although a portable toilets is sometimes available and a few broken down picnic tables. Not far away, at the entrance to the. City of Refuge National Park, you will find restrooms, drinking water and telephones. Hawaiian Dictionary Palani: A surgeonfish, also the Hawaiian name for Frank. Kua-kini: Innumerable, the name of the person who was in charge of building Moku-`ai-kaua church in Kalua, Kona. (1823) Ka-i-na-liu: Bail the bilge, the name of a canoe bailer for Keawe-nui-a-Umi. Ke-ala-ke-kua: Pathway [of] the god. Honaunau: To chew, the inhabitants who live here were the only people that chew the awa root while everyone else pounding it. (A drink used in ceremonies) Root of the Kava shrub. Pahehoe: is characterized by smooth, billowy or rope surface lava. Ali`i: Chief, noble, royalty. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS Police, Ambulance & Fire ......................... 911Coast Guard: search/rescue (toll free)...... 1+800.552.6458; 1+800.331.6176Hyperbaric Center: (bends treatment) Honolulu .................. 1+808.587.3425DAN: (emergency) .................................... 1+919.684.8111 Return to costal map