Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Hawai'i, HI, USA

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❖Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Hawai'i, HI, USA, 2014[open in full screen]

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This gathering space is in this partially reconstructed Hawaiian village dating from 1650. It is located on the southern coast of Big Island of Hawai'i. Pu'uhonua is a special place in many ways. It has a sheltered canoe landing, extremely important in the life on all Polynesian Islands and proximity to the drinking water, natural place for Ali'i – Royal Chiefs.

Structure visible here is Heiau – temple holding bones of great chiefs and therefore it has sacred powers.

It lays on the edge of the great wall [built around 1550] separating royal palace area from the pu'uhonua [place of refuge] offering absolution for anybody that can run or swim past the chefs guard. After Kamemameha II abolished traditional practises in 1819 most of the temples were demolished or abandoned.

In recent days Hawai'i population is slowly reconstructing and showing renewed respect of the old Hawaiian ways of life.

Special atmosphere of the sacred spaces is still present, sensitivity to the extraordinary space is brought back successfully.

MEANDER ⇢ Very Old Squares

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❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	6	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	7	religious	x
access & linkages	8	social	x
comfort	8	residential	x
image	10	court yard	x
tourist value	10	with park	x
total	49	street, shopping	x