Stock Photo - Palms of Pu´uhonua o Honaunau National Historic in Park. Big Island. Hawaii. Green Sea Turtle. Green sea turtle on beach at the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park City of Refuge Kona Coast The Big Island Hawaii. Up until the early 19th century on Big Island, Hawaiians who broke the law could avoid a punishment of death by fleeing to a region of the west coast known as pu´uhonua, or place of refuge, where they would be forgiven by an area priest. In present day, this place of refuge is a historical landmark preserved by the park service.