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Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
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The SRC first conducted surveys at Puuhonua O Honaunau NHP in November 1984 and August 1985. Examination of the submerged lands forming the boundary of the park indicated the presence of residues of cultural activity normally associated with terrestrial components of a site of this period in Hawaii. The remains were primarily in the form of features ground into the bedrock leaving curricular depressions. The size of the depressions ranged from 5 inches to over 12 inches in diameter.
Analogies from the archeological and ethnographic record suggest that those features in the smaller range served as bait cups, or a place to retain bait and churn it for fishing purposes. The larger are reported to be dye pots used for dying fishnets. An offshore freshwater spring, located in a cut that now serves as a boat ramp, was also investigated. The spring has been shaped into a rounded hole by humans and may have served as a Kii (spirit) hole; this is suggested by its alignment with other features that appeared to serve as boundary markers in the area. There are anecdotal reports that cattle used to come down to water at the spring, actually standing in 2 to 3 feet of seawater while drinking the fresh water as it emerged from this fissure. |
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In July 2001, SRC archeologists returned to the park to further investigate the natural and cultural resources, and discuss with park managers how SRC could contribute to park resource management goals by conducting hydrographic survey and underwater field investigations. Park managers noted that although there did not seem to be additional underwater archeological work needed around Puuhonua, the coastline south extending to the park boundary has not been extensively investigated. It was recommended that further fieldwork result in a Submerged Resources Assessment in the SRC publication series. This could then be used to generate derivative products such as brochures, interpretive panels, and video for the parks interpretive program.
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- July 2001 Examination of park resources and discussions with park staff about conducting submerged natural and cultural resources investigations. Matthew Russell and Dave Conlin, SRC Archeologists.
- June 1985 - Examination and documentation of freshwater spring and submerged lands forming park boundary. Daniel Lenihan directed operation that involved participation of Pacific Area NPS archeologist Gary Somers, cartographer Melia Lane and Pacific Area dive team led by Western Regional Dive Officer Dave McLean. This is one of many occasions when SRC concentrated NPS dive training exercises on park preservation needs.
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- November 1984 Preliminary reconnaissance of offshore features. Kii holes and bait cups sketched in relation to shoreline. Dan Lenihan, Gary Cummins and Jerry Livingston.
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Related Links
Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
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