Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, sacred place of refuge, part 2

 

In the last post I described this place and its significance, and would now like to post a few more images emphasizing the volcanic nature of the landscape, formed by basaltic flows of black lava from Mauna Loa. As is fitting for a sacred place of rebirth the vegetation is taking hold in the new earth provided by the mineral rich lava. This first image shows a relation which looks like lava emanating from the tree, but of course the reverse is true!

Lava overtaken by trees at Pu'uhonua

Trees growing in lava at Pu’uhonua

 
Lava flows with vegetation at Pu'uhonua

Lava flows in Pu’uhonua

Lava flows at bay entrance

Lava flows forming bay entrance

Basalt flows and vegetation at bay entrance

Lava flows and vegetation at bay entrance

Basalt at bay entrance with colorful reef fish

Basalt at bay entrance. Yellow spots in shallow water are colorful reef fish

Palms and carvings at sacred building

Palms and carvings at sacred building

Historic Sacred Place of Refuge on Kona Coast of Hawaii

Naturephotography, Birds, Herons and EgretsDuncan NeilsonPu'uhonua o honanaunaunature photography, Birdphotography, herons, Ridgefield Refuge