The royal grounds area was the home of the royal chiefs (ali'i) of the Kona district of the island of Hawaii. The royal grounds were for the use of the ali'i alone. It was a violation of the sacred law, or kapu, for a commoner to cast a shadow into the royal grounds, let alone enter the area. This offense would be punished by death, unless the offender could reach the place of refuge, the pu'uhonua.

Tour the royal grounds by selecting a stop on the map or starting at the Visitor Center.