Inside the pu'uhonua there was safety and asylum for all who made it to the sacred grounds. In war times women, children, and the elderly could safely wait here for the fighting to end. It was also a sanctuary for defeated warriors of either side. It also was a haven for those who broke a law or kapu, which was punishable by death since it was believed the gods would punish the entire village. If the lawbreaker reached the pu'uhonua, he or she could be prayed for by a priest and freed to return safely home.