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Hale Pa'ahao

Near Banyan Tree Park is the old prison known as Hale Pa'ahao which means "stuck-in-irons house" in Hawaiian.

Hale Pa'ahao was built in 1852 and was used mainly to lock up rowdy sailors.


There's an old Ford out front that my father-in-law could have up and running in a jiffy.


The walls surrounding the prison grounds are coral and were built from pieces of an old fort which had been demolished nearby.


The cells were small and completely unfurnished. Four people would be confined to each cell. They could bring their own furnishings if they wanted. There was a framed letter from a sailor on one wall which described his stay in the prison. He actually thought it was quite nice. He had a place to sleep, three meals a day, and could lay around in the yard playing cards all day.



The prison rules were fairly strict. I like #7: Every noise of whatever kind or nature, whether it be talking, laughing, singing, whistling, or otherwise, is strictly prohibited.

I'm going to implement that rule in the car.


The report to the legistature for 1862-1863 lists such offenses as "felonious branding", "furious riding" and "seduction". A report for 1855-1857 also lists "giving birth to illegitimate children". "lewd conversation", and "neglect of parents to send children to school".

My how times have changed.
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