A Visitor's Guide to the Puakō Petroglyphs on Hawaiʻi Island
Discover one of Hawaiʻi's most extensive collections of ancient rock carvings. This guide provides everything you need to know for a respectful visit to the sacred Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.
Just a short walk from the manicured resorts of the Kohala Coast lies a portal to ancient Hawaiʻi. The Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve protects one of the largest and most fascinating collections of kiʻi pōhaku (rock carvings) in the islands. This on-the-ground guide will help you explore this sacred landscape respectfully, providing everything from trail directions to cultural context.
Walking the trail at Puakō is more than just a hike; it's a step back in time. The carvings, etched into the dark pāhoehoe lava, offer a silent but powerful connection to the people who lived, worked, and worshipped on this land for centuries. It's an essential stop for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Hawaiʻi.
What Are the Puakō Petroglyphs?
The Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve contains more than 3,000 individual carvings spread across a 233-acre site managed by the State of Hawaiʻi. The kiʻi pōhaku here date back as far as 1200 A.D. While the exact meaning of many images is lost to time, they are understood to be records of life, lineage, and significant events.
Common images you'll see include:
- Human figures (anthropomorphs): Often in stick-figure form, sometimes with defining features like muscles or headgear. Groups of figures may represent families or commemorate births. You'll notice many circular depressions, called piko holes, where the umbilical cords of newborns were placed to wish them a long life.
- Animals (zoomorphs): Look for honu (turtles), dogs, birds, and other creatures.
- Geometric shapes and symbols: Circles, lines, and cryptic forms whose meanings are debated by scholars.
These carvings were not graffiti. They were created by the kūpuna (ancestors) of today's Native Hawaiians and are considered a sacred link to the past. The entire area is an open-air cultural museum, and it's a privilege to be able to visit.
Finding the Trailhead & Getting Started
The most accessible and well-maintained trail to the main petroglyph field is located at the northern end of Puakō, adjacent to the Mauna Lani Resort complex.
Directions:
- Drive north from Kailua-Kona on Highway 19 (Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway).
- Turn left onto Mauna Lani Drive.
- Follow the signs for Holoholokai Beach Park. The road winds through the resort area.
- Park at Holoholokai Beach Park. You'll find restrooms and showers here.
The trailhead is clearly marked near the parking area. It's a short walk from your car to the start of the path. There is no entrance fee.
The Hike: What to Expect on the Trail
The Malama Trail leads from the beach park to the main petroglyph viewing area. While short, it requires your full attention.
- Distance: Approximately 1.4 miles (2.25 km) round trip.
- Terrain: The trail crosses an 'aʻā and pāhoehoe lava field. The path is worn but extremely uneven and rocky. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential—do not attempt this in slippers (flip-flops).
- Elevation: The trail is mostly flat.
- Shade: There is very little shade. The sun reflecting off the black lava can be intense. The best times to hike are early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or late in the afternoon (after 3 p.m.) to avoid the midday heat.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The trail meanders through a sparse forest of thorny kiawe trees before opening up onto the lava field where the carvings are concentrated.
Viewing the Petroglyphs: A Walk Through Time
After about 0.7 miles, you will reach a circular wooden boardwalk. This viewing platform was constructed to allow visitors to see one of the densest collections of petroglyphs without causing damage to the fragile rock art. Please stay on the boardwalk at all times.
From the platform, you can spend time looking closely at the hundreds of figures carved into the lava rock around you. The low-angle light of the morning or late afternoon makes the carvings much easier to see, as shadows define their outlines.
While the boardwalk showcases a huge number of carvings, remember that you are walking past many more along the entire trail. Keep your eyes open as you walk, but always stay on the marked path.
Kuleana: The Responsibility of a Respectful Visit
Visiting a site like Puakō comes with kuleana—a uniquely Hawaiian concept of responsibility and privilege. The petroglyphs have survived for centuries but are incredibly fragile. Oils from human skin, the pressure of footsteps, and chalk or charcoal from rubbings cause irreversible damage.
To be a respectful visitor, follow these simple but crucial rules:
- Stay on the marked trail and boardwalk. Do not wander off into the lava field.
- Never touch, trace, or walk on the petroglyphs. Even the slightest pressure can erode the ancient carvings.
- Do not make rubbings. This practice, once common, is now known to be highly destructive. Take photos instead.
- Leave everything as you found it. Do not move or stack rocks.
- Pack out everything you pack in. There are no trash cans on the trail.
By following these guidelines, you help preserve this sacred site for future generations and honor the culture that created it. For more information on protecting Hawaiʻi's fragile resources, you can explore resources provided by the State of Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Carvings
- Go during the 'golden hours'. Early morning and late afternoon light creates shadows that give the petroglyphs depth and make them stand out.
- Don't use a flash. It will wash out the images and create a flat, uninteresting photo.
- Change your angle. Sometimes moving just a few feet to the side can dramatically change the lighting and make a carving more visible.
- Use a polarizing filter. If you have one for your camera, it can help reduce glare from the lava rock and enhance the contrast of the carvings.
Other Petroglyph Sites on Hawaiʻi Island
If your visit to Puakō sparks an interest in kiʻi pōhaku, you can find other significant sites on the island.
- Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs: Located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, this is another massive field with over 23,000 carvings. The hike is similar in length to Puakō and is highly recommended. You will need to pay the park entrance fee to access it.
- Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve: Situated between the Kings' Shops and the Queens' MarketPlace in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, this is a smaller, very accessible field with a path leading past several dozen carvings.
Each site offers a unique glimpse into the island's history, but Puakō remains one of the most immersive and impressive experiences available to the public.
Related Reading:
- A First-Timer's Guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: /blog/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-guide
- Exploring the Best Beaches of the Kohala Coast: /blog/best-kohala-coast-beaches
- Important Cultural Sites to Visit on the Big Island: /blog/cultural-sites-big-island