Pu’uloa Petroglyphs at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park

Nestled on the southeastern flanks of Kilauea Volcano, you’ll discover the Puʻu Loa Petroglyph Field. This remarkable site, stands as a testament to ancient Hawaiian culture. This one-square-mile area features over 23,000 individual petroglyphs carved into the smooth Pahoehoe lava.

Imagine early Hawaiians using crude tools, likely fashioned from denser basalt, to painstakingly carve these images. The Pu’uloa Petroglyphs at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, some estimated to be over 800 years old, offer insight into the lives of early Hawaiians.

These carvings are far from random doodles. They range from geometric patterns to representations of human figures, animals, and even canoes. The most common motif is the “cupule,” a small, circular depression.

Anthropologists believe these served as receptacles for the piko, or umbilical cord, of newborns. Placing a baby’s piko inside a cupule and covering it with stones was believed to bestow health and long life. Other symbols likely represent family groups, prayers for good fishing, or recordings of significant events.

While much remains open to interpretation, their importance is undeniable. As the NPS notes, deciphering their meaning is an ongoing process. However, resources like Instant Hawaii provide insights into potential meanings behind some of the more enigmatic carvings.

To see these ancient carvings firsthand, take a trip along the Chain of Craters Road in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, stopping at mile marker 16.5. You’ll find the clearly marked Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trailhead leading you across a moderately challenging trail spanning 1.4 miles round trip over the uneven lava bedrock.

While traversing the 0.7-mile walk over the gently undulating pāhoehoe lava bedrock trail leading to the boardwalk, it is easy to see why early Hawaiians considered this location special. The landscapes and panoramic views are truly amazing.

But remember to come prepared. Wearing sturdy shoes is a must as the terrain is uneven and can be challenging. The National Park Service has thoughtfully installed a raised boardwalk, allowing visitors to view these fragile carvings without causing further damage.

Remember, walking on the lava surface itself can unintentionally harm these irreplaceable treasures. Consider a visit in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and a less crowded experience.

For those seeking more ancient artistry, the Big Island doesn’t disappoint. Here are a couple of notable alternatives:

• Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve: If you’re staying in Kona and prefer a shorter drive, check out this easily accessible reserve. Featuring over 3,000 petroglyphs, it’s an excellent way to experience ancient Hawaiian culture without venturing too far.
• Puako Petroglyph Park: Located on the Kohala Coast, this site boasts one of the highest concentrations of petroglyphs in Hawaii. With over 3,000 carvings scattered amongst a coastal forest, this park provides a different kind of experience than Pu’u Loa, blending history with stunning natural beauty.

Whether you decide to focus your explorations solely on the Pu‘u Loa petroglyphs or choose to embark on a petroglyph-themed adventure across various sites, one thing is certain – your experience is bound to be enriched by this profound connection to ancient Hawaiian history.

These areas contain concentric circles, which is one of the many petroglyphs found here. If you bring water, you will have more than enough time to discover all the different types of Pu’uloa Petroglyphs at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.