Petroglyhs are rocks carvings of symbols and images made by prehistoric tribes. The literal translation of the word “petroglyph” is rock carving. The etymology of this word takes us back to the ancient Greek civilization, particularly from the Greek words “petros,” which means stone and “glyphein” which means to carve. These ancient art on stone and molten lava material are known locally as k’i’i pohaku. These images in stone provide a look at the old Hawaii, though there are limited evidences as to their real origins.
The actual age of the Hawaiian petroglyphs have yet to be determined, although a chronological pattern can be established based on the styles of these ancient stone carvings. The earliest forms are the simple stick forms and the triangular shapes, which are the dominant styles in Hawaiian petroglyphs, are believed to have been done much later.
After the time that westerners set foot on Hawaii, stone carvings of cattle and horses started to appear and became a popular style during that period. Among the islands of Hawaii, the Big Island has the most number of petroglyphs. The specific locations with the highest concentration of these stone carvings include the pãhoehoe lava, interior sections of cliff walls, cliff faces and in the areas around the Island that are inundated with lava as well as ancient trails.
Big Island of Hawaii
Pu’uloa – This site is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along the southern section of the Kilauea Volcano. Pu’uloa boasts of the most number of petroglyphs in a single location in all of Hawaii. There are about 23,000 pertroglyphs scattered in an area along the end of the ocean and towards the fringes of the Chain of Craters Road. Pu’uloa, which literally means “long hill,” is also considered to be a place of longevity. The implication of this attribution to this place is directly related to the practice of locals leaving a piko, or navel cord of a baby, to give children the best shot for long life. The most common petroglyphs found in this place include human representations, circles, holes, feathered cape motifs and canoe sails.
Puako – This is another popular petroglyphs site on the Big Island which lies along South Kohala and is a stone’s throw away from Holoholokai Beach Park. You can get the necessary information and area map on the petroglyphs site at Mauna Lani Resort. There is an existing viewing site that offers the most amazing view of the petroglyphs and a trail that provides a convenient access to a section where the most number of petroglyphs are found.
Anaeho’omalu – This petroglyph site is found some 4.5 miles on the southern region of Puako in an area which is near the Waikoloa Beach Resort. It is around half a mile off Highway 19. Information and area map are available at the Royal Waikoloan and several hotels in the area. Anaeho’omalu collection of petroglyphs includes images of canoes, humans as well as circles and abstract forms.
Ka’upulehu – This popular Big Island petroglyphs site is found within the Kona Village Resort grounds. There are distinct features of Ka’upulehu which are not found in other petroglyph locations, and there are indications that this site was used for a purpose which is different from other petroglyphs sites. The dominant stone carvings in the area bear sails which could mean that the place may have been used as navigation or sailing school before.
Kaloko-Honokohau – This is another popular petroglyph site on the Big Island which is found in the National Historical Park of Kaloko Honokohau. The site showcases some of the more recent stone carvings which include a captivating image of a full-rigged ship. You can reach the site from Highway 19 right after the exit going to Honokohau Harbor.
Kahalu’u – This petroglyphs field lies some 5 miles off the southern part of Kailua-Kona. While this petroglyphs site is relatively accessible, it is recommended that you visit the place during low tide as most of the stone carvings lie on a flat lava region that is inundated by seawater during high tide. This amazing set of stone images includes diverse human forms, phallic symbols and other abstract forms. Specifically, this collection of stone art forms is found some 200 yards on the southern portion of the park pavilions.
Island of Maui
The popular petroglyph sites in the Island of Maui include Kahoma, Lahaina, Haleakala and the southeast region of Maui specifically along the Waiohonu Stream. There is also another set of petroglyphs which are located at Olowalu. These are stone art forms that were carved out straight from the face of a cliff. This is one of the most visited petroglyph site in the Island of Maui, although vandalism is an emerging concern of late. You can reach Olowalu by driving south along Highway 30 going to Kahului and turn off along Mile Marker #15. Take the dirt road just behind the Olowalu General Store toward the overall direction of the Olowalu Valley. The petroglyph site is about a mile off Highway 30.
Island of Oahu
The top petroglyph sites in the Island of Oahu are those found in the Nu’uanu Petroglyph Park, which lies along the western portion of the Nu’uanu Stream. The main inspiration of most of the stone carvings is the ghost dog, locally known as Kaupe. Another petroglyph area presents some challenge for those who want to view the stone art forms, as one has to scale a slippery and rocky terrain.
Island of Kauai
This is also one of the more popular petroglyph sites and is found along Mahalepu’s Koloa Beach. One of the interesting aspects of the stone art forms is the presence of human figures with heads facing seaward. Another important petroglyph site on the Island of Kauai is the one that lies along the Wailua River, which is just beneath the Temples of Refuge.
Island of Lanai
Ancient stone carvings on the Island of Lanai are found in several locations. Most of these petroglyphs are located in the regions of Luahiwa and Kaunolu. These are the specific sites that are believed to have played an important role in the past. Interestingly, the boulder Keaohia bears many stone art forms while other boulders nearby don’t feature any stone drawings at all. Majority of the petroglyphs in the Island resemble birds and evidences tend to point to its reference to a particular local mythology, Halulu, which is a man-eating bird.
Island of Molokai
Majority of the important petroglyphs in the Island of Molokai are found in a small area which is near the Ka Ule o Nanhoa, the famous phallic rock. This is found in the Pala’au State Park along the northern shore of Molokai.
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