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A pleasant out-and-back leading to some of the most interesting human history in the park.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

2.0

KM

100%

Runnable

151' 46 m

High

136' 41 m

Low

17' 5 m

Up

17' 5 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Stay on the boardwalk. Walking on the lava surface will destroy the fragile petroglyphs.

Overview

This coastal trail traverses a 500-550-year-old lava field to one of Hawaii's most extensive petroglyph fields. The site has approximately 23,000 petroglyphs, many of which are viewable at a boardwalk constructed for this purpose.

Need to Know

There is little to no shade along this route. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Also, be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Description

Travel in the footsteps of the kpuna (elders) to Pu`u Loa (hill of long life), a sacred and awe-inspiring gallery of ki`i pohaku (images carved in stone). These simple engravings record the life and history of the native Hawaiian people.

Follow the trail from the parking lot along Chain of Craters Road for about 0.5 miles to reach the boardwalk. On the boardwalk, check out (without touching) the over 500-year-old pieces of artwork.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 8 votes

#3592

Overall
  3.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
13%
4 Star
63%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#22

in Hawaii

#3,592

Overall
3 Views Last Month
955 Since Sep 18, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

44%
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33%
0%
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0%

Photos

More petroglyphs etched into the lava.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyphs etched into the lava.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyphs on the hillside.
Sep 18, 2015 near Volcano, HI
Looking out over the lava field.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyphs
Sep 18, 2015 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyph man
Sep 18, 2015 near Volcano, HI

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 93 days ago
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