Name: Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
Rating: 3.9

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

— Brian Smith

GPX File

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.