Olowalu Petroglyphs

Olowalu Petroglyphs (Pu'u Kilea), Maui

Olowalu is one of the easily accessible petroglyph sites on Maui. Access is via a quarter mile (400 m) long dirt trail. Also known as Pu'u Kilea in the Hawaiian language, the Olowalu Petroglyphs are located along a basalt cliff in West Maui. About 100 ancient images have been chiseled into the rock here by ancient Hawaiians. You'll be able to see human and animal figures, as well as sails.

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation got a lease to this site in 1964 and built a wooden stairway and viewing platform. Unfortunately the site has been vandalized in the past. Some of the rocks have graffiti on them.

Olowalu is also known as the site of a bloody massacre, which happened in 1790. The captain of the American ship Eleanora (Capt. Simon Metcalf) became upset because of a stolen boat and opened fire on Hawaiian canoes, killing more than 100 men and wounding more than 200 near the ancient Olowalu landing site. This massacre led Big Island Chief Kame'eiamoku to attack the next Western ship that arrived, which was the Fair American, captained by Metcalf's son. The entire crew was attacked and killed, except for one person, Isaac Davis, who in later years became an advisor to King Kamehameha the Great.

Key Features

Petroglyph field: About 100 carvings on a basalt cliff in Olowalu Valley

Also known as Pu'u Kilea: Traditional name associated with the rock art site

Carved figures: Includes human forms, animals, canoes and other symbols

Short access route: Reached by a dirt path from the highway area

Preservation concern: Past vandalism makes respectful viewing especially important

Historic area: Olowalu also carries history tied to the 1790 massacre

Visitor note: Do not touch, trace, climb on, mark or make rubbings of the carvings

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Olowalu Petroglyphs?

The Olowalu Petroglyphs are in West Maui, along a basalt cliff in Olowalu Valley near Honoapiilani Highway.

What is Pu'u Kilea?

Pu'u Kilea is another name associated with the Olowalu Petroglyphs, the basalt cliff area where the ancient rock carvings appear.

How many carvings are at the Olowalu Petroglyphs?

About 100 petroglyphs appear across the cliff face, including human figures, animals, canoes and other symbols.

Can visitors touch the petroglyphs?

No. Visitors should never touch, trace, climb on, mark or make rubbings of the petroglyphs because contact can damage the rock art.

How should visitors access the site?

Use the dirt access route carefully, park only where allowed, stay on the path and view the carvings from a respectful distance.