Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve

Big Island Ancient Site Guide

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve protects thousands of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings near Holoholokai Beach Park and Mauna Lani.

Hawaiian Petroglyphs 2
Hawaiian Petroglyphs 2

Puako Petroglyphs, Big Island

Located on the Big Island's Kohala Coast near features more than 3,000 ancient Hawaiian rock carvings. The carvings show figures of humans, paddlers, marchers, as well as turtles, dogs, chickens and deity symbols. They are believed to have been carved between 1000 and 1800 A.D. The ancient Hawaiians called their stone art ki'i pohaku, which literally means "images in stone."

Many of the carvings are puka, which are cup marks and dots. These played a role in postbirth rituals. The piko, or umbilical cord stump, of the newborn was placed in a hole in the rock and a stone was put on top of it. It was believed that this would be beneficial for the child since this created helpful mana (spiritual energy).

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews.

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Steve Lohr

Tue Mar 15, 2016

This is a very interesting spot. It is an archeological site and if you aren't in to that, well don't go. But if you are, this is a good one. The trail to the petroglyphs is 0.74 miles through low tree growth reminiscent of Texas or New Mexico. The path is rough in places so don't attempt it in flip flops. There isn't a lot of interpretation here because I don't think much is really known about the site. You will come away with more questions than answers. The woods are a good place to look for birds and the beach at the parking lot looked pretty good. There are lots of feral cats and mongoose around the lot too.

Maribeth C. Yarnell

Thu Aug 01, 2013

You must enjoy finding archaeological treasures in a natural setting. The walking path is rough and stone-strewn. It would be great to have on-site interpretive literature; but a strong sense of energy prevails.

Photo gallery

Browse Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve photos featuring ancient Hawaiian rock carvings, the Malama Trail, kiawe woodland, lava fields and Kohala Coast archaeological scenery.

Location, Parking and Directions

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is reached from the Holoholokai Beach Park parking area near Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast. From the north side of the parking lot, follow the Malama Trail inland through kiawe woodland to the petroglyph field. Use designated parking only and stay on the path to protect the carvings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve?

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island near Holoholokai Beach Park and the Mauna Lani resort area.

How many petroglyphs are at Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve?

The preserve is known for more than 3,000 ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs carved into lava rock.

How do visitors reach the petroglyph field?

Visitors usually reach the main petroglyph field by following the Malama Trail from the Holoholokai Beach Park parking area.

Can visitors touch the petroglyphs?

No. Visitors should not touch, trace, step on, mark or make rubbings of the real petroglyphs because contact can damage the carvings.

What else is nearby?

Nearby places include Holoholokai Beach Park, Mauna Lani Drive, Kalahuipua'a Fishponds, Pauoa Bay and Kohala Coast resort areas.