Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is located along the Kohala Coast on the north west of the Island of Hawaii. The petroglyphs are also known as kii pohaku and are lava rock carvings etched into stone several centuries ago by Native Hawaiians. The true meanings of these carvings are unknown although many think they represent special events such as births.

This preserve has over 3,000 petroglyphs and includes carvings of human forms, canoes, dogs, birds and turtles amongst other things. It is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields not only on the Big Island, but the whole of Hawaii. A trail takes visitors through the preserve over a lava field and through an iron wood forest, which can be rocky in places and will require a strong pair of shoes. The trail is marked with a sign and an interpretive kiosk.

The petroglyphs are a short walk from Fairmont Orchid Hawaii and the Mauna Lani Resort. The Mauna Lani Hotel has maps and a brochure of the petroglyphs here and offers guided tours with a local historian. Visitors are politely requested not to touch the petroglyphs or take rubbings of them as it could seriously damage these fragile stone carvings.