Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs on Postcard

"I Lava You There are several hidden treasures among the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The one that I found most fascinating was a short (0.7 mile) hike from the Chain of Craters road to the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs. I was most fascinated that this land has been lava coated—and recoated—for ages and yet these petroglyphs still managed to escape centuries of fresh molten lava. I also thought this image, etched in the rock, was the likeness of a couple and imagined some ancient Hawaiian man carefully carving out the images and comically telling his wife: "I lava you a lot."

The Human History of Big Island, Hawaii

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@afar

"I Lava You There are several hidden treasures among the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The one that I found most fascinating was a short (0.7 mile) hike from the Chain of Craters road to the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs. I was most fascinated that this land has been lava coated—and recoated—for ages and yet these petroglyphs still managed to escape centuries of fresh molten lava. I also thought this image, etched in the rock, was the likeness of a couple and imagined some ancient Hawaiian man carefully carving out the images and comically telling his wife: "I lava you a lot."

If You Only Have Three Days on the Big Island

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Joshua Yan

Google

The trail map says it's only a 0.7 mile walk, but don't underestimate the route as there's uneven rocky terrain, not a clearly marked path, and no shade or cover around. However at the end of the trail you're rewarded with a really cool look into ancient Hawaiian history and culture. There are some signs that explain the meaning and the significance of the petroglyphs. Unfortunately some of the surrounding rocks outside the exhibition area have been defaced by people leaving their own carvings and marks, but the main area is still intact. If you're in the area to visit the arch it's definitely worth the trip to see this piece of history. It's also a nice experience getting to trek through some old lava flows.

James W

Google

As part of the Volcanoes National Park, this is one of the sites you want to go see. It shows a lot of the history of the people when they first came to the Hawaiian islands, and the early East carvings are from centuries ago. There's a parking spot off of the chain of craters Road where you can enter the trail The petroglyphs tell a story of people and their lives. Many of them are tribute to new births and families. Read all the signs as you go it'll explain what the petroglyphs mean. Take pictures, but not nothing else. Also, for Heaven's Sake, don't try and draw your own glyphs or initials in the stone, which many people have along the trail leave this historic site with the respect that is given to it by the park service. Stay on the boardwalk as you view the glyphs. It took us about 40 minutes to walk into the site at an easy pace. There is no incline, but it is jagged and rugged, not inducing to mobility impaired people. You will want to follow the trail markings since it is somewhat winding and all the terrain looks very similar and you could easily get lost.

Glenn Huff

Google

Its .7 mile out to the site and your feet and ankles will tell you about it. I was able to imagine indigenous Hawai’ians trekking to what seems like middle of nowhere, no decent shoes, across lava fields. No significant markers or structures to show the way. And then once there, carve into the rock. Theres virtually no shelter and no water. Amazing.

Ann Vaughn

Google

The approximate two mile round-trip hike to view the petroglyphs by the Hilo shore is worth it. It is a well-preserved area with an interesting history.

Joel R

Google

It's worth the journey to see these rare artifacts. These Petroglyph sites do require some walking/light hiking to reach them. Make sure to bring water and a long sleeve depending on what season you visit.

Keely Pool

Google

The Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs hike is a family-friendly experience that combines stunning natural beauty with rich cultural history. Just a short trek, it’s perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels. As you stroll along the well-maintained path, you'll encounter fascinating petroglyphs carved into the rock by ancient Hawaiians, offering a glimpse into the island's past. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, making it a great spot for some memorable photos. Overall, this hike is a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about Hawaiian culture in a relaxed setting. Highly recommended for families looking for a quick adventure!

Allison Waters

Google

This was a quick and easy out-and-back, fairly free form trail inside the National Park. The hike is through a lava field with occasional cairn markings. On a clear sunny day, it’s hot and there is no shade, so plan accordingly. Folks with vision, balance, or joint issues should be careful and will take longer to hike this (and would likely consider it moderate/difficult instead of easy), because the walk is over an entirely ungroomed rock field. The main petroglyph area is surrounded by a boardwalk, but keep your eyes peeled for other markings outside of that confined area and be respectful. Parking spaces are available at the trailhead, near the end of the Chain of Craters road, so it’s a bit of a drive to get out here.

Megan V

Google

1.4 mile round trip hike that leads you to a deck leading you around carvings in the lava. Parking is on the side of the road as shown in the photo. It’s pretty neat to see the different patterns formed by the cooled lava.

Joshua Yan

Google

The trail map says it's only a 0.7 mile walk, but don't underestimate the route as there's uneven rocky terrain, not a clearly marked path, and no shade or cover around. However at the end of the trail you're rewarded with a really cool look into ancient Hawaiian history and culture. There are some signs that explain the meaning and the significance of the petroglyphs. Unfortunately some of the surrounding rocks outside the exhibition area have been defaced by people leaving their own carvings and marks, but the main area is still intact. If you're in the area to visit the arch it's definitely worth the trip to see this piece of history. It's also a nice experience getting to trek through some old lava flows.

James W

Google

As part of the Volcanoes National Park, this is one of the sites you want to go see. It shows a lot of the history of the people when they first came to the Hawaiian islands, and the early East carvings are from centuries ago. There's a parking spot off of the chain of craters Road where you can enter the trail The petroglyphs tell a story of people and their lives. Many of them are tribute to new births and families. Read all the signs as you go it'll explain what the petroglyphs mean. Take pictures, but not nothing else. Also, for Heaven's Sake, don't try and draw your own glyphs or initials in the stone, which many people have along the trail leave this historic site with the respect that is given to it by the park service. Stay on the boardwalk as you view the glyphs. It took us about 40 minutes to walk into the site at an easy pace. There is no incline, but it is jagged and rugged, not inducing to mobility impaired people. You will want to follow the trail markings since it is somewhat winding and all the terrain looks very similar and you could easily get lost.

Glenn Huff

Google

Its .7 mile out to the site and your feet and ankles will tell you about it. I was able to imagine indigenous Hawai’ians trekking to what seems like middle of nowhere, no decent shoes, across lava fields. No significant markers or structures to show the way. And then once there, carve into the rock. Theres virtually no shelter and no water. Amazing.

Ann Vaughn

Google

The approximate two mile round-trip hike to view the petroglyphs by the Hilo shore is worth it. It is a well-preserved area with an interesting history.

Joel R

Google

It's worth the journey to see these rare artifacts. These Petroglyph sites do require some walking/light hiking to reach them. Make sure to bring water and a long sleeve depending on what season you visit.

Keely Pool

Google

The Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs hike is a family-friendly experience that combines stunning natural beauty with rich cultural history. Just a short trek, it’s perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels. As you stroll along the well-maintained path, you'll encounter fascinating petroglyphs carved into the rock by ancient Hawaiians, offering a glimpse into the island's past. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, making it a great spot for some memorable photos. Overall, this hike is a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about Hawaiian culture in a relaxed setting. Highly recommended for families looking for a quick adventure!

Allison Waters

Google

This was a quick and easy out-and-back, fairly free form trail inside the National Park. The hike is through a lava field with occasional cairn markings. On a clear sunny day, it’s hot and there is no shade, so plan accordingly. Folks with vision, balance, or joint issues should be careful and will take longer to hike this (and would likely consider it moderate/difficult instead of easy), because the walk is over an entirely ungroomed rock field. The main petroglyph area is surrounded by a boardwalk, but keep your eyes peeled for other markings outside of that confined area and be respectful. Parking spaces are available at the trailhead, near the end of the Chain of Craters road, so it’s a bit of a drive to get out here.

Megan V

Google

1.4 mile round trip hike that leads you to a deck leading you around carvings in the lava. Parking is on the side of the road as shown in the photo. It’s pretty neat to see the different patterns formed by the cooled lava.

Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs

Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs

Photos

Highlights

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