When it comes to authenticity, it doesn’t get much better than the over 3,000 drawings of ancient Hawaiians still visible in the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve. Inside the Holoholokai Beach Park, enjoy the scenery on a short hike to a little bit of history.
Park your car at the beach and set out on foot to find these ancient drawings, from 500 to 1,000 years old! Petroglyphs can be found in areas throughout the islands, but this preserve is home to about 1,200 – the largest concentration in the Pacific! Area resorts offer additional marked trails and guided tours, like the Mauna Lani Resort and the Royal Waikoloan Hotel.
Taking rubbings of the drawings is prohibited, but within the Puako Preserve you’ll find a designated area for taking rubbings as an extra special souvenir. Back at the beach area, enjoy some rocky hiking – this isn’t a swimming beach - and a beautiful locale for an afternoon picnic and to plan your next authentic Hawaiian experience!
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Things to know:
Region: Hawaii Big Island
Related Onsite Offerings: There are roughly 3,000 such carvings at the site.
Fun facts: For the most part, the images take human “stick figure” form, though there are a few examples of canoes and animals, if you look closely. Some seem symbolic in nature, with certain figures sharing backbones, perhaps signifying familial relations.
Getting there: Follow road signs leading to petroglyphs next to Holoholokai Beach Park. The turnoff is on Highway 11 just past the entrance of 'The Orchid at Mauna Lani', north of Kailua-Kona. Hike 1/7 of a mile along the Malama Trail to a viewing platform overlooking the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.
Dates and Prices: Park hours are 6 a.m. -8 p.m. daily. Petroglyphs are open dawn-dusk, daily. Admission is free!
Related activities: Nearby the petroglyphs is a fully-equipped beach park with parking, restrooms, showers and barbecue grills. You can explore tidepools and go snorkeling or shelling.
Average temperature: High 77.3 degrees, low 72.1 degrees F.
Photo courtesy HCVB.
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