Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs at Puʻuloa

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Puʻuloa is a sacred site in Hawaiʻi, used ritually for over 500 years and home to the state's largest petroglyph field, with over 23,000 images. These include poho (cupules) where newborns' umbilical cords were placed for long life, as well as geometric designs, anthropomorphisms, canoe sails, and feathered cape motifs. The petroglyphs can be accessed via a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike starting at the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs trailhead. Pu‘uloa was formed during the eruption of Kāne Nui o Hamo about 550 years ago.

Duration:

5 minutes, 30 seconds

Puʻuloa is the home to the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Hawaiʻi. Join us to learn more about the deep ancestral connections embedded in this place where petroglyphs serve as markers of genealogy and family customs.