What Is the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District?
At 233 acres, this is one of Hawaiʻi’s largest fields of petroglyphs (Kiʻi pōhaku)!
What Makes It Historical?
Like with many petroglyphs, it’s hard to know exactly when this gallery was etched into the lava rock, but estimates range from all the way back in 1000 CE to as recently as 1800 CE! The nearly 3,000 shapes in the stone range from human forms to canoes, wildlife to geometric patterns, all facing east toward Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain from base to summit!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Hawaiian Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
End of Holoholokai Beach Park Rd
Waimea, HI 96743
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District is open daily from sunrise to sunset!
More Photos
