Puʻuloa Petroglyphs is a sacred Native Hawaiian site along Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. A roughly 1.5-mile walk across uneven lava leads to a boardwalk where you can view more than 23,000 carvings, including circles, human figures and canoe forms. Interpretive signs explain the site’s history, and carvings can also be spotted along the route. The exposed trail has little shade, so bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
A sacred record carved in lava
Puʻuloa is a major petroglyph field in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, on the lower stretch of Chain of Craters Road. More than 23,000 images are carved into hardened lava here. The designs include circles, geometric patterns, human forms and canoe motifs, alongside other images whose meanings are not always clear.
The carvings record aspects of Native Hawaiian life and belief. Some accounts connect the site with families bringing the umbilical cords of newborn children here and praying for their health and future. The images are part of a sacred cultural place, not simply patterns to inspect up close. Give the site the care and respect it calls for.
Reading the petroglyph field
The route crosses a lava flow before reaching the boardwalk around the main concentration of carvings. Interpretive signs provide context for what you see. Take your time: some markings are easier to notice as your eyes adjust to the rock, and additional carvings can be found along the walk back.
The boardwalk keeps visitors from walking over the petroglyphs. Stay on it throughout the viewing area, and do not touch or add marks to the stone. The images are carved into the same dark lava that makes up the surrounding field, so changes in light can affect how clearly their shapes stand out.
Walking from Chain of Craters Road
The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip, though accounts give slightly different distances. The ground is mostly level but rocky and uneven, with no shade. Cairns help indicate the route across the lava, but this is not a paved path. Allow extra time for careful footing and stops to look at the carvings.
The trailhead is on Chain of Craters Road, with parking at the pullout. The exposed conditions can make the walk feel demanding in heat or strong sun. Carry water, cover up and wear shoes suited to rough ground. The boardwalk is the viewing route at the main field; the uneven approach is not suitable for anyone who needs a flat, paved path.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long is the walk to Puʻuloa Petroglyphs?
Plan on about 1.5 miles round trip. The route crosses uneven lava, so allow time for careful walking and stops.
How long should I spend at Puʻuloa Petroglyphs?
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the walk, viewing the carvings and taking breaks.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a hat. The trail has uneven lava and no shade.
Can you walk among the petroglyphs?
Use the boardwalk to view the carvings and stay off the petroglyph field. The boardwalk helps protect this sacred site.
