This is another in our Top 10 Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii discussions. Please click the link for more info on the rest.
A typical petroglyph
Petroglyphs – a look into the past
Although there are several locations where you can see petroglyphs on the Big Island the largest is the Puakõ Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, located just north of the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. There are about 1,200 petroglyphs in the main area which is accessed via the 1.5 mile roundtrip Malama Trail. The first part of the trail winds through a scrubby Keawe tree forest, past a lava cave, and then up a hill and out across an open lava field.
The scrub forest reminds us of old Hawaii
Although there are some individual petroglyphs along the way the actual petroglyph field at the end of the trail is amazing. Some of the images are estimated to be as much as 1,000 years old. It is a very special, uncrowded place that reminds you that these islands belonged to the Hawaiian people long before the tourists invaded.
The Petroglyph Field contains over 1,000 figures
Be careful near the ruins and do not attempt to make rubbings as this damages the fragile petroglyphs. Wear solid toe shoes and bring water as the lava can be rough and it can get hot particularly in the areas that are not shaded. The best time to take photos is late afternoon.
More petroglyphs
Other locations where petroglyphs can be see include an area near the Kings Shops in the Waikoloa Resort area and off the Chain of Craters Road in Volcanos National Park.
How cool, I have never heard of petroglyphs.
We went to an old temple in Hue, Vietnam a couple of days ago and I was noticing animal and human foot prints in the ancient floor tiles. I pointed them out to my kids and it was fun searching for more.