King’s Mamalahoa Trail Petroglyphs

Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Trail

The Pu'u Loa Petroglyph Field sits off Chain of Craters Road in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. It's the largest collection of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs in the islands -- more than 23,000 images carved into hardened pahoehoe lava over several centuries. The 1.4-mile roundtrip hike to reach them is flat and easy, crossing an open lava field with trail markers (cairns) guiding the way.

At the site, a raised boardwalk loops through the densest concentration of carvings. You'll see human figures, concentric circles, dots, and travel symbols etched into the smooth rock surface. Many of the circular depressions are piko (umbilical cord) holes -- families placed a newborn's piko in the rock and covered it with a stone to ensure the child's strength and long life.

What to Expect on the Trail

The hike is exposed lava the entire way. No trees, no shade, no water source. Bring at least a liter of water per person and wear a hat and sunscreen. The trail surface is uneven but manageable in sturdy sandals or sneakers. Plan 45 minutes to an hour for the full roundtrip, longer if you want to study the carvings in detail.

Stay on the boardwalk and marked trails. Walking on the petroglyphs damages them -- the lava surface is brittle and foot traffic erodes carvings that have survived for centuries. Do not make rubbings or place anything on the rock.

Getting There

Drive Chain of Craters Road about 16 miles from the park entrance. The trailhead is on the left (mauka) side, marked with a small sign and a pulloff parking area. The road dead-ends at the former Holei Sea Arch overlook, so you'll be heading in the right direction. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go -- midday sun on black lava is punishing.