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Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs

FEATURED
Easy
  3.9 ( 7 )
FEATURED
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  1. Areas
  2. HI
  3. …The Big Island (Hawaii)
  4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Trail

1.2 mile 2.0 kilometer out and back
Easy

Elevation

Ascent: 17' 5 m
Descent: -17' -5 m
High: 151' 46 m
Low: 136' 41 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 1% (0°)
Max Grade: 1% (0°)

Dogs

No Dogs
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Trail shared by Brian Smith

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“A pleasant out-and-back leading to some of the most interesting human history in the park.”

— Brian Smith
GPX File

Features Views

Stay on the boardwalk. Walking on the lava surface will destroy the fragile petroglyphs.

Overview

This coastal trail traverses a 500-550-year-old lava field to one of Hawaii's most extensive petroglyph fields. The site has approximately 23,000 petroglyphs, many of which are viewable at a boardwalk constructed for this purpose.

Need to Know

There is little to no shade along this route. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Also, be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Description

Travel in the footsteps of the kpuna (elders) to Pu`u Loa (hill of long life), a sacred and awe-inspiring gallery of ki`i pohaku (images carved in stone). These simple engravings record the life and history of the native Hawaiian people.

Follow the trail from the parking lot along Chain of Craters Road for about 0.5 miles to reach the boardwalk. On the boardwalk, check out (without touching) the over 500-year-old pieces of artwork.

Hiked this trail?

We need help with the following missing trail information:

Family Friendly, ADA Accessible, Flora & Fauna, History & Background

Contacts

Local Club: Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Aug 20, 2019: Fee Free Day – Sunday, August 25, 2019

Dec 5, 2018: Friends Logo Wear – The perfect gift

Dec 5, 2018: Holiday Craft, Music & Hula Fair at Kahuku

Land Manager: National Park Service - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Check-Ins

Jun 1, 2019
Rendy Combs
Follow the cairns to boardwalk. Uneven footing, trekking poles may help. — 1h 00m
Feb 2, 2019
Emily Zych
Oct 31, 2018
Jason Barnett
Oct 29, 2018
Jodi K
A place families hold sacred to mark the birth of their children. 1000s of petroglyphs
Oct 28, 2018
Steve Jaccino
Jun 5, 2018
Jeff Chien
Apr 27, 2018
FishStix
1.2mi
Apr 12, 2018
timothy roach

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 7 votes

#4

in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

#2810

Overall
  3.9 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
57%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Featured Hike Rankings

#4

in Hawaii Volcanoes Natio…

#19

in Hawaii

#2,810

Overall
21 Views Last Month
614 Since Sep 18, 2015
Easy
57%
43%
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Photos

Petroglyph man
Sep 18, 2015 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyphs on the hillside.
Sep 18, 2015 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyphs etched into the lava.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI
More petroglyphs etched into the lava.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Petroglyphs
Sep 18, 2015 near Volcano, HI
Looking out over the lava field.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI

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