Whispers in Stone
A Local's Guide to the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
Written by a Cultural Expert
Leilani AkoStories Carved in Stone, Waiting for You to Listen
The ocean breeze carries more than salt air here on the Kohala Coast. It carries stories. Stories carved in stone, waiting for you to listen.
I grew up with these stories. My tutu taught me that our islands speak in many ways. Through hula. Through mele. Through the ancient marks our ancestors left on black lava rock. The Puako Petroglyph Preserve holds some of the most powerful voices from our past.
This isn't just another tourist stop. It's a sacred library. One written not with ink, but with stone tools on hardened lava. Over 3,000 images spread across 223 acres, each one a whisper from nearly a thousand years ago.
When I first brought my keiki Malia and Nalu here, they asked me why people drew on rocks. I told them what my grandmother told me. These aren't drawings. They're prayers. They're family records. They're maps to understanding who we are and where we come from.
Every time I walk this trail, I discover something new. A figure I missed before. A connection between images I hadn't seen. The stones keep teaching, keep revealing their secrets to those who take time to listen.
Explore the Sacred Stories
Journey through nearly a thousand years of Hawaiian history preserved in stone
ℹ️ Quick Info
- Location: Mauna Lani Resort
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles round trip
- Duration: 60-90 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: Free
🎒 Essential Items
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
- Water (at least 1 liter)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Binoculars (optional)
🌅 Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning 6:30-9:00 AM
- Late Afternoon 4:00-6:00 PM
- Avoid Midday Too hot
🙏 Malama (Care For)
This is sacred ground. Please approach with respect and follow all guidelines to preserve these ancient stories for future generations.
- • Stay on designated trails
- • Don't touch the petroglyphs
- • Take only pictures
- • Leave only footprints
A Living Connection to Our Ancestors
The kiʻi pohaku (petroglyphs) at Puako aren't just historical artifacts—they're living connections to the families who called this place home for nearly a thousand years. Each image tells a story of daily life, spiritual beliefs, and the deep connection between people and place that defines Hawaiian culture.
Family Records
Many petroglyphs mark births, with piko (umbilical cord) ceremonies connecting children to the land forever.
Navigation Aids
Canoe and ocean imagery preserved knowledge about voyaging and fishing in these rich waters.
Spiritual Markers
Sacred symbols and ceremonial scenes marked important spiritual practices and beliefs.
When you visit Puako, you're not just looking at ancient art—you're walking among the ancestors, hearing their voices across centuries of silence. This is why we approach this place with such reverence, and why your respectful visit helps preserve these sacred stories for future generations.
