Your Journey to the Stones
A Complete Guide to Visiting Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
Written by a Cultural Expert
Leilani AkoFinding Your Way to Ancient Voices
Your journey starts at the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. The contrast hits you before you even park. Manicured golf courses spread across the same lava fields where ancient families once lived. Modern luxury meets ancient history in ways that make you think about time and change.
Getting There: Step by Step
From Kailua-Kona: Drive Highway 19 north for about 25 miles (30 minutes). You'll pass the Waikoloa Beach Resort, then continue until you see signs for Mauna Lani. Turn makai (toward the ocean) at the resort entrance.
1
Enter Mauna Lani Resort
Follow the resort road past the hotel and golf course. The road winds through perfectly maintained grounds with palm trees lining the drive.
2
Follow Signs to Holoholokai Beach Park
Continue past the hotel facilities until you reach the public parking area. This is where your real journey begins.
3
Park and Prepare
Use the beach park facilities—restrooms, picnic tables, and shade trees. These are your last taste of modern comfort before the trail.
The Malama Trail: Your First Lesson in Respect
The trailhead greets you with a sign and information board. Read it carefully. The trail's name, Malama, means "to care for." This isn't just a suggestion. It's your first lesson in respect.
The path stretches about 1.5 miles round trip. Don't let the distance fool you. This isn't a casual beach walk. The ground is broken pahoehoe lava, sharp and uneven. Kiawe trees line the path, their thorns sharp enough to pierce thin shoes.
🪨 Pahoehoe Lava Terrain
Sharp, broken lava rock requires constant attention. Each step needs careful placement to avoid twisted ankles or cut feet.
🌵 Kiawe Thorns
These invasive trees have thorns that can penetrate leather. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are absolutely essential.
☀️ Exposed Conditions
No shade on the trail. Temperatures can exceed 90°F. Bring water, sun protection, and avoid midday heat.
🕐 Time Investment
Allow 60-90 minutes for the complete experience. The rough terrain makes it more strenuous than the distance suggests.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
The trail forces you to slow down. To watch each step. To be present. The heat, the rough ground, the thorns—they prepare your mind for what's ahead. You earn your way to the sacred space. This isn't a coincidence. Hawaiian culture has always recognized that sacred places require preparation.
🚗 Parking & Timing
- Parking: Free (50 spaces)
- Best Arrival: Before 8 AM
- Weekends: Very crowded
- Holidays: Extremely busy
🌅 Optimal Visiting Times
- Early Morning 6:30-9:00 AM
- Late Afternoon 4:00-6:00 PM
- Avoid Midday 10 AM-3 PM
Low sun angle creates shadows in petroglyphs, making them more visible.
🎒 Essential Gear
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Water (1+ liter per person)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Lightweight, long pants
- Binoculars (optional)
📍 Driving Distances
From Kona 25 mi / 30 min
From Hilo 90 min via Saddle
From Waimea 20 mi / 25 min
⚠️ Safety First
- • Tell someone your plans
- • Carry a cell phone
- • Know your limits
- • Watch for heat exhaustion
- • Stay on designated trails
The Stone Gallery Opens: What to Expect
After fifteen minutes of careful walking, the kiawe forest opens up. The petroglyph field spreads before you like an outdoor museum. More than a thousand images visible to the public. Each one a story waiting to be read.
The first sensation is overwhelming. Images everywhere. On every suitable piece of lava rock. Scattered across the field like pages from a giant book. You don't know where to look first.
Take Your Time
Breathe. Let your eyes adjust. The carvings aren't immediately obvious—they're subtle, shallow grooves in dark rock.
Use the Platforms
Raised viewing areas protect fragile carvings while giving you elevated views to see patterns and connections.
Golden Hour Magic
Visit during the hour before sunset when angled light creates shadows in the grooves, making images come alive.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Some of the most interesting carvings are just beyond the main viewing area. Binoculars let you study details without leaving the designated path while respecting the site's protection boundaries.
