Sacred Petroglyphs

Reading the Stones: The Sacred Kiʻi Pōhaku of Puako

What you are looking at is not just "rock art." In Hawaiian, these carvings are called kiʻi pōhaku, which translates to "images in stone." For a culture that passed its history, genealogy, and knowledge down through oral traditions like chants and stories, kiʻi pōhaku served as a vital and permanent form of record-keeping and communication.

The Puako preserve, covering 223 acres, is one of the largest and most significant concentrations of these carvings in all of Hawaiʻi. It contains over 3,000 individual petroglyphs. Archaeologists estimate that the carvings were created over a long period. From as early as 1200 AD up until the 1800s. Spanning centuries of Hawaiian life on this coast.

The Beautiful Mystery of Meaning

One of the most profound aspects of visiting the Puako petroglyphs is confronting the mystery of their meaning. While it's tempting to seek definitive translations for each symbol, the truth is that the precise meanings of most kiʻi pōhaku are unknown. Lost to the passage of time. This ambiguity is not a failure of our understanding. It's a testament to the sacred and perhaps personal nature of the carvings.

Rather than imposing our own interpretations, the most respectful approach is to learn about the scholarly theories. These paint a rich picture of the people who created them.

Many archaeologists and cultural historians believe the petroglyphs are records of significant life events. Particularly births. They serve as a form of genealogy. The most poignant evidence for this is the presence of numerous puka, or small cup-like holes, pecked into the rock. It is widely believed that these puka were part of a sacred post-birth ritual. The piko, or umbilical cord stump, of a newborn would be placed within one of these holes. Often with a stone placed on top. This act was thought to anchor the child's spirit to the ancestral land. Ensuring a long, healthy life and imbuing them with the mana of the place.

The carvings also provide a direct window into the daily lives and worldview of the ancient inhabitants. You can clearly make out human figures. Often depicted as simple stick figures, which are thought to be an older style of carving. Some figures are in groups. Some appear to be dancing. Others are shown as marchers or warriors, sometimes carrying weapons. You'll see paddlers in canoes. A testament to the importance of the ocean. Depictions of animals that were central to their lives: honu, dogs, and chickens.

Other theories suggest the carvings could have served as mystical messages to the gods. Pleas for protection or survival. Or even as markers for important trails and land divisions. The fact that this area lies along the path of the historic Ala Kahakai Trail, or King's Trail, lends weight to this idea.

The Spirit of Mālama ʻĀina (Caring for the Land)

Visiting a site as sacred and fragile as the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve comes with a profound responsibility. It is a living museum, and we are its guests. The guiding principle here is mālama ʻāina. A deep, cultural value of caring for and respecting the land. This is more than just a "leave no trace" policy. It's an understanding that we are stewards of this place for future generations.

The Mauna Lani Resort has done a wonderful job of protecting this site and educating visitors. We must all do our part.

By following these simple rules, we honor the kūpuna who created these images. We ensure that their stories, etched in stone, can continue to be told for centuries to come.