One of the largest petroglyph collections in the Pacific, with over 3,000 ancient Hawaiian carvings etched into smooth pahoehoe lava along North Kaniku Drive on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. The images—human figures, canoes, turtles, and mysterious abstract designs—some dating back over 800 years, tell stories of this important travel corridor for ancient Hawaiians. The 1.4-mile out-and-back trail through kiawe scrubland is mostly flat and accessible, though the path gets sketchy once you're past the main boardwalk area. You'll likely spot mongoose and Pacific golden-plovers along the way. Standing among these weathered carvings with trade winds blowing, you feel the weight of centuries—these may have been offerings, markers, or simply human expression carved into stone.
💡 Insider Tip
Hit it early morning or late afternoon when low sun creates shadows that make the petroglyphs pop for photos. Wear sturdy shoes for the loose lava rocks, bring water since there's little shade, and definitely don't venture out here close to dark—the trail gets hard to follow.
Daylight hours
Free
Free lot at Mauna Lani Resort
Early morning or late afternoon for best light
