The spirit of Pu'uloa now surrounds you

Pu'uloa and its petroglyphs hold profound importance for many native Hawaiians in the past, present, and future. Because ancient Hawaiian culture lacked a written language, these petroglyphs provide a glimpse into the lives of early Hawaiian people, including their life experiences, struggles, and successes. Some can be recognized as human forms, animals, and canoes, while others are more abstract, with meanings that are complex, sacred, or known only to their creators. Changes throughout Hawai'i led to variations in petroglyph tools, techniques, and styles. Petroglyphs were traditionally made using pōhaku, with a sharp stone creating a bruised or abraded image, and as the culture flourished, styles evolved and the tools used to create them diversified. Most recent mapping projects have confirmed Pu'uloa as the largest petroglyph field in Hawai'i, with over 23,000 diverse rock carvings. Ongoing studies and continued cultural use of Pu'uloa affirm its cultural and scientific significance, and these simple impressions embody its essence.

Royal Hawaiian Estates, Hawaii · United States