ACTIVITIES- Cultural

Puako Petroglyphs
Ancient Hawaiians called their stone art k'i’i pohaku, or images in stone. The k'i’i pohaku are called petroglyphs, which comes from the greek words, "petros" for rock, and "glyphein" to carve. The largest concentration of petroglyphs in the Pacific lies within the 233-acre Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District.  These Malama Petroglyhs were made thousands of years ago. The field has over 3000 carvings including paddlers, sails, marchers, dancers, and family groups, as well as dogs, chickens, turtles, and deity symbols.









The field of petrogylphs can be accessed from the Holoholokai beach park in Mauna Lani Resort to the south of Puako. The park can be accessed either by going through the Mauna Lani resort, or via the Puako beachfront southwards from Paniau (utility pole 143) at the south end of Puako road. There are restrooms and shower facilities here. Petroglyphs are very culturally significant to Hawaiian culture. Please visit these with respect. 



Hokuloa Church
 Hokuloa church is located near the entrance to the Puako community. It was built in 1859. There is a Sunday Service at 9am. It was built by the Rev. Lorenzo Lyons, a musically talented man that composed ballads such as “Hawaii Aloha”, the unofficial anthem of the islands.

General Store
The Puako General Store is the only store in town, carrying a number of goods. For other shops you need to go to Waimea, Kawaihae or the Kings shops in Waikoloa.

Photographs: Robert Shallenberger, Zach Caldwell, Samantha Birch and Andrew Walsh.