description Kaho'olawe Petroglyphs Overview
The Kaho'olawe Petroglyphs, or ki'i pohaku, are ancient rock carvings created by Native Hawaiians on Kaho'olawe, the smallest of Hawaii's main volcanic islands. These engravings, which include depictions of human figures and abstract symbols carved into basalt, serve as a record of early Polynesian settlement and religious practices. The island's historical landscape was heavily impacted when it was used as a United States Navy bombing range from 1941 until 1990, leading to subsequent major cultural and environmental restoration efforts.
help Kaho'olawe Petroglyphs FAQ
What does ki'i pohaku mean in relation to the Kaho'olawe Petroglyphs?
Ki'i pohaku is the Hawaiian term used for petroglyphs, or images carved into stone. On Kaho'olawe, these carvings were made by Native Hawaiians and form part of the island's cultural history.
Where are the Kaho'olawe Petroglyphs found?
They are on Kaho'olawe, the smallest of Hawaii's main volcanic islands. The carvings are cut into basalt, the volcanic rock that forms the island's surfaces.
What do the Kaho'olawe carvings look like?
The site includes human figures and abstract symbols rather than one uniform image type. That variety is why the petroglyphs are treated as a record of Native Hawaiian life and meaning.
How old are the Kaho'olawe Petroglyphs?
They are ancient Native Hawaiian carvings, but the item record does not give one exact date for the entire group. A single precise year would be misleading because the petroglyphs represent a long cultural record on Kaho'olawe.
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