description Olowalu Petroglyphs Overview
The Olowalu Petroglyphs are a collection of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings located near the town of Olowalu on the western coast of Maui. These petroglyphs, known as ki'i pohaku in Hawaiian, were created by early Polynesian settlers using stone tools to carve images of human figures, animals, and geometric patterns into basalt rock surfaces. The site provides insight into pre-contact Hawaiian culture and is one of the few remaining examples of this rock art form on Maui.
help Olowalu Petroglyphs FAQ
Where are the Olowalu Petroglyphs located?
The Olowalu Petroglyphs are on the western side of Maui near Olowalu, at the Pu'u Kilea rock face. The carvings are part of a wider cultural landscape that also includes habitation sites, trails, shrines, and fishing history. [Hawaii cultural assessment](https://luc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Appendix-G.-Puuhonua-The-Legacy-of-Olowalu.pdf)
What does ki'i pohaku mean in relation to the Olowalu Petroglyphs?
Ki'i pohaku is the Hawaiian term for stone images or rock carvings. At Olowalu, the figures were pecked into basanite rock faces rather than painted onto a cave wall.
How many carvings are at the Olowalu Petroglyphs site?
A cultural assessment describes nearly 70 petroglyphs on the Pu'u Kilea rock face. The images include people, animals, and sailing canoes, and they were created over many centuries.
What should visitors know before viewing the Olowalu Petroglyphs?
The carvings are fragile cultural heritage, so visitors should observe them without touching, climbing on, or marking the rock. Because the site is in the Olowalu Cultural Reserve, respectful behavior matters as much as the view.
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