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About
Petroglyphs
 Considered
sacred to the people of Hawai’i, lava petroglyphs
appear at 135 known archaeological sites on six of the
Hawaiian Islands. Carved into Pahoehoe lava, they are
protected as National Treasures and are a great enigma
of the Pacific. The most prolific and well known of
these sites is the Pu’uloa Petroglyph Field at
Panau Nui on the southern flank of the Kilauea Volcano,
and the 233-acre Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District
in Waikoloa on the Kohala Kona Coast of the Big Island.
About 80% of the images are cupules
or holes, which were used as depositories for umbilical
cords at the birth of a child to assure long life. They
are also believed to represent the recorded passage
of individuals, families or troops, further indicated
by circles and semi circles, as well as distinguishing
between the people and the Ali’i (royalty). Other
images include anthropomorphs, human representations
in the form of paddlers, fishermen, runners, surfers,
marchers, warriors and chiefs, and also canoes, sails,
animals, tools and numerous symbolic geometrics. The
first Hawaiians arrived from the Marquesas Islands as
early as 750 AD, and may have brought some of the carving
designs with them. All petroglyphs are constantly being
eroded by the environment, so physical contact is prohibited
to prevent an increased rate of deterioration
Figure descriptions:
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Paddle Man: 2,000
miles from the nearest continent, the paddler played
an important role in Hawaiian society. Today the annual
Molokai-Oahu Outrigger Canoe Race honors the paddler
as they race 41 miles across the Ka'iwi Channel. |
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Paddler Group:
Many petroglyph groupings are found within
lava tubes, hollow caves formed when the crust of
a lava flow hardens and the molten lava continues
to flow out. These may be a record of troup passage,
or a tally. |
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Turtle: Honu,
Green Sea Turtle, known as the God, Kauila, watched
over and protected the children. She also brought
forth pure spring water for the people, and was said
to have been the guide of the first voyagers to Hawaii. |
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Speared Fish: Symbol
of food and plenty, the bounty of the sea, and a gift
from the God Maui, who “fished” the Islands
of Polynesia from the sea. |
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Rainbow Man: The
rainbow identified royalty, the Ali’I, and members
of the royal families. The rainbow image symbolized
protection, and the rainbow itself was considered
a gift from the gods. |
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Surfer: Created
by the Polynesians, surfing was carried with them
to the Hawaiian Islands. It was practiced in the nude,
and was considered an act of communing with the gods. |
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Sailing vessel:
The primitive sail design of ancient vessels was the
perfect shape, allowing it to catch and use the wind
regardless of it’s direction. |
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Double Hull: The
first Hawaiians arrived from the Marquesas islands
in about 750 AD, having traveled in double hulled
sailing canoes navigated by the stars and ocean currents. |
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Warriors: Warrior
figures are sometimes found along side rows of marchers,
sometimes combined with a Chief or Ali’i. Warrior
figures symbolized the manhood and protectorate of
the people, as well as the strength of the monarchy.
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Runner: Runners
played an important role in communicating messages
or scouting for enemies and other dangers. These figures
are often found in conjunction with warriors and Ali’i. |
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