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    Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs

    4.1 (14 reviews)

    Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Photos

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    Laurette R.

    This was one of the coolest things in VNP. You must wear solid shoes to hike out. I would not recommend with flip flops. Your hike is all on uneven lava rock and is out in the sun. Such a cool thing to see.

    Sign pointing towards the petroglyphs.
    Seth A.

    Every now and again I have to do it. 1 star. But I am saying this with certainty that these, Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs, were a complete waste of time. And...as another Yelper perfectly summarized, "this place was pretty hyped up" and even recommended by the park rangers. But, overall, it just played into my argument that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a letdown in general. Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs are a roadside stop along Chain of Craters Road, which is one of the primary roads for navigating around Hawaii Volcanoes NP (19 miles each way). The Petroglyphs are located around Mile 16 of the drive. There will be a visible sign for the petroglyphs on the right-hand side of the road. Upon pulling over and parking, you then must walk (or I guess you can call it hike) 0.7 of a mile to the petroglyphs. The parking lot area was relatively busy. It sort of gave me hope that I would appreciate the petroglyphs because for the first 16 miles of Chain of Craters Road, the sights and surroundings were pretty underwhelming. When I was visiting back in mid March it was incredibly windy outside which made for not such a pleasant setting. There was virtually nothing to see along the 0.7 mile walk other than standing among a primitive volcanic terrain. But here's where I lost all faith in the experience... The petroglyphs were situated around a giant square shaped boardwalk. The petroglyphs were barely visible! They were all so faded away. Honestly, it was like trying to find "Where's Waldo"! There weren't any signs highlighting any of them embedded within the rocks. There were no stories, notes or historical references about the petroglyphs. I walked the square boardwalk within 5 minutes and left thinking to myself..."welp, that was boring". I did see other tourists using their cameras and taking pictures. And believe me, I'm the first person to get my camera out for picture taking. I always receive criticism for photo taking rather than enjoying being in the moment. But here, I didn't even find one petroglyph worthy of getting the camera out of my pocket for. So...whatever, I walked back to the trailhead and drove the remaining 3 miles towards the end of Chain of Craters Road. I guess, ultimately, I feel confident suggesting that you can absolutely skip these Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs. Though, then, come to think of it...I can barely even recommend one worthwhile attraction along the 19-mile snooze of a drive being Chain of Craters Road. Finally, sorry if I was too critical. I just wanted to give my frustrating interpretation from being here.

    F H.

    It is about a 40 minute hike out and back from the petroglyphs so bring shade (hat or umbrella) and some water as it can be quite hot on a clear day. There is good cultural information that you should look up in advance, such as the meaning of the small holes in the lava rocks. This will make looking at the petroglyphs much more interesting and meaningful.

    sign at the site
    Robert C.

    Petroglyphs are what Fred Flintstone carved into the rock on TV, only Hawaiian style. When I was writing this review I had to check the title of the hike, as one petroglyph looks like another, and I didn't know there was a town called Mountain View in Hawaii, besides the one in California. We stop by Kilauea Visitor's Center for a pit stop for the wife, and then drive 19.4 miles down the Chain of Craters, toward the sea. 2.4 miles from the Holei Sea Arch at the end of the road on the ocean. Early November, temperatures in the 80s, but here out in the open areas of endless wind swept plains of black volcanic rock are the Pu'uloa Petroglyphs, denoted by a small parking lot on the west side the road. Across the road there is a solitary sign saying "Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs 0.7 miles", and a trail of sand and gravel through the landscape of black volcanic rock. Trail marked by intermittent piles of rock. No bathrooms here, and no cover if you have to go, as hiking the trail roundtrip will take about 40 minutes, plus time to see the actual petroglyphs themselves. Knowing that, the wife is off to the races in her long pants and hiking boots, while I trail behind in my shorts, gingerly stepping around the sharp volcano rocks in my women's Chako baby blue crisscross strap sandals. Well they are sports sandals! You do not want to do this hike in the dark or when it is raining, as the rocks can be very slippery. However, it is a good tune up for those doing the 10 mile roundtrip hike at the end of the Chain or Craters road to see the lava flowing into the sea at night. The cars parked on the side of the road recede in the distance, until finally they can't be seen due to the uneven in between terrain of black volcanic rock. The wife is ahead of me by 200 yards by the time we see a raised platform in the distance. The volcanic rock recedes, and we see large basalt rocks in the surface. We arrive at the site, just as another family is leaving, all in flip flops, for the 20 minute trip back to the car. From here on, we walk on a boardwalk in a circular path around "the largest concentration of rock etchings in the Pacific Hawaiians carved more than 23,000 symbols here, including circular cupolas, human figures, canoes, sea turtles, and more." Pity the poor bureaucrat who had to count all 23,000! Lots of points, surrounded by circles, denoting a family or newborn. Symbols of people and symbols of turtles. Didn't try to decipher their meaning, as I would still be there. Some of the symbols look like modern day graffiti, written by locals who can't write. . 20 minutes later, we are on the way back to the car, some 0.7 miles away. 2.4 miles from the Holei Sea Arch at the end of the road on the ocean, and yes, they have 3 porta potties there, but bring a flashlight if coming at night, as you will want to make sure you are sitting on a dry spot.

    First sign you'll see when you step onto the wooden platform.
    Jennifer H.

    A rather mundane 0.7 mile hike to get to the petroglyphs. There's not much scenery to look at, but this could be good for folks seeking a meditative/quiet walk. No shade anywhere. It gets HOT, so make sure to bring adequate sun-gear and water. When you reach the site, you'll encounter a wooden platform encompassing a large circle of lava rock art. Unfortunately, the petroglyphs weren't as great as I hoped for, especially after trudging almost a mile under the blistering sun to come see them. Unless you're a major ancient art fan, I'd probably skip the walk here and take the time to go see other parts of the park instead.

    Kristine C.

    The name Pu'uloa (large hill) carries a kaona (hidden meaning)-- hill of long life. A place considered sacred to the people of Hawaii. This is a nice windy walk over rocky and windy old lava on the lower part of 38 miles south of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Worthy of seeing after a nice 20 minute hike. This is all open air and no trees for many miles off Chain of Craters Rd. I recommend to bring plenty of water just incase it does get hot. When reaching the petroglyphs, you must stay on the boardwalk so that these can be preserved and for other generations to see. Ancient Hawaiian culture lacked a written language at the time. The petroglyphs are a glimpse into their early lives, struggles, and successes. You will see that some petroglyphs are of human forms, animals and canoes and by generations of families. A specific area is where they place the "piko" (umbilical cord) of their child in hopes that the spiritual guiding energy of Pu'uloa would bless their child with a long and prosperous life and to root them into their ancestral lands. (Pu'uloa Information Guide at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). Overall this is worth it to see.

    One of the many stone markers to guide you along your way. There are no "official" signs pointing you to your destination.
    Charlyn C.

    There are stone markers - piles of stones that some beautiful soul(s) have lovingly gathered to help keep you on a more direct path to the Petroglyphs. Every 100 feet or so, they will be there to guide you. When my family and I went, it was rainy and windy, so we were preoccupied with keeping our kids as dry, safe, and comfortable as possible for the 3/4 mile walk. We missed the markers entirely and didn't notice them until after the rain cleared just before our walk back to the car. We only found our way to the Petroglyphs because a few hikers ahead of us were visible and we did our best to follow their tracks. We didn't know what to expect, but my husband and I loved it while my son (aged 9), was "Meh. Where are the pictures of spaceships?!", and my 3 year-old was more interested in running all around the boardwalk. If you love the sense of wonder that comes when thinking about the passage of time and how people lived so long ago, you will absolutely love this short and easy hike. I took tons of pics so you can see what you'll be getting into.

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    Review Highlights - Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs

    Pay special attention to the indentations where new born babies' umbilical cords were placed to ensure long life

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    Ha'ena Beach - aka Shipman Beach - Instagram: @telephonesmopthie

    Ha'ena Beach - aka Shipman Beach

    4.6(19 reviews)
    25.0 mi

    Loved this 5 miles round trip hike to the beach. Huge variety of vegetation and most of the trail…read moretramps through a tree forest. The tree forest is interesting with some abandoned and vegetation encrusted old jeeps and cars, historic rock walls and towards the end, spur trails to the sea cliffs, and a collapsed lava tube. At the end is a gorgeous bay favored by sea turtles. We saw at least 23 turtles on our visit. Please note that this trail is muddy and very muddy in spots even when it has not been raining, and the footing is very uneven so it is not for the casual walker, for flip flops or any shoes that you don't mind getting very muddy. I found that having hiking poles was helpful in order to gage how thick the mud was at various places on the pathway. Go early as it is very humid by late morning or mid day.

    The Puna Trail that leads from the dirt parking lot to the secluded Shipman Beach (Ha'ena Beach) is…read more2-1/2 miles in each direction and consists of a jungle, lava rocks, and muddy conditions. It can be challenging especially during the rainy periods and at times it may seem forever until you reach the very end. Nevertheless, I was finally able to make it to the beach and it was worth it in the very end, though it's not one of these points of interest that I would want to do again. As for Shipman Beach, it's a nice place to relax at if it wasn't for the strong waves and currents particularly during the winter months. On better days, you might even see some sea turtles hanging out on the rocks nearby (do not approach them!). Best to apply bug repellant prior to hiking and make sure to scrub your shoes before and after at the trailhead brush.

    Photos
    Ha'ena Beach - aka Shipman Beach - Instagram: @telephonesmopthie

    Instagram: @telephonesmopthie

    Ha'ena Beach - aka Shipman Beach - One of at least 5 abandoned vehicles

    One of at least 5 abandoned vehicles

    Ha'ena Beach - aka Shipman Beach - Instagram: @telephonesmopthie

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    Instagram: @telephonesmopthie

    Kaumana Caves - Entrance- with a maybe 45Degree angle of stairs go straight down! Hee

    Kaumana Caves

    4.6(134 reviews)
    27.2 mi

    This is easily one of the best things we did on the Big Island. Luckily we saw a couple of You Tube…read morevideos that told us to bring a good flash light. We went by WalMart and picked up a decent power Flash light. Don't think you can do this with you cell phone light. The caves are not modified with railings and walkways and colorful lights. This is raw spelunking. At first it feels a little creepy but once you get in and start exploring the anxiety of being underground goes away. The floor is uneven and jagged. Don't come in flip flops. Bri g some sturdy sneakers or hiking boots. Water is constantly dripping from the roof but none of that matters cause you are so enthralled by the experience. You go through giant tubes carved out by lava you also enter giant cavernous rooms formed by the intense molten flow. Breathtaking is the best way to describe it. I wouldn't recommend little kids under eight. It is very hard to traverse some of these rocks. But go! Please go. You will thank me. Definitely Recommended.

    Very cool experience to walk through 2 caves…read more Bring a flashlight / headlamp. Your phone flashlight won't be as strong but can work if you have no options. Ideal shoes would be hiking boots but gym shoes will work. There are steep steps going down and then uneven rocks until the cave. The cave is uneven as well. Parking: maybe room for 10 cars, so parking could be difficult. When we went around 1pm on a Saturday, we didn't have a problem. Park and walk across the street to enter. Bathrooms: I did see some. Didn't use them though.

    Photos
    Kaumana Caves - Rooster looking for food-with lots of hens and babies. In the parking lot.

    Rooster looking for food-with lots of hens and babies. In the parking lot.

    Kaumana Caves - Inside looking out. Say by to the light.

    Inside looking out. Say by to the light.

    Kaumana Caves - One of the caves

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    One of the caves

    EpicLava - Up close and personal with the lava flow

    EpicLava

    4.8(16 reviews)
    17.5 mi

    DO NOT BOOK! I booked a tour online and showed up at 5am and no one was there!! They did not answer…read moremy calls, texts, or emails. So I was stuck at the park in the dark at 5am by myself and very upset to not see lava. Still awaiting my refund ...

    News of the recent Kilauea volcanic activity on the island of Hawaii reminded me that I still…read morehadn't reviewed EpicLava, and my phenomenal experience with John and his wonderful team this past Christmas. The word epic may not even do justice to the ethereal experience of watching these rivers of liquid fire up close; the flowing lava is 2,400 degrees hot! The 5-mile hike over pahoehoe lava fields starts at 4AM, so that by the time the blazing sun is in the sky, you're well-nigh finished with much of the exposed hike. These folks have an unwavering focus on the safety of the group; they pace the hike according to the capabilities of all the individuals in the group. John's passion about this geological marvel is contagious. John and Jessica advise visitors to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes for the hike; they provide gloves (along with water and snacks) for the hike. This is because the sand particles covering the lava flow crust have the sharpness of broken glass, and can cause serious cuts if they come in contact with the human skin. By the time I had finished the hike, I had already planned my next trip with this team of lava explorers.

    Photos
    EpicLava - John on the flow

    John on the flow

    EpicLava
    EpicLava

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    Kalapana Lava Flow

    Kalapana Lava Flow

    4.5(34 reviews)
    10.5 mi

    This place is super exciting! The downfall is that it's far from Kona, so my family and I were…read morereally tired when we got back to our hotel room. It's best to come here at night to really see the lava flow, but be up for the long drive back to Kona if that's where you're staying.

    A difficulty arises in writing a review for a natural phenomenon - these things can be so…read moresubjective and even temperamental based on the time of year, weather, personal opinion, et cetera - but Kalapana Lava Flow is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders I've ever experienced. And it's definitely something you experience rather than just see - you see the juicy yellow and orange glow of the molten lava, you feel the heat radiating on your face from several yards away, and you hear the cracks and pops as it slowly settles and oozes onto the land beneath it. You feel as though you are witnessing the last remnants of Creation, the sixth day has yet to finish, and the primordial energy of eons past is still in the throes of its final breaths. You and your fellow observers will likely feel the need to whisper and speak in hushed tones, as if it is holy ground or the embodiment of some celestial force. Anyway, if you can see the flow at night, this'll undoubtedly be one of the most profoundly majestic experiences you can imagine. The lava ebbs and flows even within the spans of minutes and hours, so don't be discouraged if you see only a bit of oozing rather than a true flow once you arrive. It's dynamic and moves slowly but stealthily, and a new eruption site can arise on the periphery that wasn't there just ten minutes prior. As a reference, we arrived at the bike rental area (from Hilo, drive the 130 through Pahoa and completely to the south end of the 130, at which point it will force you onto a smaller road in a southwestern direction that will eventually dead end in a parking area), around 5pm, paid $20 a person for a high quality mountain bike, biked the first mile or two in, and then started our journey north over the rocks around 5:20. This leg took at least an hour or so, and we loitered around the different lava sites for at least an hour before making the trek back in the dark. All in all, allow for at least four hours of time from start to finish - we were driving away back to our condo at nearly 9pm exactly. Tips: - bring STRONG flashlights or headlamps for the trek back over the lava. The cheaper and dimmer the light, the more difficult. Also bring the basics such as cash, snacks, water, your [charged] camera and phone, and sunscreen for the trek in. - wear hiking boots; any sturdy tennis shoe will do but the igneous ground, often simultaneously rough, grainy, and hot, will do a number on any flimsy sneakers. Don't wear any stylish or fancy tennis shoes either, or even hardy sandals - I guarantee you will regret it. - if you wear contacts, bring back up glasses. - don't park at the first parking area or get your bike from the vendors; shop around smart. Many vendors are obnoxiously hawkish. - on a similar note, do indeed get a bike to go the first mile or so! The first leg of the walk is pretty but dry and dusty and pales in comparison to the actual destination. All the bike companies look like they throw in extra lights, water, and snack bars. You'll really appreciate the bike for the last leg back as well - best $20 spent so far. My husband and I both finished up the trip in complete agreement that seeing the lava up close in person was one of the most spectacular moments of our lives thus far!

    Photos
    Kalapana Lava Flow
    Kalapana Lava Flow
    Kalapana Lava Flow

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    Pu’u ‘Ō’ō Trail - Pu'u O'o Trail weaves thru many green Kipukas (island oases of old-growth forest), which shelter native birds.

    Pu’u ‘Ō’ō Trail

    5.0(1 review)
    31.5 mi

    The Puu Oo Trail is part of the Na Ala Hele trail system, and not to be confused with the Puu Oo…read moreVolcanic site in the Volcano National Park. The trail was, at one time, a cattle trail for moving cattle between two different grazing areas. The trail runs alternately through recent and less-recent lava flows, and areas of forest untouched by the most recent lava flows. These islands of green and old-growth forest, or "kipukas," host a variety of birds and provide shade and respite throughout your hike. There is a parking lot on south side of the highway between miles 22 and 23 of the Saddle Road. We did an out-and-back hike on the trail, although I understand there is a loop available that comes back to the highway on an old telephone pole road that runs back to the highway about a mile toward Hilo from the parking lot - you can hike back to the parking lot along the highway from there. The intersection to that trail (according to the park's website) is 3.7 miles out on the trail. We must have hiked out about 3.5 miles before turning around - never saw the trail. Sections of the trail are lifeless like the moon, through the most recent lava flows. Other sections are sparsely wooded, and even look like an African savannah in places. Still other "Kipukas" are lush and green, full of tall, large trees, brush, ferns - and (I understand) pigs and sheep. We met a bow-and-arrow sheep hunter on his way out for a hunt. We saw signs of pigs rooting around in the dirt. But we didn't see either one. There is a lot of up and down, but the trail doesn't head uphill or downhill - mostly across the saddle area between the two big volcanoes. Bring sturdy shoes for the lava rocks. Throughout most of the trail, the otherwise indistinct way is marked by cairns (locally called "ahu") of stacked rocks. In most places, the next ahu is visible from the last ahu. We were only briefly confused a couple times - but always found the next ahu before losing sight of the last. In other places, the trail is obvious and well trampled. Interesting and rewarding hike for anyone who likes geology, birds, hiking, spectacular and distinctive vistas or just a fun walk in the woods/lava flows.

    Photos
    Pu’u ‘Ō’ō Trail - 4-mile hike on Pu'u O'o Trail to Emesine Cave. Or direct 3-mile hike there on Powerline Trail. Or link routes for 7.5-mile loop.

    4-mile hike on Pu'u O'o Trail to Emesine Cave. Or direct 3-mile hike there on Powerline Trail. Or link routes for 7.5-mile loop.

    Pu’u ‘Ō’ō Trail - 4-mile hike on Pu'u O'o Trail to Emesine Cave. Or direct 3-mile hike there on Powerline Trail. Or link routes for 7.5-mile loop.

    4-mile hike on Pu'u O'o Trail to Emesine Cave. Or direct 3-mile hike there on Powerline Trail. Or link routes for 7.5-mile loop.

    Pu’u ‘Ō’ō Trail - 4-mile hike on Pu'u O'o Trail (dotted line), to Emesine Cave. Or more direct 3-mile hike there, on Powerline Trail (red line).

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    4-mile hike on Pu'u O'o Trail (dotted line), to Emesine Cave. Or more direct 3-mile hike there, on Powerline Trail (red line).

    Kilauea Iki - Dormant Kīlauea Iki mini-crater is side-show to much larger Kīlauea crater, and also to actively erupting Halema'uma'u mini-crater.

    Kilauea Iki

    4.8(45 reviews)
    11.7 mi

    Perfect hike for relaxing vacation. Mostly flat and only up & down to get to the walk on the crater…read moreitself. 3.3 miles around the rim (include walking across the crater). Lots of great views around the crater from all angles. And it was fun to be in the crater itself. You have to follow a path of stacked rocks else you won't find the place to exit the crater. It's a very doable hike for beginners; unless it's hot. Then it might be more challenging. There are several parking areas, but I didn't know that, so ended up parking on the edge of a closed street and 'finding' my own trail to get to the main trail. haha.

    This awesome 4 mile looped hike takes you to the bottom of a crater and provides beautiful views…read morewhile it takes you through changing scenery and varying temperatures. You can start this hike in a counter-clockwise direction at Kilauea Iki overlook, number 4 on your map. You'll find more available parking here during peak times. You can start your hike clockwise from Nahuku, number 3 on your map, which is also the same location as the Thurston Lava Tube. Due to the popularity of the Lava Tube, parking here can be difficult. The distance between the two parking lots is .5 miles. We started our hike at Nahuku around noon in December. This moderate level trail started with a chilly walk through a forest of ferns down stairs and over roots with muddy spots throughout. Once you reach the bottom, you can walk across the crater and over lava rocks. The weather at this point was windy. Once we reached the end of the crater and climbed our way back up to the trail, we took a break and had some lunch overlooking the crater. From this point. It was a 2 mile hike up to the top. The weather changed once again, and my jacket was no longer needed. Make sure you bring or wear the following: -Layered clothing to adapt to the varying temps -Hiking shoes with good traction -Hat -Water -Snacks or lunch -Sunscreen Restrooms are available at both starting points, but the overlook location are porta potties. I suggest using the restrooms at the lava tube. We left the location around 2pm and it was pretty crowded. Best to arrive by noon to avoid crowds. -

    Photos
    Kilauea Iki
    Kilauea Iki - View from the other side at the crater level

    View from the other side at the crater level

    Kilauea Iki - Dormant Kīlauea Iki mini-crater is side-show to much larger Kīlauea crater, and also to actively erupting Halema'uma'u mini-crater.

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    Dormant Kīlauea Iki mini-crater is side-show to much larger Kīlauea crater, and also to actively erupting Halema'uma'u mini-crater.

    Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs - hiking - Updated May 2026

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