Hike-in Required
Yes
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is a sprawling collection of Hawaiian petroglyph artwork carved into black lava stone along the King's Trail path near an area surrounded by resorts and a golf course.

Estimated to date from the 16th century, the rock art figures represent human forms, horses, and other animals. The petroglyphs are concentrated around a section of lava rock that is surrounded by resorts and a golf course, and while signs point out the areas of the most dense examples, walking the loop trail around the area will reveal many others.

As the petroglyphs are located near the boundary between the ancient kingdoms of the Kona and the Kohala, one idea is that the art was created to mark the crossing of the boundary.

A flattened dirt trail passes through the petroglyph preserve. Reaching that preserve requires a short walk along the sidewalk from the parking area.

The nearest parking is by the Shell Gas Station in the Waikoloa Kings Shops Shopping Center parking area. From the gas station, cross Pohakulana Place and follow the sidewalk to the north. Eventually signs will point out the location of the petroglyphs.

There are no amenities of any kind located at the petroglyphs and no shade.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Easy to reach.

Cons

No amenities. No shade.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Historically significant
Native artifacts

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.