Near Pāhoa in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
The spirit of Pu'uloa now surrounds you
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2017
1. The spirit of Pu'uloa now surrounds you Marker
Ancient Hawaiian culture lacked a written language. The petroglyphs you see here provide a glimpse into the lives of those early Hawaiian people - their life experiences, their struggles, and their successes. Some of these petroglyphs can be recognized as human forms, animals and canoes. Others are more abstract, their meanings complex, sacred or known only to their creators, who hold the secrets of their true meanings. Which petroglyphs can you identify and what meanings do they hold for you?
Changes occurring throughout Hawai'i led to variations in petroglyph tools, techiniques, and styles. Petroglyphs were traditionally made using pōhaku (rock). A sharp stone created a bruised or abraded image. As the culture flourished, petroglyph styles evolved, and the tools used to create them diversified. Most recent mapping projects have confirmed Pu'uloa as the largest petroglyph field in Hawai'i, embracing over 23,000 diverse rock carvings. Ongoing studies and continues cultural use of Pu'uloa validate its cultural and scientific significance. These simple impressions embody the essence
this page online
Erected by National Park Service, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Churches & Religion.
Location. 19° 17.556′ N, 155° 7.335′ W. Marker is near Pāhoa, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. Marker can be reached from Chain of Craters Road (at milepost 16.3), on the left. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pahoa HI 96778, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. These simple impressions embody the essence of Pu'uloa (within shouting distance of this marker); Hawaiians learned to survive on this harsh volcanic land (approx. ¼ mile away); Preserved within Pu'uloa are the stories and memories of the Native Hawaiian people (approx. half a mile away); Nature's Untamed Forces Unite to Sculpt Sea Arches (approx. 1.6 miles away); Mokumanamana is a place of spiritual and geologic transition (approx. 1.6 miles away); The islands of Hawai'i begin here (approx. 1.6 miles away); Vast coral reefs create a world of abundance (approx. 1.6 miles away); Mauna Ulu (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pāhoa.
More about this marker. This marker is located at the boardwalk
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2017
2. The spirit of Pu'uloa now surrounds you Marker
Also see . . . Pu'uloa Petroglyphs. ... anthropologist Martha Beckwith visited Pu`u Loa and made this observation: July 1, 1914. Rode out to Puuloa on the line between Kealakomo and Apuki. Here is a large pahoehoe mound used as a depository for the umbilical cord at the birth of a child. A hole is made in the hard crust, the cord is put in and as stone is placed over it. In the morning the cord has disappeared; there is no trace of it. This insures long life for the child... (Submitted on December 3, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2017
3. Pu'uloa Petroglyphs
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2017
4. Pu'uloa Petroglyphs
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2017
5. Pu'uloa Petroglyphs
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 3, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
