King’s Mamalahoa Trail Petroglyphs

Located within the Kohala Region on Big Island

Waikoloa Beach Resort is a multi-million dollar oasis built in the middle of centuries of lava flows off Highway 19 north of Kona. The entrance to the resort is located between mile markers 77 and 76 heading north on Highway 19. It is home to the King Shops at Waikoloa, an upscale, open air shopping complex which offers a variety of ways for visitors to part with their money. Via the parking lot at the King Shops is access to the King's, or Mamalahoa, Petroglyph Trail.

The trek along the Mamalahoa Trail, or King's Trail, leads to some of the most well-preserved petroglyphs on the island. Nearly 30,000 carvings of animals and people were left in old pahoehoe lava flows by the ancient Hawaiians. The trail, built in the mid-19th century for horse travel, used to stretch 32 miles from Kailua Kona north to Puako. To access the trail park in the shopping center lot near the gas station and walk towards the golf course and small pond. Signs will lead you to the trailhead. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking on the lava trail and bring water. There are several historical signs along the way to guide you. ITry to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun. Do not make rubbings of petroglyphs as this can wear them away and destroy them.

Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Trail

The Pu'u Loa Petroglyph Field sits off Chain of Craters Road in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. It's the largest collection of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs in the islands -- more than 23,000 images carved into hardened pahoehoe lava over several centuries. The 1.4-mile roundtrip hike to reach them is flat and easy, crossing an open lava field with trail markers (cairns) guiding the way.

At the site, a raised boardwalk loops through the densest concentration of carvings. You'll see human figures, concentric circles, dots, and travel symbols etched into the smooth rock surface. Many of the circular depressions are piko (umbilical cord) holes -- families placed a newborn's piko in the rock and covered it with a stone to ensure the child's strength and long life.

What to Expect on the Trail

The hike is exposed lava the entire way. No trees, no shade, no water source. Bring at least a liter of water per person and wear a hat and sunscreen. The trail surface is uneven but manageable in sturdy sandals or sneakers. Plan 45 minutes to an hour for the full roundtrip, longer if you want to study the carvings in detail.

Stay on the boardwalk and marked trails. Walking on the petroglyphs damages them -- the lava surface is brittle and foot traffic erodes carvings that have survived for centuries. Do not make rubbings or place anything on the rock.

Getting There

Drive Chain of Craters Road about 16 miles from the park entrance. The trailhead is on the left (mauka) side, marked with a small sign and a pulloff parking area. The road dead-ends at the former Holei Sea Arch overlook, so you'll be heading in the right direction. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go -- midday sun on black lava is punishing.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

King's Mamalahoa Trail Petroglyphs Reviews

Guidereview:
A (based on 14 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 19.92144815
Longitude: -155.8855914

Hawaii Safety Information

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Location
Kohala Region →
Facilities
Restrooms at nearby shops
Length
Varies based on preference
Hazards
Hiking over lava requires proper closed-toe footwear
Nearby
Shopping & Dining locations are in the proximity of the trail
Historic
Hawaiian Cultural Sites
King’s Mamalahoa Trail Petroglyphs Photo Gallery
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