Olowalu Petroglyphs, Maui

off Highway 30, North Maui

In ancient times, the only means man had to record his thoughts was to scratch pictures onto rock. The soft lava found here made an excellent tablet for such drawings. One of the petroglyphs show several figures grouped together and are thought to depict a family. The human figures with large bodies are probably the Ali'i (royalty) and the stick figures may be the commoners. Many different animals, canoes and tools are also depicted.

Directions:

Traveling south on Highway 30 toward Kahului, look for the Olowalu General Store located at Mile Marker #15. Directly behind the store and to the left is a silver water tower. Take the dirt road on the north side of the water tower toward Olowalu Valley. 1/4 mile down the road is a large mound of rock on the right. Look for the faded "red handrail" and remnants from an old staircase located on the sheer cliff wall. Petroglyphs begin near ground level and continue along the ridge to about 60-feet above the ground.

Useful Information:

DO NOT use the hand rail, stairs and remainder of a viewing platform. It is rusted, unstable and unsafe.

DO NOT climb on the rocks, touch or damage the area in any way. This is a historical site. View the drawings from the ground only.