OLOWALU PETROGLYPHS HIKE April 2, 2006

The ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs of Olowalu are located about 1/4 mile off the Honoapiilani Highway (Road to Lahaina) on mile marker 15. The hike is very easy and it is even possible to drive a car right up to the site, although not recommended because the petroglyphs are on private land and the owners, while they welcome hikers, they discourage drivers to keep them from congesting their private road.

We parked the car behind the Olowalu Store, next to a water tank, and walked mauka (uphill) to the site via a one-lane dirt road. The hike is gentle, but I recommend sunblock and bottled water. For those who want to see the petroglyphs on a whim, the Olowalu Store offers a convenient place to get bottled water, sunblock or a snack before the hike.

The site is on the north face of the first large mound up the road. A dirt path with an old handrail allows to get a close up view of the petroglyphs, unfortunately it also allows vandals to ruin them with their graphitti.

Olowalu Petroglyphs.

Olowalu Petroglyphs.

A small stream runs near the site, where we paused to refresh ourselves in the shade and with the cool, crystal clear water flowing down Olowalu Valley.

Olowalu Stream

Olowalu Valley.

Aloha!