These pictures
are from a well preserved petroglyph area near the bottom of Chain Of Craters
Road called Pu'u Loa (Hawaiian for "long hill"). The trailhead is about
1/2 a mile from the ocean. The roundtrip walk is about 3 miles, which is very
easy. The petroglyphs are the best preserved ones in Hawaii, and definitely worth
a visit.
A sign at the site has the following text:
"To the Hawaiian people, certain words, when used propertly, would insure
sucess and longevity. If used improperly, they could result in failure or even
death. Because the name Puu Loa implied long life, generations of Hawaiians believed
they could insure their children a long life by placing a segment of the baby's
umbilical cord in holes carved here and covered with a rock. Circles of holes
may represent family groups. Areas such as Puu Loa were used as long as the power,
or mana, was strong. This large concentration of petroglyphs shows that this place
must have been powerful and successful. It's a lasting memorial to the proud people
who once populated this land - walk with respect."
