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Hawaiian Petroglyphs

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to hundreds of petroglyphs carved into lava rock throughout the island. There are a handful of areas with large concentrations of the carvings, found on the west and south sides.

No one has been able to determine the reason that the figures were carved; some think they have religious implications, some think they served some purpose, and others believe they are simply artistic, created solely for the joy of creating.

In some locations, like this one, the majority of the figures are oriented in the same direction, causing speculation about why. The figures range from people to animals to activities. They are remarkably similar throughout the islands.