The Petroglyphs of Kahalu'u, Kona, Hawai'i

Abstract

The small ahupua 'a of Kahalu'u lies along the coast of central Kona. For many centuries before western contact this region was the home of the kings of leeward Hawai'i, the royalty supported by the riches of the Kona coastal waters and the agricultural lands of upland Kona. In Kahalu'u there are at least ten major heiau, ten other shrines or small temples, and a royal residential complex. Near one of the heiau, Ke'eku, is an important petroglyph site (Site 12954). This paper describes this set of petroglyphs and others nearby, and draws attention to the associations with the religious and royal complex of Kahalu'u.