Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Centuries-Old Hawaiian Petroglyphs Now Visible on Oahu
Imagine ancient drawings, like stick figures, carved into rocks by people who lived in Hawaii hundreds of years ago.
These drawings, called petroglyphs, are now visible again on a beach because the ocean waves washed away the sand.
A man named Glen, who knows a lot about the area's history, thinks the drawings are a message from his ancestors.
The drawings show stories of their lives.
The Army is also involved because the petroglyphs are near their land, and they are trying to protect the drawings while letting people see them.
It's like getting a peek into the past!
Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, over 500 years old, have reappeared on Oahu due to seasonal ocean swells.
The petroglyphs feature over two dozen images, mainly human-like stick figures.
The entire panel, spanning 115 feet, is visible for the first time in years.
Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Glen Kila believes the petroglyphs' reappearance is a message from ancestors.
Army officials are working to balance public access to the petroglyphs with their preservation.
- Who
- The petroglyphs were created by ancient Hawaiians.
- What
- Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs have resurfaced.
- When
- The petroglyphs are visible now, and they are estimated to be over 500 years old.
- Where
- Oahu, Hawaii, on a public beach near Waianae.
- Why
- Their appearance is due to seasonal ocean swells removing sand and potentially to communicate a message from ancestors.
Native Hawaiian Perspective
U.S. Army Perspective
Significance
Native Hawaiian Perspective
View petroglyphs as a spiritual and historical message from ancestors.
U.S. Army Perspective
Undetermined.
Preservation
Native Hawaiian Perspective
Advocate for protecting the petroglyphs.
U.S. Army Perspective
Undetermined
- Petroglyph Age
- Over 500 years old
- Location
- Oahu, Hawaii
- Number of Petroglyphs
- 26 identified
- Main Figures
- Human-like stick figures
- Panel Length
- 115 feet (35 meters)
- Visibility Cause
- Seasonal ocean swells