Archive · 25 Jul 2025
500-Year-Old Hawaiian Petroglyphs Visible on Oahu Again
Imagine old drawings made by people who lived in Hawaii a long time ago.
These drawings, called petroglyphs, are carved into rocks near the beach.
For many years, they were hidden under sand.
Now, because of the ocean waves, the sand has moved, and we can see the drawings again!
These drawings show stick figures, some that might be men.
People who know about Hawaiian culture think the drawings might be sending a message about the ocean.
The U.S. Army is trying to protect the drawings while still letting people visit them.
Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, dating back at least 500 years, are visible on Oahu due to seasonal ocean swells.
The petroglyphs, featuring human-like figures, were first spotted nine years ago but are now fully exposed.
Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Glen Kila believes the resurfacing is a message from ancestors about the rising ocean.
The U.S. Army is balancing public access to the petroglyphs with conservation efforts.
The panel includes 26 petroglyphs, with some depicting male genitalia, spanning approximately 115 feet.
- Who
- Native Hawaiians and U.S. Army officials.
- What
- 500-year-old Hawaiian petroglyphs have resurfaced due to ocean swells.
- When
- The petroglyphs are visible now, and were first spotted nine years ago.
- Where
- Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii.
- Why
- Seasonal ocean swells have removed sand, revealing the petroglyphs.
Native Hawaiian Community
U.S. Army
Preservation vs. Accessibility
Native Hawaiian Community
The petroglyphs represent a connection to their ancestors and their history.
U.S. Army
The U.S. Army aims to protect the petroglyphs while allowing public access.
- Location
- Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii
- Age
- At least 500 years old
- Number of Petroglyphs
- 26
- Figures Depicted
- Human-like stick figures
- Size of Panel
- About 115 feet (35 meters) long
- Exposure Cause
- Seasonal ocean swells and storms