Hawaiian History Route

This route can be completed on a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle. Time varies depending on which vehicle you choose.

Starting at Big Island Motorcycle Co. at the Kings' Shops, head north on Hwy 11 about 2 miles until you reach the Mauna Lani Resort where you will make a left hand turn to enter the resort. At the roundabout take the first right towards the Fairmont Orchid. Look for the sign that says "Holoholo Beach Park & Puako Petroglyph Park" and make a right.

Park in the beach parking lot and look for the signs directing you toward the petroglyph trail.

The trail takes about 15 minutes to get to the petroglyph viewing area. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the kiawe thorns along the trail are nasty and will go right through your slippers (flip flops).

Petroglyphs are Hawaiian rock carvings. They are typically found on flat lava rock surfaces and the significance of many of the carvings is still unknown but you will see carvings of figures like warriors and pregnant women. There is some information along the trail which provides further explanations. The Big Island has the largest concentration of petroglyphs in all of the Hawaiian islands and this particular site is the best I've visited so far. More info: Petroglyphs

Once you are back in the parking lot you can head back the way you came to get back to the highway, or if you are on a bicycle you can head toward the beach and take a right on the shoreline trail. This will eventually lead you to the town of Puako. Ride straight through Puako and up the hill and you will be back on the highway.

Travelling north on Hwy 11 (take a left) you will reach a T intersection after about 5 miles. Take a left toward Kawaihae. After about a quarter mile you will see Spencer Beach Park, make a left into the park. Inside the park is the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. This heiau (temple) is one of the largest ever constructed and was built around 1790 by King Kamehameha. There is loads of historical information as well as knowledgeable guides at the site. Visit any day of the week from 7:45am-5pm (entrance gates close at 4:30pm).

Once you've had your fill of interesting Hawaiian history continue heading north on Akoni Pule Hwy (a left out of Spencer Beach Park) to the town of Kawaihae, less than one mile, where you can get a cold drink or good grub at one of the several eateries there.

To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co. simply head south on Akoni Puly Hwy, make a right onto Hwy 11 towards Kona, travel about 10 miles, and take a right onto Waikoloa Beach Dr.

Can't wait to try out this route? Give us a call to reserve your vehicle of choice at 808-886-2011 or email BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com.

 Pricing information can be found by clicking the "rentals" tab above.