From Ancient Petroglyphs to Royal Palaces: Embarking on Hawaii's Historical Journey
Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its beaches, surf, and aloha spirit. But beyond the tropical breezes and luaus, Hawaii harbors a rich tapestry of history. From mysterious petroglyphs carved by early Polynesians to the grand palaces that tell tales of a monarchical past, the islands offer a journey through time for those willing to explore.
Hawaii Origins and the Kapu System
Centuries before the Big Island was a beloved vacation spot, it was home to a thriving Native Hawaiian population. The origins of Hawaiian culture can be traced back over a millennium, when Polynesian voyagers set out on massive double-hulled canoes, navigating the vast Pacific using only the stars. Upon arrival, these early settlers left clues to their existence through petroglyphs.
Volcanoes National Park Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs are rock engravings that offer a window into ancient Hawaiians’ beliefs, daily life, and legends. When visiting our Volcano bed and breakfast, we suggest stopping along the Chain of Craters Road at the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, which offers a moderately easy hike to view the images carved in stone—the simple etchings in the rock document the lives and families of the Native Hawaiian people.
The trail is about 1.5 miles long and is classed as moderate due to the heat and dry conditions, and some of the terrain can be a little uneven. Bring good walking shoes (flip-flops not recommended), water, a hat, food, and rain gear. As you get closer to the area, you will see a wooden boardwalk surrounding the Petroglyphs to avoid destroying the delicate etchings. Look for the tiny cup-like depressions in the rocks that are believed to have cradled children’s umbilical cord, offered up in hopes of receiving blessings for a long and prosperous life.
The trial traverses a 500+-year-old lava field, and the area has about 23,000 Petroglyphs. It is a great side hike when visiting Volcanoes National Park.
Petroglyphs predominantly depict human-like figures in other areas scattered throughout the park, known as “ki’i pohaku,” and other symbolic motifs. Created by chiseling into the hard volcanic surfaces, these images are believed to record significant events, rites of passage, and celestial observations. Walking among these ancient markings, one can’t help but feel a profound connection to the people who, centuries ago, sought to immortalize their stories in stone.
The Rise of the Kapu System and Heiaus
With time, a complex societal structure developed, and by the time Captain James Cook arrived in the late 18th century, Hawaii was governed by a strict religious and social code called the kapu system. This system delineated societal roles, determined what foods could be consumed, and more.
Integral to this system were the heiaus, and religious temples. Some were dedicated to agriculture, some to war, and others to various deities. The Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island provides a glimpse into this era, featuring a preserved heiau and a ‘place of refuge’ where lawbreakers could find sanctuary if they reached it in time.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating chapters of Hawaiian history is the era of the monarchy. Starting in the late 18th century and ending in the late 19th, this period witnessed the reign of iconic leaders like King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian islands under a single rule, and Queen Lili’uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Oahu, stands as a testament to this regal period. Completed in 1882, it was home to the Hawaiian monarchy and is a marvel of architecture, blending Hawaiian motifs with Western architectural trends. A tour of the palace offers insight into the lives of the monarchs, the challenges they faced, and their eventual overthrow.
Another gem is the Queen Emma Summer Palace, a retreat for Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son. Nestled in the Nu’uanu Valley, on Oahau, it provides a look into the daily lives and tastes of the royal family.
The Plantation Era: Sugarcane, Pineapple, and Multiculturalism
Sugarcane and Pineapple plantations sprung up in the 19th Century, offering goods for export. These plantations forever changed the Hawaiian landscape and its people. A multicultural influx of people from countries like Japan, China, Portugal, and the Philippines came to the islands to work in the fields and formed the foundation of the diverse society Hawaii is known for today.
Visitors can experience this era by visiting the Maui Tropical Plantation or the Hawaii Plantation Village in Oahu, where the histories of the workers and their enduring influence on Hawaiian culture come to life.
The Modern Era: Statehood and Cultural Renaissance
In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the USA, a milestone that heralded modernization. Yet, alongside this, the latter half of the 20th century also saw a renaissance of Hawaiian culture. There was a revitalization of hula, the Hawaiian language, and traditional voyaging.
The Polynesian Voyaging Society and its iconic canoe, Hōkūleʻa, epitomize this renaissance. The society has undertaken voyages across the Pacific using ancient navigational techniques, forging connections, and reviving old traditions.
With its pristine beaches and vibrant luaus, Hawaii is a paradise for many. By exploring this past, one gains a deeper appreciation for the Aloha State and the stories that shaped it.
Stay with us at our Big Island bed and breakfast and explore the history of Hawaii on the Big Island.