2024 ARCHAEOLOGY OF HAWAIIISLAND–watching for SITECHANGES: TRAVELARCHAEOLOGY SERIES

After the crush of summer tourism, we again returned to the Big Island of Hawaii to see how some of the archaeological sites withstood this year’s visitors. We observed several fish traps, some rock art and game boards, two ancient village areas, and a place where medicinal plants and soils can still be seen. As it turned out, visitors had been respectful, with both the sites and the animals who occupy the areas still doing well. After recording several petroglyph sites several years ago, it was wonderful to return and see them undisturbed by visitors.


Wonderful ancient village sites, such as the one at Lapakahi, are still being restored and interpreted. It is
comprised of ancient dwelling sites, fishing and salt procurement activities, and Kahuna training. The
queen even visited here in the 19th C.

The large stone basins, used for salt collection, grinding, and other needs, are readily visible to visitors.

Stacked rock walls, showing the shape of old building shapes, are still visible in many areas of the Big
Island. This site is on a rise, above a long established fishing area.

Red dirt and botanical species were used extensively in old Hawaii, for everything from
tea to poultices. An interpretive area near Keauhou Bay is signed for visitors to enjoy
and better understand old Hawaiian uses of nature.