United States

Mahaulepu Beach

Coastal beach with petroglyphs on Kauai, Hawaii

Location

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Historical Context

About

Māhāʻulepū Beach is a beach on the southeast coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is two miles (3.2 km) long and goes from Punahoa point to Paʻoʻo point. The beach is separated into three different parts: Gillin's Beach, Kawailoa Bay, and Hāʻula Beach. Gillin's Beach, the center section, is known for petroglyphs that are carved into the rocks, though they are rarely exposed. Fossils of extinct birds have been found in sand dunes along the shoreline, including the Kauaʻi Stilt-owl (Grallistrix auceps), a flightless rail, and three species of goose. Close to the beach is the paleontologically important Makauwahi Cave.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Petroglyphs
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
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Environmental and Natural Features

Modified Caves
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Reference

Details

Country

United States

Coordinates

21.89° N, -159.42° E