Petroglyph is a word that comes from the Greek words, "petros", for rock and 'glyphen", to carve. Literally, petroglyphs are rock carvings. The ancient Hawaiians called them ki'i pohaku or stone images.

The Canoe Paddler embodies strength, stamina and skill. The canoe allowed travel among the Islands during ancient times and paddling is still practiced today in Hawaii as a competitive sport.

The back of the carving features a history of the petroglyph and a short artist bio. The piece is also signed and dated by the artist.