Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

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Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian Coast
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail traverses 175 miles around the island of Hawaiʻi.
Group of hikers walk along a straightened path in lava field
The Ala Kahakai corridor passes through many historic trails. Here, staff and community members walk along a section of the Kīholo-Puakō section of the Ala Loa.
Ala Kahakai trail marker with ocean in the background
Along some segments of the trail, you can find your way using the Ala Kahakai trail markers.
Paved stone trail
A historic section of trail crosses through the Ala Kahakai's Kauleolī Unit in South Kona.
Coastal trail section of Ala Kahakai
One of the best places to see the Ala Kahakai up close is the segment in South Kohala, between Puʻukoholā Heiau and ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay.
Group of community members pose in front of a large mural
The Ala Kahakai works directly with the community in each ahupuaʻa we pass through. Here, community members and students pose in front of a mural at the Captain Cook Post Office depicting the legendary story of Kua.
Photos: National Park Service

About Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Established in 2000 to preserve, protect and interpret traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a 175-mile corridor encompassing a network of culturally and historically significant trails. This "trail by the sea" traverses wahi pana (storied landscapes), ancient Hawaiian sites and over 200 ahupuaʻa (traditional land divisions).

Quick Facts

State Hawaii
Designation National Historic Trail
State Code HI
Weather Hawaiʻiʻs coast is generally sunny and hot. Be prepared with sun protection (hat, mineral-based sunscreen, sunglasses and long sleeves) and water (minimum 2 liters of water per person per day…

Location & Map

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is located in Hawaii.

Operating Hours

Hours vary dependent on trail section.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Biking Mountain Biking Road Biking Boating Motorized Boating Sailing Boat Tour Camping Canoe or Kayak Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping RV Camping Compass and GPS Geocaching Orienteering Fishing Saltwater Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hands-On Arts and Crafts Hiking Front-Country Hiking Paddling Canoeing Canoe or Kayak Camping Kayaking Stand Up Paddleboarding Junior Ranger Program SCUBA Diving Snorkeling Surfing Swimming Saltwater Swimming Wildlife Watching Birdwatching

Getting There

Open sections of the Ala Kahakai NHT can be accessed through the four Hawai'i Island National Parks: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP, Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP, Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP and Pu'ukoholā Heiau NHS. The Nā Ala Hele State Trails and Access Programʻs "Ala Kahakai Trail" in South Kohala is also open to the public. Additional sections of the trail are opened as they are sufficiently managed to protect the trail and associated areas.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Superintendent, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740
Email aric_arakaki@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Archeology Ruins Arts Sculpture Explorers and Expeditions Pacific Islander Heritage Religion and Spirituality Heiau Schools and Education Transportation Roads, Routes and Highways Ancient Seas Animals Birds Fish Coasts, Islands and Atolls Forests and Woodlands Rainforest Oceans Coral Reefs Scenic Views Trails The Tropics Volcanoes Waterfalls

Things To Do

Take a Lava Hike!

Take a Lava Hike!

Many trails in the park were created in ancient times and others are from the historical era. These were trails…

Hiking the entire park trail takes about two hours. On your way to the ocean on the Mauka-Makai trail stop…

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