ala-kahakai | HI | Find park

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.

A historic section of trail crosses through the Ala Kahakai's Kauleolī Unit in South Kona.

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.

Physical Address:

Superintendent

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Mailing Address:

Superintendent

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

contact-details

Email Address: aric_arakaki@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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).

park designation:National Historic Trail

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Ala Kahakai

Hours vary dependent on trail section.

Weather Information:

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 for short hikes). Before visiting the Trail, check weather forecasts and follow all warnings and advisories: - https://www.weather.gov/hfo/ - www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts