ala-kahakai | HI | Find park

Sandy beach after a storm

An ancient ala hele foot trail curves through a lava field along an ocean cliff

A horizontal color photo of an ancient coastal trail meandering from the bottom right corner of the photo towards the top left. The gravel trail is lined with white coral rocks along its left side, and extends through a rough a’a lava field. To the right

Trail stewards are greeted by the trail crew, who are performing traditional cultural protocol.

A group of people including men, women and children walk in a single file line away from the camera, on a wide, straight, historic trail that cuts through a rough ʻaʻa lava field. The trail appears as a light grey, against the darker lava lining it, the

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

Phone Number: (808) 217-0307 Voice

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). Connect now!

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