Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a coastal pathway that runs along the shoreline of Hawaii Island, connecting multiple walking segments through different landscapes. The route passes through lava fields, sandy beaches, and rocky coastal areas, creating a varied walk along the water's edge.

The trail was officially established in 2000, though it follows ancient Hawaiian pathways that people used for thousands of years to travel along the coast. These routes were vital connections between different coastal communities and settlements throughout the islands' early history.

The trail passes through areas where you can see how Hawaiian communities organized their coastal lands into divisions called ahupuaʻa. These sections reveal practical systems that people used to manage resources and move between different zones.

You can access the trail at several points along the coast, with the main information office in Kailua-Kona for guidance. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as many sections are exposed to sun and wind with minimal shade available.

The northern starting point is at Upolu Point near the ancient temple of Moʻokini, and the route continues southward through several protected areas. Along the way, you discover hidden beaches and old Hawaiian sites that reveal the diversity of the coastal landscape.