Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail • Hawai'i

Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian Coast

Group of hikers walk along a straightened path in lava field

Ala Kahakai trail marker with ocean in the background

Paved stone trail

Coastal trail section of Ala Kahakai

Group of community members pose in front of a large mural

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).

The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail traverses 175 miles around the island of Hawaiʻi.
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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.
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Along some segments of the trail, you can find your way using the Ala Kahakai trail markers.
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A historic section of trail crosses through the Ala Kahakai's Kauleolī Unit in South Kona.
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One of the best places to see the Ala Kahakai up close is the segment in South Kohala, between Puʻukoholā Heiau and ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay.
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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.
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Woman descending a rock trail along the ocean coast

In 2025, the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail celebrated our 25th anniversary. Learn more about the trail in this interactive StoryMap.

Historic palace behind an entrance gate with a traditional Hawaiian seal engraved in metal

Visit parks, historic heiau, and many other sites along the Ala Kahakai.

Group of hikers on a tree-lined trail

Several segments of the trail are open for hiking. Learn more about how to access Hawaiʻi Island's "trail by the sea."

Hawaiian stilt wading in shallow water

The trail corridor extends through several of Hawaiʻi Island's climate zones, with up-close views of a variety of natural resources.

Aerial view of stepping stone trail along the Hawaiian coast

ʻAʻā, pāhoehoe, sand, stepping stones, and more... get to know the types of trails you'll encounter on the Ala Kahakai.

Group photo finished working on trail

Learn how to get directly involved with the Ala Kahakai.

Photograph of woman hiking the trail underneath a canopy of trees

Before heading out, make sure to read up on the steps you can take to stay safe out on the trail.

Last updated: January 8, 2026

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Mailing Address:

Superintendent
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
73-4786 Kanalani Street, #14
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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