Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · HI · nps.gov page

Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian Coast
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail traverses 175 miles around the island of Hawaiʻi.Photo: NPS Photo

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).

Photos

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.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS Photo
Paved stone trail
A historic section of trail crosses through the Ala Kahakai's Kauleolī Unit in South Kona.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.