Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Designation: National Historic Trail
Location: Hawaii
📘 Park Overview
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).
🌤 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
🚗 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.
Images
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail traverses through many types of terrain, including ʻaʻā lava.
Credit: NPS Photo
Segments of the Ala Kahakai pass through white sand beaches.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Ala Kahakai offers panoramic views of the coast of Hawaii Island.
Credit: NPS Photo
Some segments of the Ala Kahakai pass through forests and segments with shaded canopy.
Credit: NPS Photo
Some segments of the Ala Kahakai follow the linear and straight historic paths carved out for horse-based transportation.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Apr 21
Patchy rain nearby
High: 73°F | Low: 68.3°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 91%
UV Index: 9.8
Sunrise: 06:01 AM
Sunset: 06:42 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (17%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.9°F
Cloud Cover: 91%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Apr 22
Patchy rain nearby
High: 73.1°F | Low: 68.4°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 9.8 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 9.6
Sunrise: 06:00 AM
Sunset: 06:42 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (27%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.5°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Apr 23
Patchy rain nearby
High: 71.3°F | Low: 68.5°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 11.6 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 06:00 AM
Sunset: 06:43 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (38%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.1°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Events
Community Meeting on the Future of Kauleolī
The National Park Service is inviting the community to participate in a planning effort for the Kauleolī Unit of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
Kauleolī is a 95-acre shoreline landscape on the South Kona coast, just south of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The National Park Service acquired the property in 2016 and 2021 to protect important cultural sites and preserve a historic section of the Ala Kahakai trail.
The planning process will establish a long-term vision for caring for Kauleolī, including protection of cultural resources, community uses, and appropriate visitor experiences.
“Kauleolī is a place with deep history and meaning for many families in South Kona,” said Superintendent Aric Arakaki. “We hope this planning process will bring people together to share their knowledge, perspectives, and ideas for how this special place should be cared for into the future.”
Community members are invited to attend a public meeting on April 18, 2026, from 2–5 p.m., at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook. The National Park Service will share preliminary concepts, answer questions, and gather community input.
A 45-day public comment period will run from April 1 through May 15, 2026.
Comments may be submitted online at the project website or by mail.
Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Superintendent
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
🏤 Mailing Address:
Superintendent
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
✉️ Email: aric_arakaki@nps.gov