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).
Photo: NPS Photo
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
- LocationKailua-Kona, HI
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now73°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Ancient Seas
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Birds
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
- Coral Reefs
18 more topics
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Heiau
- Oceans
- Pacific Islander Heritage
- Rainforest
- Religion and Spirituality
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Ruins
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Sculpture
- The Tropics
- Trails
- Transportation
- Volcanoes
- Waterfalls
Things to Do
1 experience from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Take a Lava Hike!
Many trails in the park were created in ancient times and others are from the historical era. These were trails for pack animals. The main park trail is a loop that circles the park and is 4.5 miles…
Learn more about Take a Lava Hike! on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Scenic Driving
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Swimming
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
Show 30 more activities
- Picnicking
- Arts and Crafts
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Boat Tour
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Canoeing
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Compass and GPS
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Food
- Front-Country Hiking
- Geocaching
- Group Camping
- Hands-On
- Kayaking
- Motorized Boating
- Mountain Biking
- Orienteering
- Road Biking
- RV Camping
- Sailing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Saltwater Swimming
- SCUBA Diving
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Snorkeling
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Surfing
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Ala Kahakai
Hours details
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Ala KahakaiOpen 24 hours, daily
Hours vary dependent on trail section.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Superintendent, Ala Kahakai National Historic TrailKailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
73°F
Sunny · feels like 74°
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Today
77° 71°
Sunny17% rain
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Tomorrow
79° 73°
Sunny20% rain
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Friday
79° 73°
Patchy rain nearby63% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
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
Photos
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Along some segments of the trail, you can find your way using the Ala Kahakai trail markers. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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.
Full directions
Additional sections of the trail are opened as they are sufficiently managed to protect the trail and associated areas.
Mailing address: Superintendent, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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