Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail • Hawai'i

Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian Coast

sandy beach

Aerial photograph of trail along the Hawaiian Coast

Photograph of woman walking along a segment of trail underneath a shaded tree canopy

Aerial photograph of hikers along straight rocky segment of Ala Kahakai

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 through many types of terrain, including ʻaʻā lava.
NPS Photo

Segments of the Ala Kahakai pass through white sand beaches.
NPS Photo

The Ala Kahakai offers panoramic views of the coast of Hawaii Island.
NPS Photo

Some segments of the Ala Kahakai pass through forests and segments with shaded canopy.
NPS Photo

Some segments of the Ala Kahakai follow the linear and straight historic paths carved out for horse-based transportation.
NPS Photo

Woman descending a rock trail along the ocean coast

25 years of the Ala Kahakai

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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