Places To Go

There are dozens of historic sites, heiau, and other places of interest along the Ala Kahakai's 175-mile-long trail corridor.

Four of these places are National Parks: Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Click below to learn more.
 
Painting by Herb Kane depicting a traditional ceremony at the heiau
Pu'ukoholā Heiau NHS

The historic temple, completed in 1791, that served as the foundation of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Wave crashing into the Kaloko fishpond wall
Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP

Long before written history, the Hawaiian people built a thriving settlement upon the ʻaʻā lava along the Kona coast.

Close-up of kii statues with the Pacific Ocean in the background
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP

The place of refuge, home to some of the most significant traditional sites in the Hawaiian archipelago.

Crowd of visitors viewing a volcanic eruption from a distance, at night
Hawai‘i Volcanoes NP

The park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

 
Additionally, many state parks, historic buildings, beaches, and other sacred sites can be seen along the trailʻs corridor. Click to see selected sites below, and for more information, contact us directly.
 
Historic building flanked by coconut trees behind a metal gate
Hulihe'e Palace

Located in Kailua-Kona, this historic building offers docent-led tours.

Close-up of road sign that reads "Royal Footsteps along the Kona Coast"
Ali'i Drive

Follow historic royal footsteps in the heart of Kailua-Kona, along the route of an ancient trail.

White sand beach with bright blue ocean
Kekaha Kai State Park

White sand beaches and black lava along the Ala Kahakai in North Kona.

Straight path through aa lava
Kiholo-Puako Trail

This trail through vast stretches of ʻaʻā and pāhoehoe lava includes a stop at Ke Ahu a Lono.

Historic rock structure under repair.
Lapakahi State Historical Park

Learn about the tradition Hawaiian lifestyle by taking a self-guided tour through the partially restored remains of this ancient settlement.

Hikers on a forested trail
The Kahuku Unit

The newest area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers rolling landscape views on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

Last updated: April 30, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Superintendent
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
73-4786 Kanalani Street, #14

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone:

(808) 217-0307

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