J - Shoreline Viewpoint on the 1871 Trail

Catch your breath as you look out over the expansive South Kona shoreline.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Ala Kahakai NHT / 1871 Trail

Amenities

3 listed

Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Rest for a moment on this shady bench as you take in the view of the coastline you just traversed. Listen to the waves pound the shoreline below. Think about your journey so far and imagine what it would have been like years ago when this trail would have been your only connection to the world beyond your village.

Anything you needed that wasn’t provided by the ocean or the kula (upland) gardens would have to be brought into the village via this route. If you were lucky, you had access to a mule, if not, you had to carry your goods along this rocky route... barefoot! Most oral histories taken from people living in the area at this time mention that people rarely wore shoes.

Given the modern conveniences we are used to today, it would be difficult for us to adjust to living in historic times. What are a few modern conveniences that would be difficult for you to live without? How would this change how you interact with your world?