Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

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).

Ala Kahakai

The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail traverses through many types of terrain, including ʻaʻā lava.

Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian Coast

Waiulaula Bay

Segments of the Ala Kahakai pass through white sand beaches.

sandy beach

Ala Kahakai

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

Aerial photograph of trail along the Hawaiian Coast

Ala Kahakai

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

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

Ala Kahakai

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

Aerial photograph of hikers along straight rocky segment of Ala Kahakai