Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.

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[KAUA'I] update 9/19/24 - ENTIRE KALALAU TRAIL SECTION OF THE NĀPALI COAST STATE WILDERNESS PARK NOW CLOSED effective 9/4/24:  The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP), in consultation with the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health (DOH), has elected to close the entire Kalalau Trail section, from Kē‘ē to Honopu in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Camping at Kalalau Trail is CLOSED. DLNR and DOH are closely coordinating the situation in Kalalau and taking appropriate action to ensure public health and safety. Kauaʻi North Shore Shuttle departures to Hāʻena State Park are SUSPENDED. Haʻena State Park/Keʻe Beach remains OPEN. Starting Saturday 9/21/24, the trail to Hanakapiai for day use only will REOPEN. Any hiking beyond Hanakapiai, however, may result in citations or arrests. The state continues to clean and disinfect comfort stations in the area. Parking entry reservations for Haʻena remain available. This closure notice is subject to change pending additional guidance from DOH and sanitation progress. Please check back for updates.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 9/3/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: Due to severe staff shortages, the processing of vehicular access permits may experience delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

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[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 6/18/24 – Kōkeʻe State Park: The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout.

Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)

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    Trail Length 15.4 mile loop
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Moderate
    Terrain Coastal, Level
    Elevation Gain 30 ft
    Park Name Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

    Description

    This is a coastal hike which can be accessed from Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, as well as other locations (see route information).

    Route

    Hikes on Ala Kahakai may begin or end at any of the listed public access points. The trail follows the coastline over ancient fishermen’s trails and Hawaiian Kingdom roads that have been connected through generations of use to form a single continuous route. It passes through both public and private lands, providing access to numerous beaches and resorts, and to both the Malama Trail to Puako petroglyph field near Holoholokai and the Kings Highway inland of the Mauna Lani Resort. The Ala Kahakai also provides access to some of the most pristine shoreline remaining in Hawaiʻi, as well as numerous anachialine ponds, which are unique ecosystems given highest protection. Much of the trail receives only limited maintenance and short sections have been eroded by ocean waves. Only the Spencer-Puako section of the trail has signage. Caution is advised as the trail follows the edge of potentially dangerous sea cliffs in certain areas.

    Directions

    Access from Highway 270 to Spencer County Beach Park, from Highway 19 to Hapuna State Beach Recreation Area, Holoholokai Beach Park, Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Resort, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or Puako Boat Ramp. Parking, toilets and water are available at most locations.

    Additional Info

    • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • Pack out at least what you pack in.
    • No open fires.