Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

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

[O’AHU] UPDATED 5/18/24 – Diamond Head State Monument: The park will remain CLOSED through Saturday, May 18, due to inclement weather and rock falls.


[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 5/18/24 –Kauaʻi North shore shuttle departures has SUSPENDED due to inclement weather.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 5/16/24 –  Ka’ena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: Vehicle access road has CLOSED due to saturated roads and inclement weather.

[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 5/15/24 – Hapuna State Park: Hapuna and the Waialea Section beach and access road has REOPENED following flood cleanup.

[HAWAI’I] UPDATED 5/13/24 – Akaka Falls State Park to Temporarily CLOSE Weekdays Starting May 15, see Akaka Falls announcement for more information.

[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 5/13/24 – Wailuku River State Park: Rainbow Falls; tree trimming starts today until 6/7/24, the park will remain OPEN but some areas may be temporarily closed due to safety.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 4/30/24 – Kōkeʻe State Park: Kalalau lookout restroom is CLOSED until further notice.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 4/26/24 –Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park: Camping permits held back for local residents during summer, see Kalalau Trail site for more information.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 3/18/24 – 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)

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.