Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[KAUA’I]—UPDATE 4/22/25: Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast SWP is CLOSED today due to a flash flood watch and expected heavy rain. The Ha’ena shuttle has been SUSPENDED.

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[MAUI] - UPDATE 4/17/25: Puaʻa kaʻa Wayside and Restrooms will be CLOSED for renovations April 21 thru May 12.

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[MAUI] - UPDATE 4/17/25: Makena State Park’s Black Sand Beach Access Road has REOPENED.

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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 3/24/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to demolition and renovation work, the pavilion will be closed from March 25 to May 31.

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[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

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[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 3/18/25: Mauna ʻAla, Royal Mausoleum State Monument, will be undergoing improvements that may temporarily prevent vehicular access. Please check the Royal Mausoleum State Monument website for updates.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 3/18/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Partial Park Closures Hours with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will occur from April 21 onwards Monday through Friday, (except holidays).  Normal Park Hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume on the Good Friday Holiday on April 18, and on Weekends. During Partial Park Closures Hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. The project began January 6, 2025, and will run until July 25, 2025, upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check back for updates.

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[MAUI] UPDATE 3/4/25 - Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Beginning April 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025, the park, cabin campgrounds, and access road to Polipoli Forest Reserve will be closed due to tree mitigation work. 

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.