Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

[HAWAIʻI] 3/12/26 - Camping has been closed at the following areas due to the approaching storm and predicted heavy winds and rain: Kalopa and Kiholo. Kiholo has been experiencing strong winds (25 – 30 mph) since yesterday 3/11/26 evening. Wailoa SRA will also be closing the pavilions. As of this morning, all parks remain open until further notice.

[STATEWIDE] UPDATE 3/11/26 – A severe storm is expected to bring flooding rain, high winds, and thunderstorms to most of the State from Late Tuesday through the weekend.  Multiple park area closures are anticipated.    As of 3/9/26, Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast SWP, Kauaʻi is CLOSED until further notice.  Polihale State Park, Kauaʻi is CLOSED until further notice, Kōkeʻe State Park camping will be suspended as of Tuesday, 3/10.  On Oʻahu, Kaʻena Point, Mokulēʻia permitted vehicle access will be suspended as of Tuesday, 3/10.   All campsites on the islands of Oʻahu and Maui are closed as of 3/11.   \"Iao Valley State Monument, Maui is CLOSED as of 3/11.  Please check back frequently for storm closure updates.

[HAWAIʻI] UPDATE  3/5/26 – ʻAKAKA FALLS STATE PARK: Dept. of Water Supply shut off water in the area until further notice affecting the park.

[O‘AHU] UPDATE  3/4/26 - KA‘ENA POINT STATE PARK, MOKULE‘IA SECTION, VEHICLE ACCESS GATE: Will REOPEN today. You need the 2026 Gold decal adhered to the rear of your vehicle to enter the park, the accompanying permit account provides access to the gate combination online. The 2024-2025 Purple decals are no longer valid. Apply for a 2026 Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permit here. All applicants must create a NEW account and apply as a new applicant. We are experiencing significant delays in processing, we appreciate your continued patience. Vehicle access dirt road repairs are occurring to stabilize severe erosion, and armor problem areas with aggregate to reduce erosion and puddling, and improve road stability.

[KAUAʻI, OʻAHU, HAWAIʻI] 2/10/26 – Wailua River State Park (Kauaʻi), Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park (Oʻahu), Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Hawaiʻi): All commercial kayak operators must apply for a Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application, each kayak vessel requires a registered decal. Visit State Parks Permits page here and download and mail in the Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application.

[ALL ISLANDS] UPDATE – 12/12/25: Camping - Reservations for February 1, 2026 and beyond available at https://explore.ehawaii.gov, please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi to make a camping reservation.

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.