Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

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

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[O‘AHU] UPDATE  2/20/26 - KA‘ENA POINT STATE PARK, MOKULE‘IA SECTION: Park is CLOSED due to saturated roads and inclement weather. Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits available now. 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.

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[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.

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[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)

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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.