Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

PARK UPDATES:

[MAUI] Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area will remain CLOSED until access roads through Kula Forest Reserve are cleared from storm damage and safe to traverse. Anticipated re-opening is November 15th 2022. For updates, please go to: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2022/06/27/nr22-090/

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[KAUAʻI] Polihale State Park – Overnight camping will reopen beginning Aug. 14, 2022. Reservations will be available online starting Aug. 1 and may be made up to 90 days in advance.. Additionally, State Parks encourages the community to participate in the Polihale Survey to help develop access and management policies for the park. Please participate in the survey, and mahalo for being respectful stewards of your parks.

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[MAUI] ʻIAO VALLEY STATE MONUMENT – As of August 1, 2022 ʻIao Valley State Monument will be closed until January 15, 2023 for the final phase of the slope stabilization project and parking lot improvements.

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.