Ala Kahakai Trail (Kawaihae-Anaehoomalu)
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

•

[KAUA'I] - 7/11/25:  VISITORS TO WAIMEA CANYON AND KŌKEʻE STATE PARKS CAUTIONED TO EXPECT DELAYS AND LIMITED PARKING.  

Beginning July 14, 2025, Waimea Canyon Lookout with be closed for construction on weekdays from 7am-3:30pm.   The project is expected to last four approximately 4 months.  This closure, in addition to several overlapping roadwork projects by both DOT-Highways and DLNR-State Parks, will cause delays, impact traffic patterns, and restrict overall parking capacity in these two popular parks through the end of the year.  DOT work is continuing on Waimea Canyon Drive, while work on portions of Kōkeʻe Road near the meadow, and from the Kalalau Lookout to Puʻu o Kila lookout will be starting the same week.  Visitors can drive as far as the Kalalau Lookout, where improvements will also be initiated on July 17, with limited parking available.  We urge patience and driving with care as these various improvements are ongoing.  Local visitors are encouraged to enjoy these parks on weekends, when most work will be suspended.

•

[OʻAHU] UPDATED July 14, 2025 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM) Operating Hours have returned to normal, 6 a.m.-6 p.m  daily (last entry at 4;30 p.m.)- The rockfall mitigation project  at the Kahala Tunnel has been completed ahead of schedule. 

•

[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 6/16/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion closure has been extended from June 1 to July 31. The Pala’au Camping Area has been CLOSED from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

•

[MAUI] UPDATED 5/23/25 – Mākena State Park - State Parks is issuing an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) to qualified parties interested in a Mobile Food Truck Concession Agreement to operate a Mobile Food Truck (“MFT”) Concession at Mākena State Park. More information may be obtained on the following link: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/invitation-for-bid-for-sealed-bid-proposal-to-provide-a-mobile-food-truck-concession-at-makena-state-park-on-maui/.

•

[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.

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.