Lapakahi Village Interpretive Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

•

[HAWAI’I] - UPDATE 8/22/25: Recruiting for a Park Maintenance Supervisor II – Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. More information at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaii/jobs/5019812-0/park-maintenance-supervisor-ii-kailua-kona-hawaii
•

[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 8/29/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion and camping is CLOSED until further notice. 

•

[OʻAHU] - 7/25/25:  Sand Island State Recreation Area – Camping will be CLOSED for construction from August 30th, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

•

[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 of safety improvements through early December, 2025.  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 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 and lookouts on weekends, when most work will be suspended. Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed for the duration of the project including weekends.

•

[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.

Lapakahi Village Interpretive Trail

    ‹ ›
    Trail Length 1.1 mile loop
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Easy
    Terrain Dry, Open Coast
    Elevation Gain 50 ft
    Park Name Lapakahi State Historical Park

    Description

    Self-guided walk through the partially restored remains of this ancient coastal settlement. Views of the ocean as well as migrating humpback whales in-season (November – May). The 0.5-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion. This is a good family walk.

    Route

    The trailhead is located just off the parking lot. Information, including a trail guide, is available at the interpretive kiosk located near the parking lot. The walking distance can be shortened by taking a shortcut trail back to the parking lot midway along the loop.

    Directions

    Off Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270), 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae.

    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.