Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a National Historic Trail on the island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island), designated by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to recognize and protect traditional coastal routes and associated cultural sites.

The trail follows roughly 175 miles of coastline and connects numerous archaeological and cultural features such as coastal villages, heiau (temples), loko iʻa (fishponds), and traditional trails that linked ahupuaʻa land divisions. Much of the route is low elevation along beaches and lava flows, but the trail is discontinuous so segments vary from short local walks to long, rugged stretches.

The route preserves long-standing Native Hawaiian coastal pathways and shoreline resources rather than a single constructed trail. The National Historic Trail designation in 2000 established a cooperative framework for management involving the National Park Service, state and county agencies, and local communities.

The trail lies along the shoreline of the island of Hawaiʻi, with segments distributed around the island from South Kohala and Kona to Hāmākua and Puna; access points and visitor facilities vary by segment.

• Length: About 175 miles (approximately 285 km) of coastal route on the island of Hawaiʻi, made up of many discontinuous segments that link archaeological sites, shoreline trails, and community access points.
• Access and conditions: Segments are reached from multiple towns including Kailua-Kona and Hilo; many stretches cross lava fields, beaches, and privately owned land so consult maps and local managers before planning a trip.