Ala Kahakai National Historic TrailAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Trail sections are best visited outside peak summer holidays; winter is good for marine wildlife while spring and fall offer comfortable hiking weather.
Weather & Climate near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (774 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 82 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 90 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 114 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 27° | 24° | 76 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 20° - 28° | 24° | 52 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 29° | 25° | 25 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 29° | 25° | 17 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 34 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 43 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 21° - 29° | 25° | 54 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 54 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 20° - 27° | 23° | 133 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
The trail is accessible in many places along Hawaiʻi Island’s west coast. Access points include national park trailheads and community-managed parcels; driving along Highway 19 (Mamalahoa Highway) connects many segments. Local visitor centers can provide detailed maps and permit information.
Tips for Visiting Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
- Plan individual segments-Ala Kahakai is long and fragmented; choose stretches that match the desired hiking length and access points.
- Respect culturally sensitive sites-many portions of the trail cross ʻāina that are sacred to Native Hawaiians.
- Check for trail closures caused by tides, private property, or weather; permit requirements may apply for some areas.