Ala Kahakai Coastline Trail, Kohala

You can walk along the lovely lava rock Kohala coastline on the Ala Kahakai Trail from Hapuna Beach for 1.4 miles to the northern end of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, where there is a dedication to golfer Arnold Palmer. The whole way you are up above the sea, which is perfect! The stretch between Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach is very pretty, with the turquoise sea below, sparkling crystal clear. Once you get to Mauna Kea Beach you can walk along the beach and then up on the grassy point at the north end of the beach. Paradise! Grab a plumeria flower to put behind your ear. The contrast of white coral rock and black lava rock looks appealing, at the little rocky beaches along the way. There isn't much shade so come early or late in the day. Apparently you can take this trail south, sometimes slightly inland from the ocean, to Waialea Beach (Beach 69), and even all the way to Kona, but it must be a pretty sunburny experience!

Directions

You can begin the Ala Kahakai Coastline Trail at Hapuna Beach State Park in Kohala. There is plenty of parking at this beach. Walk to the north end of the beach to start the trail.

Click on map for interactive view