Take a Lava Hike!

The park has several miles of trails you can explore on foot! In ancient times long distance travel was primarily completed by ocean travel in wa'a (canoes), as it was a much quicker way to get to where you were going. Shorter travel, when necessary, was on the numerous trails that had major connectors to mauka-makai routes (mountain to ocean trails). These trails are called ala loa (major prehistoric trails), ala hele or ala lihi kai (shorter coastal trails). The Kekaha region (lands without water) is the region that the park is located in (Called West Hawaii in modern times). Even today the trails are rough and hot, so it's not hard to imagine how difficult it would of been for the ancient Hawaiians to travel these routes without the modern gear that we have, like shoes and backpacks! The trail from the park visitor center (the Mauka-Makai trail) is the most popular trail in the park. This 1.1 mile trail to the beach requires sturdy shoes, sun protection and plenty of water! Check out the different ages of lava flows on your hike, see native plants and stop and view the ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs) (see staff for brochure). Morning and evening are the best viewing times. Please check in for more information with staff at Hale Ho'okipa, the parks visitor center!