Mamalahoa Trail  | Hawaii |  | Hawaii County |  |
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Address Queen Kaahumanu Highway Kailua Kona, HI 96740 |
Hours Never Closes |
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Pick up Mamalahoa Trail at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Welcome Center, off Queen K Highway just north of the Harbor.
Description:
The Mamalahoa Trail is one of the oldest roadways in West Hawaii, with its construction dating back to the 1840s. The Trail in its entirely runs from Kailua-Kona north about seven miles to the 1801 lava flow near Keahole Point. The trail was built by Hawaiians living in the Kekaha area as a means of transportation between the villages of the coastline and Kailua-Kona. Up until this point residents built trails that typically ran mauka to makai (mountain to ocean) in the ahupuaa or village settlement to transfer goods and communicate with family and friends. When ahupuaas increased in numbers coastal lateral trails where quickly incorporated into the tail system. These trails were two-horses wide in width and were built in a straight line between two major points. The Mamalahoa Trail is a straight, curbed, cut and fill path that was built by labor forces conscripted by the island governors to transport food and other goods to the neighboring ahupuaas and the harbor of Kailua-Kona as well as a major route along the west side of the island.
Today the Mamalahoa Trail is still very much visible but no longer entirely in tact as it once was, due to progress, development and environmental deterioration. The original trail is easily found as it travels parallel to the bustling Queen Kaahumanu Highway and is bordered on either side by a small one and half foot lava rock wall. Though not often hiked the trail sees some visitors, particularly hiking clubs and those interested in taking a literal walk back through the history of Hawaii.
The easiest spot to pick up the trail in at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park just north of Kailua-Kona and the Honokohau Harbor. The Park houses about a mile and a half of the trail within its land boundaries and keeps it well marked and maintained. Hikers can continue on the trail after the Park portion ends another two and a half miles as it runs in front of the new Kohanaiki development project and up until its ends at the energy lab and airport. While the Park maintains their portion the trail, since it is not frequently used can be overrun with weeds and fountain grass but because of the walled borders it is easy to follow.
Those interested in exploring the trail should be advised that although it was a roadway at one point it was built over a lava flow so that the trail is comprised of both pahoehoe (smooth) and aa (rough) lava. The walk is not easy and proper footwear, such as sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are highly recommended. There is not a lot of vegetation along the trail, occasionally shrubs, reeds, grasses and trees population the otherwise unforgiving black lava, so shade is minimal and plenty of sunscreen, protective headwear and water should be brought along.
The most opportune time to hike the trail would be early morning before the sun reaches it’s peak and (on clear days) the afternoon cloud cover reaches the mountain top and so a nice view of Hualalai mountain can be seen while hiking.
Written By: Hadley Catalano
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