1871 Trail Introduction

The 1871 Trail is a section of the larger Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile long trail corridor on Hawaiʻi Island.

• A white sand and black lava rock trail with stacked lava rock curbstones lining the trail extends out ahead. Green vegetation grows between black lava rock on the edges of the trail.

1871 Trail Tour Conclusion

The journey down the 1871 trail and into the past makes us wonder what knowledge or lessons from the past can we apply to our world today?

• Trees shade the path in front of you and stacked stone walls line the edge of what remains of Kiʻilae Village.

1871 Trailhead

The rugged lava shoreline of the South Kona coast beckons you to explore the backcountry trails of the park. Have you ever imagined visiting a historic abandoned Hawaiian village? Come and experience this special and unique area. Step back in time. The ocean will whisper ancient stories from the past as you pass by places used by people of long ago.

• A rocky, relatively wide, trail extends before you with native vegetation such as noni bushes and coconut trees on either side. Feral goats, mongoose, and birds are commonly spotted in this area.There is an informational trailhead sign and a pet waste station marking the trailhead.

A - Hōnaunau Holua

Can you imagine sledding down a lava rock slope on a sled no wider than 12 inches? This hōlua was used by the aliʻi (royalty) in the area to prove their agility and bravery as they sledded down the steep slope.

• Off to the left, up the mountainside is a lava-rock paved ramp that extends about 50 feet down the slope.

Ala Kahakai at Puʻukoholā

• The section of the 1/2-mile loop trail around Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site along the water. This path is paved, along the sea, passing many rock walls, with a view of the large temple from underneath.

B - Kōnane Papamū

An ancient kōnane playing surface, or papamū, sits on the side of the 1871 trail. One of many along the trail and coastline.

• On the right side (ocean side) of the trail in the black, smooth, pahoehoe lava rock is a carved kōnane papamū that is about 18 inches by 18 inches. Rows of small depressions are carved into the rock much like a modern day "Go" gameboard. The depressions are weathered with time so it is difficult to make out how many rows and columns the board contains.

C - Stone Walls & Curbstones

The stone walls of historic enclosures aren't the only thing that lines the trail at this location. Curbstones along the edges of the trail help delineate the trail for pack animals.

• A 3 to 4 foot stacked lava rock wall runs parallel to the trail. This wall is part of a large rectangular shaped enclosure. Rocks are stacked along both sides of the trail forming curbstones that delineate the trail.

D - ʻŌmaʻo Heiau

A large pile of rubble and an upright standing stone is all that remains of the ʻŌmaʻo heiau (temple).

• A large pile of black lava rock rubble sit in front of and around a large upright standing stone about 6 feet tall. This feature is about 100 feet off-trail on the makai (ocean) side.

E - Kēōkea Hōlua

The Kēōkea Hōlua is one of two hōlua slides that you can view from the 1871 trail.

• A break in the vegetation and some stone rubble is all that remains of this hōlua, running upslope about 1000 feet.

F - Animal Pen

This high-walled animal pen is indicative of changing times when goats where introduced to the island.

• A square enclosure with stacked stone walls sits just off the trail on the mauka (mountain) side. The walls are six to eight feet high and three feet wide. A lava rock cliffside extends up beyond the enclosure.

G - Alahaka Heiau & Keanaeʻe Cliffs

A large pile of stone rubble is all that remains of this once impressive heiau (temple) with natural amphitheater of lava cliffs behind.

• A large pile of black lava rock stone rubble with the dimensions of about 50 feet length (parallel to the trail) and 30 feet width. Behind the alahaka heiau ruins is a large volcanic cliffside that forms a natural amphitheater behind the heiau.

H - Alahaka Ramp

See the Alahaka Ramp on the 1871 Trail section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Imagine trying to scale this 20-foot cliffside without the improvement of this constructed stone ramp!

• A ramp extends up a 20 foot cliff on the ocean's edge. Constructed out of stacked black lava rock with two foot rock walls lining the edges. The cliff wall extends on the left-hand side and the ocean on the right.

Hale o Kapuni Heiau

• A shallow ocean bay is all that is visible. The submerged temple is no longer visible.

I - Waiū o Hina Lava Tube

The Waiū o Hina lava tube was formed by molten lava flowing from Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth.

• About halfway up the stone Alahaka Ramp is an 5-foot tall entrance to a lava tube or cave in the lava rock cliffside. The entrance to the lava tube is blocked with a metal gate.

J - Shoreline Viewpoint on the 1871 Trail

A gorgeous view of the expansive South Kona coastline and Keanaeʻe Cliffs awaits those who make the trek out to the top of the Alahaka Ramp on the 1871 Trail.

• A small wooden bench sits in the shade of a tree at the top of the ramp up Alahaka cliff. From this vantage point there are expansive views of the South Kona Coastline that include the large volcanic cliffs towards the mountainside and extends down to the coconut grove in the picnic area. Bright blue clear waters of the Pacific ocean crash against shoreline cliffs below.

John Young Homestead

• Remnants of rock structures in a desolate part of the island.

Junction of the 1871 Trail & Coastal Trail

The junction with the Coastal Trail allows you to take this shoreline route to the Picnic Area.

• Two trails intersect at this location with one continuing to parallel the shoreline and the other extending out west towards the water and eventually looping around to the picnic area. A black sign with blue writing marks the trail junction. The sign reads "Visitor Center" with a arrow pointing straight and "Picnic Area" with an arrow pointing to the left.

K - ʻĀhinahina Point - John Ahu Complex

The John Ahu House Complex at ʻĀhinahina point shows a prime location for housing in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

• The remains of a house site sit on a lava rock cliffside above the expansive Pacific ocean. A cistern, rock house platform, and rock walls are all that remain of this house site. A few trees and shrubs cover the area.

L - Kiʻilae Village

Kiʻilae Village offers a glimpse into the past, when Hawaiʻi was changing rapidly, but still supported traditional aspects of daily life.

• As the trail continues down the coastline, walls begin to appear on the mauka (mountain) side of the trail, these enclosures are the former house sites of Kiʻilae Village. Trees and brush obscure almost everything besides the walls and the trail at this site.

M - Kahikina House Site

This house site was the home of the Kahikina family who were expert fishermen.

• A stacked stone wall with an opening in the middle leads to an overgrown enclosure.

Mailekini Heiau

• A long temple platform made of dry-stacked rocks, situated midway up a gently-sloping hill overlooking an ocean bay. It is viewed from the side, with access to the temple not allowed to visitors.

N - Mauka-Makai Trail

This old mauka-makai trail connected Ki'ilae villagers with upland gardens.

• An old trail is visible going up the mountainside along the fence line.

O - Pā Hale

The pa hale (house sites) of Ki'ilae village show a more traditional way of life.

• Trees shade this central section of Ki'ilae village. Rock walls about 3 feet high line both sides of the trail. These walls are part of rectangular enclosures that form the house site. Many of these house sites are overgrown, but on some you can still see rectangular stone house platforms.

Pelekane

• Beach with many coconut trees. Situated between the hill (Puʻukoholā) and the Kawaihae boat harbor.

Puʻukoholā Heiau

• A large temple made of dry-stacked rocks, situated on top of a gently-sloping hill overlooking an ocean bay. The temple is 224 feet by 100 feet, with walls that extend up to 20 feet high. It is viewed from below, with access to the temple not allowed to visitors.

Puʻukoholā Visitor Center

• Building with exhibits and an open-air theater, along with an indoor room featuring several more exhibits and a park store.

• Take a Lava Hike!
• Many trails in the park were created in ancient times and others are from the historical era. These were trails for pack animals. The main park trail is a loop that circles the park and is 4.5 miles long or 7.2 kilometers. It is highly recommended to wear sturdy shoes, have sun protection and bring plenty of water. Many sections of the trail are rough and uneven and the ocean section can be effected by high tides and large surf.

Puʻuhonua — 1871 Trail

Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau — See the convergence of ancient and historical times as you step back in time with us, walk in the footsteps of the ancestors, and explore the rugged lava shoreline of the South Kona Coast on the 1871 Trail. This is an out-and-back trail with a roundtrip total of two miles. The trail traverses over rugged lava with few opportunities for shade. Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended. Please stay on the trail at all times and do not disturb any archeological sites.

Puʻuhonua — Meet the Kiʻi

The kiʻi at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park attract visitors from all over the world. Take a journey around the Royal Grounds and meet the kiʻi of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. Learn about what kiʻi are, the history of kiʻi at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, and the forms of the akua (gods) that they represent.

Puʻuhonua — Mural

Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park — Listen to a brief description of how our ancestors settled these islands and thrived in isolations for hundreds of years before outside contact.

Puʻuhonua — Royal Grounds

Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park — Take a step back in time to ancient Hawaiʻi and walk in the footsteps of the ancestors. Explore the Royal Grounds which were once reserved for the chiefdom of Kona and pass beyond the Great Wall into the Puʻuhonua, where people found refuge during war or after breaking a kapu (religious law). This self-guided walking tour is about half of a mile long. The terrain is a mixture of crushed coral sand and lava rock.

Puʻukoholā Heiau — Audio Tour

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — A walking audio tour around the park, 1/2-mile in length, with stops at all the major historic sites.