1871 Trail

The 1871 Trail can be a bit loose and rocky, especially the farther you get away from the national park, sturdy boots are recommended. This is a pretty long hike in a coastal region, a significant part of the trail is inland away from coastal breezes, so bring sun protection and plenty of water. The hike starts and finishes at with the ocean, so the opportunity to swim is available. There is a $5 fee per vehicle for entry into the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park or parking at Ho’okena Beach Park is free. Trailhead directions is only for access from the National Park.

The name of the trail is derived from the correspondence between Henry Cooper, Kona Road Supervisor, and F.W. Hutchinson, Minister of the Interior, dated August 1, 1871: “I have remade two miles of road on the beach across the lands of Ke’ei and Hōnaunau, this improvement was much required as the road had become almost impassable.”