Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail joins Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association

The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, a nonprofit partner of seven national park sites in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa, has partnered with the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the Big Island.

Partnership means that the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association will develop and carry Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail sales items in its visitor center park stores and online store, and that the association will be positioned to help support important programs and projects through association donations.

“We are excited to have Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail join our partnership. This was an easy yes for HPPA! The trail is an integral part of Hawaii’s national park system and of Hawaiian history,” said Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association Executive Direct Mel Boehl.

“This partnership will allow us to expand our interpretive products and services, which will further our mission to inspire and connect visitors and the community to national park sites in the Pacific region, and to Hawaiian culture,” Boehl continued.

The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail was established in 2000 and is administered by the National Park Service. This “trail by the sea” traverses wahi pana (storied landscapes), ancient Hawaiian sites, and over 200 ahupuaʻa (traditional land divisions).

It follows 175 miles of Hawaiʻi Island’s diverse coast, and eventually will connect the island’s four national park sites. These are:

• Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
• Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.