A beautiful walk is from the Orchid Hotel at Mauna Lani, along the coast to the Hilton Resort at Waikaloa. It is called the Ala Kahakai trail. It takes about two hours, but why not start from Hale Ke Alaula and make it three?
From Hale Ke Alaula, walk South along Puako Beach Drive to the end. Well, almost the end. Turn off into the dirt parking lots at Paniau Beach and follow the coastal lava trail south, past Holoholokai Park and the Petroglyphs, to the Mauna Lani’s golf course. (If you came by car, park at the hotel or at the Petroglyphs and make your way to the ocean.)
You may have to skip over some lava rocks here but you can easily get down to the beautiful concrete pathways that front the Mauna Lani Orchid Hotel and the Mauna Lani properties. Follow the pathway south along the shore, past the Orchid’s beach facilities.
The pathway along the front of the Orchid at Mauna Lani
Ten years ago the trail here was a little more primitive and wild. Now it flanked by the Mauna Lani’s Villas with their own fabulously green lawns and newly constructed fresh water ponds and waterfalls. Still there is a real beach here and its a favorite of tu
rtles in the early evening.
Soon you come to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. Continue to wind your way through their front yard and pool areas which eventually lead to well worn dirt trails along green grassy coastal shores. This area is Makaiwa Bay and the first of the fish ponds begin to appear along with the beautiful old Eva Parker Woods house, part of the Parker Estate.
Lava tide pools and coves were blocked with a series of dams that allow water in and out but keeps the fish inside for easy and plentiful dinners. The trail crosses over these dams and some of the ponds have intricate bridges and walkways so that you can go out and really explore.
Eventually after you round Mauna Lani Point you get to a major public beach with facilities, including rentals and food. From here you continue up and around the coast, past villas on the Waikaloa Hilton property, then round the coast line until you hit the Hilton’s golf course. Turn back here or go in and have a drink. Or explore further.
There should be much more trail south of the Waikaloa golf course; we just haven’t been there yet.
