Kings Hwy Foot Trail - Waikoloa Village, HI
Kings Hwy Foot Trail in Waikoloa Village, HI, offers a unique dog-friendly hiking experience along historic pet-friendly trails. This scenic trail, originally built around 1870, traverses ancient Hawaiian footpaths and lava fields, providing a fascinating glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. It’s an ideal spot for dog owners looking for a blend of outdoor adventure and history in a dog park in Waikoloa Village, HI.
The trail is well-suited for dogs and children, making it a great family-friendly destination. Hikers can explore archaeological sites, including ancient tool-making areas and traditional boundary altars, while enjoying the rugged landscape of pahoehoe and a’a lava flows. Remember to bring water and wear sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain. Whether you’re out for a casual walk or a more challenging hike, Kings Hwy Foot Trail offers a memorable dog-friendly hiking experience in a stunning Hawaiian setting.
FAQ for Kings Hwy Foot Trail in Waikoloa Village Hawaii:
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the Kings Hwy Foot Trail.
- Is this trail good for kids? Yes, the trail is considered good for children.
- Are there hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Kings Hwy Foot Trail is a historic hiking trail that offers unique views of lava fields and archaeological sites along the coast of Waikoloa Village.
- Where is the best place to park? You can park at either the Queen’s Shops or the ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay public parking areas for access to the Kings Hwy Foot Trail.
- What should I bring for the hike? It can get very hot, so bring water and wear shoes suitable for loose rocks.
Reviews
The King’s Highway is a trail built somewhere around 1870 as an upgrade to ancient footpaths along the coastline. These trails connected the various Hawaiian settlements along the coast.In Hawaiian trail is ala hele. This trail once encircled the entire island, allowing the flow of goods and used for the incessant warfare between the ruling ali’i. Much of this trail system was eventually converted to roadways such as the modern Mamalahoa Highway, but fragments of the old trail system remain.The trail cuts straight across the lava fields providing a modern hiker a great view of these areas. Crossing areas of both pahoehoe and a’a lavas that erupted from Mauna Loa several centuries ago.There are numerous archeological remains to be seen along the trail. An abrader quarry is just south of Queen’s Shops along the trail. Here abraders were collected and shaped, tools that could be used like files or sanding blocks to make the many wooden objects used in ancient Hawaiian culture, from serving bowls to ocean going canoes.A bit further out one will find Keahualono, a boundary ahu (altar) that sits on the border between the Waikoloa and ‘Anaeho’omalu ahupua’a (traditional administrative districts).A suggestion for a nice day hike from the resort… Park at either the Queen’s Shops or the ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay public parking and hike a few miles out the King’s Trail. Cut across to the beach on one of the gravel roads that access the shore. Then come back along the ancient footpaths that follow the shoreline and the beach. All of which are readily visible in the Google Maps satellite imagery. Aside from a couple small private lots near the beach all of the open land south of the Waikoloa Resorts is state land.
Trail is most interesting north of Queens Shops in Waikaloa
It was an interesting hike through a unique landscape. Wear shoes that can handle loose rocks.
Interesting construction and must have been of great importance to the connecting settlement along the coast.
Very hot, bring water