Ala Hu'ehu'e and Māmalahoa Loop is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Kailua Kona, Hawaii, Hawaii that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
Everything is beautiful. Only downside is once you turn in from the beach, it’s all loose lava rock. There are turtles near the water. If you are looking at the beach, go a little more left (outside of the trail loop map) and you’ll find a nice beach area that people are hanging out around.
Terrible. Walk through a barren wasteland. No shade, no shelter, just loose volcanic gravel. I recommend parking at the marina and walking in from next door. The fish trap and petroglyph were the only things worth seeing and are a shorter walk from the marina than the Park office.
If you delight in seeing beautiful waterfowl you will really enjoy the fish pond part of this trail. I saw Hawaiian coots, night herons, grey francolins, etc, etc. After the hike, I chatted with the awesome ranger lady at the visitor center and she answered all my questions and gave me some color guides to the plants I had seen on my hike. I dont suggest continuing the hike past the fish pond, it is extremely long and rocky, washed out in some areas, and not much to see. Note: if you are a nudist, this is not the spot for you, as there are many signs posted that say "Nudity Prohibited!" LOL
Nooooo shade! The trail itself was easy but the brutal sun made it hard. Come in early morning or late afternoon if you could.
Hot, hot hot. But we finished 2/3 of Trail. Spectacular scenery and wildlife.
I wouldn’t recommend doing the full loop. If you’re wearing sandals you could go on the southern portion, walk a long the sand and back out. If you’re wearing a hiking boot I would do the northern portion and walk back when you get to the sand. The middle part of the hike is in the sand, which isn’t great for hiking shoes. There is no shade along the hike.
Over 3 miles. Soft sand part of the way and lava rock for over a mile. Sturdy shoes and ankle are recommended. Long stretch of beach secluded
Regardless which of the 4 hikes listed here for the park, you should include the Ai'opia Fishtrap area, pass the Pu'uoina Heiau, to the point. Great views looking back. Unfortunately, only 1 of 4 here include it in their track. Highly recommend hiking sandals as the lava paths can be very rough on lighter wear.