Published on December 12, 2023
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Step into the folklore of Hawaii with the tale of the goddess Hi‘iaka, as she embarks on a journey down a dusty trail along the windward coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i to meet her sisters, including Pele, the volcano deity, at a remote beach in Puna where she performed what many believe to be the first hula dance.
You can still walk the historic path to Hā‘ena Beach, also known as Shipman Beach, a 2.9-mile trail that leads to a secluded shore with pristine sands amidst the rugged and rocky coastline.
In ancient times, this trail was once part of the network of footpaths known as ala hele that connected coastal fishing villages across the Hawaiian Islands. While it was later widened to accommodate horses and wheeled carts, today, few realize its cultural significance. “It doesn’t seem like much,” says Jackson Bauer, who works for Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access Program, “but imagine: Hi‘iaka walked on that trail.”
Discover the history of Hawai‘i’s trails
Queen Lili‘uokalani’s Highways Act of 1892 made it clear that pre-existing trails belong to the government, ensuring that the public, especially Native Hawaiians, could continue to visit cultural sites.
This piece of legislation, passed just before Hawai‘i became a United States territory and state, secured Native Hawaiian land rights and guarantees access to heritage areas and native forests via public trails. These trails lead to significant cultural sites and offer a unique experience away from the bustling tourist spots.
Uncover these ancient trails and forgotten paths with the Nā Ala Hele program, which plays a crucial role in identifying and preserving these historically significant locations.