Ala Kahakai Trail (Access Point: Spencer Beach Park)
Location: Ala Kahakai Trail is a 175-mile long trail broken up into segments. Spencer Beach Park is just one access point that is 3 miles long, ending at Hapuna Beach.
***NOTE: Dogs are prohibited in any County of Hawaii beach park, including Spencer Beach Park. While many of us have hiked with our dogs from Spencer Beach Park, we have been (innocently) doing so under the radar due to a lack of County Parks & Recreation employees present at Spencer Beach. We are currently looking into options, possibly other access points that welcome dogs. I have been talking with both Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail personnel and DLNR (who has also has jurisdiction over the Na Ala Hele trail system) to see if we can find a solution. Mauna Kea Resort will not allow any dogs on property, so that entrance is not an option either. It’s interesting and a predicament…The person at the guard shack told me to enter from Spencer Beach Park “since no one from the County is ever there.” I believe in following rules, communication, and finding a solution, so I’m looking into this.
I spoke with the Ala Kahakai Trail Superintendent (who is a dog lover, too!), and he “think(s) some kind of provision for trail users with dogs on leashes through Spencer Park is reasonable.” They have planned upcoming meetings with County Parks & Rec to discuss improvements to Spencer Beach Park, so I will be working with them to see if we can adopt a policy amendment of some sort for “passive use” for people with their leashed dogs who are there strictly to use the hiking trail. Please stay tuned!
Directions: To access the Ala Kahakai Trail from Spencer Beach Park: From Waikoloa Village, take Highway 19 north to Highway 270. Continue onto 270. Make a left turn at the access road between mile markers 2 and 3. There is a parking area at the north and south ends of the beach. However, park on the SOUTH end to access the hiking trail.
Lots of information posted on this trailhead sign, but most importantly, we are grateful that dogs are allowed! “Dogs Must Be Leashed”
Description: Starting at Spencer Beach Park, the trail is mostly shaded, and the sand is firm enough to walk in slippahs for those going for a short, casual walk. You will soon come to a narrow shell beach. During heavy nearby rainstorms, caution is advised at this beach since it is common to have flash floods exit at this narrow beach. Further south, you will come to Mau’umae Beach. This beach currently posts a sign, stating that no dogs are allowed. Keep walking past Mau’umae, and you will end up at Hapuna Beach!
About Ala Kahakai Trail: Interesting archaeological treasures, artifacts, fishponds and remains of ancient dwellings can be found all along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The trail more or less follows the coastline for 175 miles from ‘Upolu Point (northernmost point of the Big Island), along the entire west coast to Ka Lae (South Point), then northeast up to Waha’ula Heiau at Puna. The entire Ala Kahakai Trail is comprised of short segments of many Big Island trails, crossing through public as well as private land. Shoreline access points lead to sections of trail connecting some of the best Big Island Hawaii beaches, particularly along the west coast.
Is there any update on trail usage for leashed dogs?
Aloha Srimoyee, I contacted Aric Arakaki, Superintendent of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, today, and he said “While it’s on our list of projects related to signing the trail through South Kohala, we have yet to initiate continuing our discussions with County P&R on trail marking and interpretation signage through Spencer Park. We have much going on – all coupled with complying with the COVID-19 pandemic guidances. And as you know, there is a new county administration and we, NPS Park Superintendents on Hawaii Island, are planning to meet virtually with Mayor Roth.
The signage at Mau’umae hasn’t changed so I believe that the no dogs allowed verbiage is still there.” He said that when they have their talks with P&R and the Mayor, that he will promote (as appropriate) for allowing through hikers to bring their dog on leashes through county parks (i.e., Spencer Beach Park).
In 2019 I have met many dogs running loose on the trail South of Spencer Beach Park and I have also met dogs on the beach and in the water (off leash) at Maumai beach. Could you clarify the rules between Spencer beach and beach 69?
According to Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 130 on Rules For Hawaii Statewide Trail and Access Program, dogs and other animals are not permitted on a “program trail” (in this case, Ala Kahakai Trail) unless they are crated, caged, or leashed (no specifications on length of leash, but typically it’s 6 feet long). Mau’umae Beach is not a County beach and not listed under State parks (on their website), but has a sign that seems to lead me to believe it is managed by DLNR…possibly as part of the Ala Kahakai Trail? Or is the beach not actually part of the trail, therefore dogs can be off-leash in the water but must remain leashed while on the trail? This raises a good question. The biggest issue is that, to my knowledge, there is no still no way for a person with a dog to legally access the Ala Kahakai Trail since dogs are not allowed anywhere at Spencer Beach Park or Mauna Kea Beach Resort. It has been a while since I last spoke with the trail Superintendent, so I sent him an email to see if any changes have been made. I will let you know what I find out.