Discover Hawaii Island AS A HIKT-Hiker

  HIKTHike Hiking Series is not just a hike; it's an experience that will test your limits and reward you with unparalleled views and a deep connection to Hawaii's natural beauty. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the rugged terrain and historical trails. Gear up, stay hydrated, and embark on a journey that promises to be both exhilarating and fulfilling.        

 The Hawaii Island King's Trail (HIKT), The Way of Kamehameha, is a project documenting a 300-mile coastal route linking the original statue of King Kamehameha located near his birthplace in the northernmost town on Hawaii Island, Kapa'au, to the second statue of King Kamehameha in Hilo, the island’s seat of government.; "Ala Loa", the long way, the Kings Trail. The idea began in 2023, was refined in 2024 , launched the website in 2025, and a HIKTHiker's guide for 2026 . You can tackle this adventure on your own, or register and hike it with the HIKTHiker Group. Hikers of the HIKT are affectionately referred to as a "HIKTHiker". Registration for the HIKT 2026 Series is open to join as an individual hiker, or be part of the HIKTHiker 2026 Group. We are calling for all advanced hikers to come join us on a wonderful adventure. See the tab above to register for the HIKTHiker 2026 Group or as an individual.

The HIKT route consists of 18 hike segments - (16) one-day hike segments and (2), two-day overnight hike segments - that utilize National Park, State, and County land, and Private Property with Hawaii County Access Easements. This 20-day journey was developed and led by Dr. Chad R. Walker to honor King Kamehameha I and bring awareness to the great history and raw beauty of Hawaii Island. HIKT travels through 7 of the 9 Hawaii Island County Districts, 4 National Parks, 10 State Parks and 28 Hawaii Island County Parks. The HIKT covers the full 175 miles of the Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail Corridor and covers an additional 125 miles of coastal trails and roads. Of the 300+ mile route, approximately 250 miles are on a coastal trail with only 50 miles on a paved road.

This is a logistically unsupported trail series requiring a hiker to plan logistical support to get to and from the start and finish locations of each segment as well as food and water. Each of the 18 segments are advanced hikes averaging 8-hours, traversing rough terrain with an average distance of 15 miles. This hiking series has inherent risk that could cause series injury to include death.  This privately funded project of volunteer hikers is under the awareness of the State of Hawaii Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program as well as the County of Hawaii, utilizing County, State, and National Park access to the route as well as County Access Easements through Private Land.  

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the HIKTHike series, a challenging 300 mile, 18 segments, 20 days through Hawaii's breathtaking costal landscapes of Hawaii Island. Experience the thrill of traversing lava fields, ancient trails, and stunning coastal views. Prepare yourself for an adventure that promises both beauty and history. In the process, discover the beauty of your fellow HIKT Hikers where friendships will be created for life.  

To complete this journey, use the HIKT Hiker Guide to the Big Island, Hawai'i as your personal guide to get you through the HIKT Hike circuit. See HIKT Hiker Guide tab above for more information on purchasing the guide.

 If you are interested in experiencing this unforgettable opportunity, consider joining us as a group member for the Group HIKTHike 2026 series that starts February 7, 2026. Dates for group hikes are listed on the calendar tab. You can join the group at any time as there are not mandatory hikes. Everything is voluntary. You can also choose to do it on your own outside of the group (See the support tab at the top of this page). Once you have completed all 18 segments, you are a "COMPLETE HIKT" and are honored on this website.  To hike the HIKT with the Group or as an Individual though, you need a guide, HIKT Hiker Guide to the Big Island, Hawai'i. Respect the Trail and the history it holds as this is an honor to walk on these hallowed grounds!

Click on the registration tab above to register for this unforgettable adventure as a HIKTHiker for the HIKTHike 2026 series.