Ka'ahele i Molokai 2026
In a kukui nut shell...
Ka’ahele i Molokai is an annual 50 mile trek across Molokai visiting each ahupuaa to express mahalo for our abundance, celebrate accomplishments as a community, and to observe the evidence of this success through ho’okupu and mo’olelo. Together, we set individual and community goals for the new year and celebrate Makahiki season with everyone in as many ways as possible!
Ka’ahele Daily Schedule
Day 1: Monday 1/19 Hālawa - Waialua
Hālawa - Keopukaloa - Keopuka'u'uku - Moakea - Pōhakupili - Lūpehu
8:00a We will begin walking from Hālawa Valley Beach Park Distance: roughly 8 miles of extremely steep, narrow and dangerous terrain from Hālawa to Keopukaloa, shift in grade from there to Honoulimālo'o. 10:00a Arriving into Keopukaloa, we will rest at Pu’u o Hōkū Ranch, and hold a light ‘aha ‘awa and kūkā before proceeding on to our final destination for the day, Waialua Congregational Church Pavilion in Waialua. 4:00p A second ‘aha ‘awa and kūkā will be held, and all are welcome to attend. Please bring your own 'apu 'awa if you have one, and a potluck or snack if you would like to stay for dinner afterwards.
Day 2: Tuesday 1/20 Waialua - Mapulehu
Waialua - Puniuohua - Puelelu - Kainalu - Kawaikapu - Kamanaoni - Honomuni - Kailiula - Ahaino - Kupeke - Pukoo - Mapulehu
8:00a - Begin at Waialua Pavilion at 10417 Kamehameha V Hwy Distance: roughly 6 miles mostly flat, narrow road shoulders, blind spots 4:00p - 'Aha 'Awa and Kūkā at Pescaia Residence at 8160 Kamehameha V Hwy All are welcome to attend, bring you own 'apu 'awa if you have one, and a potluck or snack to share if you would like, and stay for dinner afterwards.
Day 3: Wednesday 1/21 Mapulehu - Kamalō
Mapulehu - Kalua'aha - 'Ualapue - Kahanui - Manawai - 'Ōhia - Keawanui - Ka'amola - Pua'ahala - Wāwā'ia - Kumu'eli - Kapualei - Kamalō
9:00a - Begin walking from Mapulehu at 8160 Kamehameha V Hwy *look for the flags near the 15 mile marker Distance: roughly 5 miles mostly flat, narrow road shoulders, blind spots The Ka'ahele will rest Lono at Kamalō Wharf at Aunty Maile's Hale. Often there are big puddles of water from rain or high tides. Proceed with caution and plan your parking and footwear accordingly. We will NOT hold a formal ‘aha ‘awa and 'aha kūkā at this location, but weather permitting, all are invited for informal talk story.
Day 4: Thursday 1/22 Kamalō - Makakūpā'ia
Kamalō - Keonekū'ino - Kapuaoko'olau - Mākolelau - Kawela - Makakūpā'ia
8:00a Begin walking from Kamalō Wharf Distance: roughly 6.5 miles, mostly flat, wide but potentially muddy shoulders, no shade. 4:00p 'Aha 'Awa and 'Aha Kūkā will be hosted at One Ali'i Park at 2001 Kamehameha V Hwy. All are welcome to attend, bring your own 'apu and a potluck or snack if you would like to stay for dinner afterwards. Don't forget, 'Ano Koa Ki'eki'e Open Division competitions are happening in town starting at 5p, can go check that out too!
Day 5: Friday 1/23 Makakupaia - Kaunakakai
Makakupaia - Kamiloloa - Kapaakea - Kaunakakai
8:00a. 'Aha 'awa and kūkā at Ka Honua Momona located at 1820 Kamehameha V Hwy. 9:30a We will begin walking to Kaunakakai Ball Field. Distance: 3.5 miles flat and hot road with wide shoulders but plenty of traffic. 11:30 - arrive at Kaunakakai Ball Field There will not be another 'aha 'awa or kūkā following this leg of the walk as we will be focused on preparing for the island wide ceremonies and competitions that will begin at 4:00p. After the ceremonies, the mo'olono will take Lonomakua safely to his next rest stop at Kalama'ula while the Kā Molokai Makahiki event continues.
Day 6: Saturday 1/24 Kalama'ula - Pālā'au
Kalama'ula - Nā'iwa - Kahanui - Nā'iwa - Pālā'au - Ho'olehua - Pālā'au
8:00a We will begin walking from Kealopiko, which is across the street townside of Bayer in Kalama'ula. Route and Distance: From there we will walk up Kamehameha V Hwy, then turn right on Kāla'e Hwy at Holomua Junction. We will then take the left on to Farrington Ave and stop at the Molokai Land Trust in Kualapuu where at 9:30a We will have a 'Aha 'Awa for Kualapu'u, Kala'e and Ho'olehua communities all together, then split off for Kūkā if there is a large group. Whenever finished, we will continue down Farrington weather permitting to Pu'u Pe'elua, then down Mo'omomi and around the airport way to Mahana where Lono will rest for the night. There will not be an 'Aha 'Awa following this leg, as we will be preparing to join up with the rest of Molokai at the Kā Molokai Makahiki ho'olaule'a in town, from 5p-9p, please stop by our tent and kūkā with us there!
Day 7: Sunday 1/25 Pālā'au - Kaluako'i
Pālā'au - Kaluako'i
Pālā'au - Kaluako'i
8:00a. We will begin walking from 'Āina Pulapula, also known as Uncle Bobby Alcain's Farm, located at 4025 Mauna Loa Hwy **look for the flags Distance and Condition: The walk escalates quickly up the winding road to Maunaloa town, wide shoulders but arduous and without shade. Plan A for the route has us walking up through the lower portion of Maunaloa Town and then down an unpaved road to Kapukahehu. ^^Weather permitting. Plan B has us turning down Kaluako'i Rd. to Kaiaka and holding a final ‘aha ‘awa and panina or closing for the Ka'ahele.