Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast
Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast is a State Scenic Byway in Hawaii. Within Hawaii it covers roughly 7 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast follows Alii Drive for about 7 miles along Hawaii's Big Island, from historic Kailua Village south to Keauhou. The road traces the ancient ala loa trail once used by Hawaiian royalty, passing four of Kona's seven traditional royal centers along a coastline chosen for its abundant fishing and fresh water. Stops include Huliheʻe Palace, an 1838 vacation residence for Hawaiian royalty that's now a museum of period artifacts and royal furnishings, and Mokuʻaikaua Church, built in 1837 and the oldest Christian church in the islands. Near Keauhou, remnants of the Kaneaka Holua slide recall a dangerous royal sport in which athletes launched themselves down a stone-and-grass chute on narrow sleds. Designated Hawaii's second state scenic byway, the drive threads oceanfront resorts, tide pools, and surf breaks alongside its historic sites, making it as much a living beach community as a heritage trail.
- Alii Drive
- Huliheʻe Palace
- Mokuʻaikaua Church
- Kailua Village
- Keauhou
- ~7 miles
- royal centers
Plan a drive on Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast →
What is a State Scenic Byway?
State Scenic Byways are roads a state has formally recognized for their scenic, natural, historic or cultural value — each state's own curated collection of drives worth taking slowly.
Where to Stay along Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast
No campgrounds are listed close to Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast yet, but there are rooms near the route.
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