On the hot, barren lava fields of Hawaii take a step or steps into the past. Walk with the ancient Hawaiians on the Ala Kahakai or the King’s Trail. My journey on the King’s Trail began many years back in Ka’u. My first step onto the smooth stones brought my mind to a place where everyone worked together to accomplish so much. Hawaiians brought smooth stones from across the island to lay down along the coast for the king to travel anywhere on island. This made it considerable easier for the Ali’i chiefs, King Kamehameha, or commoners to walk on the lava. With the ocean pounding on my left side and the rolling hills below massive Mauna Loa on my right, I felt what it was like to be part of history. Today the Ala Kahakai is being restored and is about 175 miles long. Currently, the trail starts in North Kohala and ends in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Much of the trail either fell into the ocean or is now on private land, making it impossible to fully restore. Privileged, I’ve walked on some of the most remote sections of the trail and every time I go I ask for permission, say a blessing, and offer my respect for the ancestors of the land and to the land itself; a good habit to practice while exploring the remote places of Hawaii. Living in Hawaii and especially on the Big Island, we are blessed each day with history, culture, and beauty. While visiting the island, take a stroll, walk, or hike along this ancient trail. You will not be disappointed by taking these steps into history. Please remember to be respectful of the land.