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    Kapalua Coastal Trail

    4.8 (141 reviews)

    Kapalua Coastal Trail Hiking Photos

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    Magnificent view, well maintained paths
    Long D.

    Easy hike, magnificent views , some well maintained paths, going thru expensive resorts, spectacular snorkeling beaches, jagged rocky shores.... Love to hike every morning. Free Parking is hard to find, even $30 pay parking is limited.

    T. W.

    Easy hike but so beautiful. I absolutely love it here. Wish I could wake up every morning and do this hike.

    Hawaiian Monk Seal lounging on the beach.
    Steph C.

    Loved all of it. Did a short part of it from Napili to Kapalua with stops at tide pools and to observe a rare Hawaiian Monk Seal lounging on the beach. The trail is a mixture of beach, ragged rocks and paved trails in front of resorts. Easy to navigate with gorgeous views of the ocean along the way. I recommend shoes for the rocky areas and to visit tide pools.

    Bird sanctuary along the coast
    Cynthia B.

    Awesome hike with family. Beautiful, not crowded and not hard. Take everyone! Lots to Look at and enjoy.

    If you find a sea bird not in its local habitat, please call!
    Debbie J.

    The Kapalua Coastal Trail is also a bird sanctuary for the U'a ukani Native seabirds. They build burrows, digging down to 3 feet. Please stay on the designated trails, defined by rocks or roped areas. The area is very fragile. Stepping on or near a burrow can collapse it, suffocating the birds resulting in death. No pets are allowed in this area because they are a threat to the birds - even service dogs are not allowed at Hawea Point. Drones also disrupt reproduction so no drones are allowed in the area.

    Joe L.

    This was a very beautiful and easy hike. Parking is kinda of a pain, but once you figure that out, it's a short and breathtaking walk to some awesome views of the coast.

    Larger tidepool area, hard to access for kids
    Jay P.

    Review for the Tidepool area, we were deciding between these and Olivine pools and ultimately came to Kapalua tidepools because it was closer to our rental and we already had a crazy day. The coastal trail is super interesting and you'll feel like you are on another planet, one covered in crazy sharp rocks and boulders balanced and shaped in odd ways. Tafoni cellular latticed rocks are littered everywhere like graffiti, it made me laugh at all the times we made special trips or hikes to check out similar rock formations in the Bay Area. Tidepools themselves are not easily accessible for small children. You have to make your way down some boulders and instead of smaller tidepools you can walk to it was like 1 giant pond. We still enjoyed the hike itself and made our way pretty far down the peninsula looking at the ocean and rocks.

    The throne
    Bruski N.

    This Kapalua Coastal Trail is always magical and relaxing. No matter the time or weather, it keeps showing its unique beauty. Every time that we are in Maui (and we are here a lot), we always make a point to visit this beautiful natural wonder. I just felt so relaxed and just let the sea breeze guide me to whatever interested me at that moment. Just be careful and watch your steps. There are lots of razor-sharp rocks hidden in this easy and amazing trail.

    Walking the trail
    mark t.

    Beautiful and amazing. The water was crystal clear and warm. Snorkeling was incredible. Got to see beautiful sea turtles and the most colorful fish

    Paul N.

    Such a wonderful and scenic coastal trail in West Maui to walk and hike on! Nice and breezy along with relaxing! You'll pass a few beaches and several resorts, including Montage Kapalua Bay, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, and Kapalua Villas. It can get rocky and uneven at the mid-way point and loop looking out to the ocean. It is 1.76 miles one way, and best point to start is at the Kapalua Bay parking lot (or nearby street parking) or D.T. Fleming Beach parking lot!

    Maruko X.

    The costal trail is very breathtaking and it has few routes, short one way or longer round trip, paved parts connecting resorts and unpacked muddy road down to the ocean front. The chill ocean breeze is a bless for the hot and humid days.

    Alexander Y.

    We were looking for a hike that had some nice views, so after discovering Kapaula Coastal Trail we knew that we had to walk it. To be fair, it's more of a stroll than a hike. If you're looking for something that's even moderately difficult, go somewhere else. But if you want something that's easy to walk with nice views of the ocean, this trail is for you! The trail is about 3 miles long if you took the route we took, which was to walk all the way to the Ritz-Carlton. Amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and a lot of great photo opportunities were had. It was the perfect combination of scenery and difficulty for us. If you really wanted to, you could walk this trail to a pretty secluded Mokuleia Beach on the north side of the trail. Beats all the people we saw at Kapalua Bay Beach. Parking is easy, just looked up Sea House and Kapalua Coastal Trail Free Public Parking on Google as this is where the trail starts. It is a small parking lot though, so it will fill up. I saw people park on the street too, so there's that.

    Shannon B.

    Great trail! You get a lot of variety from the manicured resort lawns and sand of Kapalua Beach, to extremely rocky and rough coastline, to tall grasses, wooden boardwalks, etc. I recommend looking up the route in the All Trails app because it shows some trail spurs that aren't as obvious when you're just following the trail. We went on a cloudy morning that seemed to threaten rain so the trail was relatively empty. The trail goes from pavement to rock to dirt (mud, in our case) to a boardwalk and back again. So many cool things to see! Easy trail. You can be as adventurous (taking detours and exploring rocky edges) or as simple as you like.

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    1 year ago

    It's an easy hike. Not much elevation and its beautiful views. I highly recommend it. I definitely would do it again.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Beautiful well maintained trail along the ocean . Lots of plants and birds. Not too crowded

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    2 years ago

    Pretty coastal trail. Most of it was pretty easy but not all. Best to enter in Kapupalo resort not in Napoli.

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    Waihee Ridge Trail

    Waihee Ridge Trail

    4.6(216 reviews)
    9.2 mi

    Hands-down, the best hike I have ever went on in my life and I have been on plenty of hikes…read more There's a waterfall somewhere along the way and there are beautiful views of the ocean and beaches all around. Gorgeous is an understatement, but please make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You will need it. Enjoy!

    Beautiful views!! It is a hard climb, but doable if you're in good shape…read more Driving there - Highly recommend driving from the west side. Driving from the east side, there were one-way narrow roads over cliffs. Leaving from the west side was easy-peasy. Parking - Keep an eye out for a red sign that says 'Camp Maluhia'. First lot is overflow, keep driving past gates to main lot where trailhead is located. Hike from overflow parking lot to trailhead is about 1.2 miles each way. Hike incline - First 1/4 mile of asphalt was the steepest. Next mile was incline but not too bad. Last mile was steeper incline. Hike views - If you go on a cloudier sunny day like we did, there were AMAZING views up until the last 0.5 miles. The overlook at the very end was above clouds so we couldn't see anything. Shoes - I don't recommend wearing sandals or flip flops, because it is pretty rocky and steep. No large rock climbing. I got by wearing casual tennis shoes, but running/hiking shoes are best. There were no stream crossings, so no need to worry about feet getting wet.

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    Waihee Ridge Trail - On our way to the top of the Waihee Ridge Trail

    On our way to the top of the Waihee Ridge Trail

    Waihee Ridge Trail
    Waihee Ridge Trail

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    Mahana Ridge Trail - Peak of the trail

    Mahana Ridge Trail

    4.4(7 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    We tackled the Mahana Ridge Trail on a warm, humid morning, starting just above D.T. Fleming Beach…read more At first, the trail seemed approachable--lush trees, a slight incline, sounds of birds--but that calm quickly gave way to a true backcountry challenge. As we climbed, the path became narrower, steeper, and in some sections, so overgrown we were basically bushwhacking. Mud clung to our sneakers, spiderwebs greeted our faces, and parts of the trail felt like they hadn't seen a hiker in weeks. It was tough, but also strangely meditative. There's a real sense of solitude out there--just you, the forest, and whatever's rustling in the leaves nearby. The terrain shifted constantly. We moved through wild guava trees, thick ferns, and eventually into a grove of towering Cook pines. Reaching the Maunalei Arboretum felt like arriving in a different world. Some of the trees had roots taller than we were, and there were entire stretches of ground that felt like walking on a trampoline--just a thin mesh of tight, spongy roots stretched across the forest floor. It was one of the most unique environments we've ever hiked through. Now, full honesty: after hours on the trail, we were wiped--and the thought of retracing our steps all the way back down didn't exactly spark joy. So, we took a little shortcut: a road that winds down through a private neighborhood. It saved time, saved our legs, and got us to the beach that much faster. No regrets. If you're planning to hike Mahana Ridge, start early--you'll want to beat the heat and make the most of daylight. Sneakers worked fine for us, even with the muddy sections, though expect them to get dirty. Long sleeves and pants are smart for protecting against the overgrowth, and downloading a trail map ahead of time is a must, since you'll lose signal and some junctions aren't clearly marked. Be ready for a workout--this isn't a casual stroll, but a full-on forest adventure. Mahana Ridge was challenging, sweaty, and at times borderline ridiculous--but also unforgettable. It's not the kind of hike where the payoff is one big view at the end. It's the kind where the journey is the reward: the silence, the wild terrain, the spongy roots, and the occasional thrill of wondering, "Are we still on the trail?" And finding out... no you are not.

    Finally had the chance to do Mahana Ridge Trail over on West Maui earlier in July 2024 and it is…read moredefinitely a nice scenic hike, though not too difficult at the same time. Much of it is in the shade, which does help but still best to try to start early in the day, as it can get really hot later on. There were other hikers on the trail, so it did not feel too lonely. The trailhead is at D.T. Fleming Beach, and you will want to park in the designated parking lot but will have to pay for an all-day pass through scanning a QR code or going to the stated website on the signs. There are points where you can see Kapalua and the golf courses as well as other parts of the West Maui Mountains. The stretch with the guava trees can be a bit treacherous at times because of the muddy conditions and all the berries that have fallen on the ground. Some of the signage is hard to read or follow at times. I got up to the loop point where you can clearly see Napili, Kapalua as well as the West Maui Mountains, Lana'i, and Moloka'i in the distance. Then turned around at that point, and the hike took about 4-1/2 hours roundtrip.

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    Mahana Ridge Trail
    Mahana Ridge Trail
    Mahana Ridge Trail

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    Olivine Pools - Pool

    Olivine Pools

    4.3(102 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    We came here to potentially get in the pools, but after reading some of the warnings online and…read moreseeing the pools, which were magnificent, we opted out. We also had our kids with us so that was a game changer. Parking was easy at the trailhead and there weren't a lot of people here. There is a sign at the beginning honoring a man who died here and asking people not to go in the pools. It is about a 5 minute walk to the cliff where you can first see the pools. If you choose to walk down, it is probably another 10 minutes and the terrain isn't too terrible. The pools are indeed right on the ocean, with water from the ocean splashing into them and then pulling back out. It did not too violent when we were there and there were about 10 people swimming and diving into them, so they must be pretty deep. We stood and watched and took in the view for about 15 minutes and then went on our way.

    This is a really cool stop off the side of the road in West Maui…read more It's a short walk off of the side of the road. It's a little steep and definitely rocky. There are signs warning you not to go any further way earlier than it actually gets unsafe. People swim in the pools which is said to be dangerous due to changing tides and waves. The pools are very pretty even if you don't swim (which we didn't). It's fun to watch the waves splash in as well. It can be a quick stop and is worth doing if you're in the area.

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    Olivine Pools - Olivine Pool Reflections

    Olivine Pool Reflections

    Olivine Pools - Other pools...

    Other pools...

    Olivine Pools - Olivine pools - a wave we need not see coming

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    Olivine pools - a wave we need not see coming

    Iao Valley State Monument - Gorgeous even from the parking lot

    Iao Valley State Monument

    4.4(466 reviews)
    11.3 mi

    On Monday took my wife to Iao Valley state Monument park. Luckily I did on an over cast day because…read morewe seen beautiful water falls . The river down below was very strong and rough I've been here while it was a sunny day and you can actually go down to the river bed . What a sacred place you just feel the power of ancient Hawaiian soldiers fighting in this Valley . When I was a kid that mountain peak called a Iao needle used to have a little hole on top of that peak . Just like a needle point where you thread it through the needle hole. Very relaxing Valley away from all the stress in life which I really need . Support local

    Iao Valley sits in Central-West Maui and covers a large area as a state park. We drove here from…read moreHonokōwai Beach Park on the west side. The GPS routed us down and then back north. Although it looks like a detour, it makes sense. The northern road is extremely narrow (at points only one car can pass), winding, and very slow. If you can avoid that route, definitely do. **Reservations Required You need to book online in advance. **Admission: $5 per person + $10 parking. For 2 people we paid $21.53 total. **Earliest entry is 7am. Parking is limited, so reserve an early slot if possible. They ask you to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled entry. **No cellphone reception once you head up the mountain. Cell service and even car radio cut out completely. Best to download maps or take screenshots beforehand. **Bring a power bank; we eventually just switched cellphones to airplane mode to save battery. In early December, mornings are a little cool, but once the sun comes up it gets really hot. Bring sunscreen, a light jacket, water, and hiking shoes. The trail is short (about 0.6 miles), but the ground is muddy and rocky, with some narrow paths brushing up against plants. If you don't like contact with tall grass, long sleeves help. It feels a bit like walking through a botanical garden. The highlight is Kuka'emoku (the "Iao Needle"), a 1,200-foot natural rock formation rising from the valley floor. We took our time, stopping often for photos and to enjoy the scenery, so the whole walk ended up taking us around 3 hours. Iao Valley State Monument 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793

    Photos
    Iao Valley State Monument - 3-4 minute hike

    3-4 minute hike

    Iao Valley State Monument
    Iao Valley State Monument - Chinese philosophy

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    Chinese philosophy

    Black Rock Beach - Very sandy beach

    Black Rock Beach

    4.3(368 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    One of the highlights of my trip to Maui was coming to Black Rock Beach in Lahaina. Originally we…read morewere supposed to stay in Lahaina, but because of the rebuilding of the area, we stayed a little further south. I wish I did stay in the area because the whole area is a vibe. It's a little more touristy with resorts and shopping areas, but once you get on the beach you forget all that. Some of our group was already here and gave us specific instructions on where to park. We parked in a paid parking garage and had to walk between hotels to find the entrance to the beach. This particular stretch is in front of the Sheraton Maui Resort. This beach was awesome! Don't get confused like I did and think this was a black sand beach. Black Rock refers to the giant black lava rock going from the beach into the ocean. It's a very popular cliff diving area. In my opinion, you got to have some athletic ability to do the cliff diving. There's two ways to get to the peak of the rock to jump. There's a path from the shore, but you have to do a little climbing with a very sketch path to the top. The other option is to swim in the ocean towards the end of the rock where you have a little ladder to get you up, but you still have to get to the top of the rock. My friends and I decided to do the swim out which in itself was a challenge. One I got close, I decided to be the photographer in the water for when my friends jumped. We hung out in the water for awhile before swimming back to shore. The beach is perfect for lounging around, with soft white sand and crystal clear water. I brought my snorkel and goggles to really appreciate what's under the sea. We stayed out here way longer than we planned because time flies when you are having fun. On my next trip to Maui, I would totally consider staying right on this beach. I will most definitely be back!

    Favorite beach in Maui. You can guarantee you will see 3+ turtles by the rocks on the right side…read moreevery time. And occasionally, a Hawaiian monk seal that comes up to bask in the sun during the day. Tourists here are the worst though! I have seen them crowding the turtles (10 ft distance is the law), standing on the swimming turtles to treat them like surf boards, and even approaching the monk seals or blocking their path back to the water (50+ ft is the law). Enjoy this beach responsibly and respect the beautiful wild life that frequent this beach.

    Photos
    Black Rock Beach
    Black Rock Beach
    Black Rock Beach

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    Napili Bay Beach - Calm beach

    Napili Bay Beach

    4.5(181 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    A beautiful no resort-y style beach. FYI: No lifeguards. We witnessed a medical emergency and no…read morelifeguard was hard. Limited parking - but it's still busy as there are a ton of condo's/motels on the beach. There are a few restaurants overlooking it, so easy to escape for a meal or a drink. When we were there for spring break, we were coming off a storm and it was quite rough. Some surfers catching some great barrels which was fun to watch. Other days it was calmer. A ton of snorkelers - I guess there is a few reefs full of fish. It's also adjacent to a sea turtle cove, so you can catch some sea turtles on their way. Overall, a great beach. I'd come again to the area.

    Napili Bay a relaxing beach in Maui. The water is usually calm and crystal clear, making it perfect…read morefor families and kids to swim and snorkel safely. We saw plenty of fish close to shore, and if you go early in the morning, there's a good chance you'll spot sea turtles cruising through the bay. The beach itself is clean with soft sand, and the cove shape keeps things feeling peaceful compared to some of the busier spots on the island. It's the kind of place where you can easily spend the entire day just unwinding. Parking can be a little tricky, so getting there early is worth it. A great tip is to pair your visit with breakfast or brunch at The Gazebo Restaurant right next door. It's super convenient and makes your morning really efficient--grab a meal, then walk straight onto the beach and enjoy the rest of your day. Whether you're swimming, snorkeling, or just laying out and taking in the view, Napili Bay has that classic Maui magic.

    Photos
    Napili Bay Beach - 8.20.2024

    8.20.2024

    Napili Bay Beach - No lifeguard on duty

    No lifeguard on duty

    Napili Bay Beach - Sunset

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    Sunset

    Kapalua Coastal Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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