Kapalua Coastal Trail
A scenic 2.5-mile coastal path in West Maui, offering dramatic ocean views, lava fields, and beach access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Kapalua Coastal Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 2.5-mile coastal path in West Maui, offering dramatic ocean views, lava fields, and beach access.
"The best part...the views!! What a great hike!"
💧 Bring Ample Water
Even early morning hikes can get hot. 30 oz wasn't enough for one hiker !
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Terrain varies from paved paths to rocky lava fields. Hiking shoes are recommended .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves. A photographer's dream!
Namalu Bay & Tide Pools
Discover serene Namalu Bay and explore fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life.
Kapalua Bay Beach Access
Convenient access to the beautiful Kapalua Bay Beach, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for protected wildlife, including the Hawaiian state bird and its chicks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Early to Beat the Heat
Trail Navigation & Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Ample Water
Even early morning hikes can get hot. 30 oz wasn't enough for one hiker!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Terrain varies from paved paths to rocky lava fields. Hiking shoes are recommended.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The trail can be a bit confusing in places; pay attention to signage.
☀️ Seek Shade
There's very little shade, so start early or go later to avoid peak sun.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Ample Water
Even early morning hikes can get hot. 30 oz wasn't enough for one hiker!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Terrain varies from paved paths to rocky lava fields. Hiking shoes are recommended.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The trail can be a bit confusing in places; pay attention to signage.
☀️ Seek Shade
There's very little shade, so start early or go later to avoid peak sun.
📸 Capture the Views
Incredible photo opportunities abound, especially during sunrise and sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Kapalua Coastal Trail's stunning ocean views and accessible nature, calling it a 'great hike' with 'beautiful views.' While some find the trail a bit confusing in spots and note the lack of shade, most agree it's a highly rewarding experience. The varied terrain and proximity to beaches add to its appeal.
"Great hike! Trail is a bit confusing in a couple places. Bring lots of water and start early. We had zero cloud cover and 30 oz each was not enough at 8:30am so we didn’t go all the way. Beautiful views!"
Kim C
"The best part...the views!! What a great hike! We took in the salty ocean air and enjoyed the trail! I'm not in shape and just started working out a couple weeks before this trip and I'd say, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Still took my breath away but I'd just stop and take a quick break."
Miriam Hinojosa
"Very walkable trail. Much of the trail is on a paved path and the parts that aren’t are still pretty flat. It passes a few beaches so it’s nice to be able to take a break while looking at the scenery. The signs say it’s a 1.76-mile out-and-back type hike."
Casey Lauer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is located in West Maui, accessible from various points within the Kapalua Resort area. Free parking is available at multiple spots, including near Kapalua Bay and DT Fleming Beach.
Yes, free parking is available at several locations along the trail, such as Kapalua Bay and DT Fleming Beach.
Absolutely! Kapalua Bay is a popular starting point for the Kapalua Coastal Trail, offering beautiful views right from the beginning.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is located north of Lahaina in West Maui. It's a scenic drive from Lahaina to reach the trailhead.
You can drive and park at designated lots near Kapalua Bay or DT Fleming Beach. Some visitors also access parts of the trail from resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is a public access trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to explore!
The trail is open year-round and accessible at any time. However, it's highly recommended to hike during daylight hours for safety and the best experience.
There is no entrance fee for the Kapalua Coastal Trail. It's a public pathway for everyone to enjoy.
While technically accessible, hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail at night is not recommended due to uneven terrain, potential hazards, and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for safety.
No permits are required for hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail. It's a public trail managed for recreational use.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is approximately 2.5 miles out-and-back, making it a manageable hike for most.
It's generally considered an easy to moderate hike. While much of it is flat and walkable, there are some rocky and uneven sections, and a few steep parts.
The terrain is varied, including paved paths, lava rock, sand, dirt, and gravel.
Restroom facilities are available at Kapalua Bay Beach and DT Fleming Beach, which are accessible from the trail.
Yes, the trail is generally suitable for children, especially the paved sections. However, keep a close eye on them near the rocky areas and cliffs.
Yes, the trail passes by several beautiful beaches like Kapalua Bay and Oneloa Bay, where you can swim and snorkel.
Expect stunning panoramic ocean views, dramatic lava rock formations, beautiful beaches, and lush tropical scenery.
Some sections, particularly the paved parts near Kapalua Bay, may be accessible. However, the rocky and uneven terrain in other areas makes it challenging for wheelchairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers a photo opportunity! Focus on the dramatic coastline, wave action against lava rocks, and the expansive ocean views.
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for the golden hour and stunning sunsets.
The cliffside views, the unique lava rock formations, and the various bays along the trail are all excellent subjects. Keep an eye out for the historic cliff house ruins.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near beaches and resorts. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1 The trail's moderate difficulty means you can focus on enjoying the views and each other's company without extreme exertion. Consider an early morning hike for a peaceful start to the day or a late afternoon trek to catch a spectacular sunset.👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
The varied terrain provides a good challenge, and the consistent ocean breeze can be invigorating. For a longer workout, you can combine the hike with swimming or snorkeling at the beaches along the route, or explore other nearby trails in the Kapalua area.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Kapalua Coastal Trail
+1 It's an ideal route for those seeking scenic beauty without an overly strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of only about 249 feet.Travelers often highlight the trail's varied terrain, which includes paved sections, lava rock, sand, and dirt paths.
This diversity makes the hike engaging, but also necessitates appropriate footwear. While much of the trail is walkable, The trail is also known for its potential for whale sightings during migration season, adding another layer of excitement for visitors.Beyond the visual appeal, the Kapalua Coastal Trail holds historical significance as an old Hawaiian pathway.
Along the route, you can discover tide pools, observe protected wildlife like native birds, The trail is open year-round, making it a consistent attraction for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Maui's natural splendor.Best Times and What to Expect
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. One reviewer mentioned that even if you're not in peak shape, you can still enjoy the hike by taking short breaks when needed.
While the trail is well-trafficked, some visitors note that it can be a bit confusing in a couple of places, so keeping an eye on signage is advisable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit