Pu‘u Olai Cinder Cone Maui
Hike an ancient cinder cone for breathtaking 360° views of Maui's coast, beaches, and neighboring islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & soft light
Pu‘u Olai Cinder Cone Maui
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike an ancient cinder cone for breathtaking 360° views of Maui's coast, beaches, and neighboring islands.
"Great views after a nice hike up. You can see excellent views of West Maui, Haleakala, Molokini, and all of Kihei."
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Are A Must!
Loose rocks and thorny plants mean no sandals. Hiking boots are highly recommended for safety and comfort.
💧 Hydrate & Protect
Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. The sun can be intense with little shade on the cone.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Island Views
Summit of Pu'u Olai Cinder Cone
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of West Maui, Haleakala, Molokini, Kihei, and the southern lava flows.
Crater Exploration
Top of the Cinder Cone
Walk the rim of the ancient volcanic crater, experiencing the unique geological formation up close.
Coastal Scenery
Trails leading to beaches
Views of the stunning coastline, including Oneuli (Black Sand) Beach and the famous Big Beach (Oneloa).
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Are A Must!
Loose rocks and thorny plants mean no sandals. Hiking boots are highly recommended for safety and comfort.
💧 Hydrate & Protect
Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. The sun can be intense with little shade on the cone.
🅿️ Parking Options
Pay $10 for parking at Oneuli Beach or park on the road for free and walk in.
🚶♀️ Explore Side Trails
Many smaller paths branch off; take time to explore if you have the energy and time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Are A Must!
Loose rocks and thorny plants mean no sandals. Hiking boots are highly recommended for safety and comfort.
💧 Hydrate & Protect
Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. The sun can be intense with little shade on the cone.
🅿️ Parking Options
Pay $10 for parking at Oneuli Beach or park on the road for free and walk in.
🚶♀️ Explore Side Trails
Many smaller paths branch off; take time to explore if you have the energy and time.
⚠️ Respect Closures
Trails are unmaintained and officially closed. Hike with caution and be aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible panoramic views from the summit of Pu'u Olai Cinder Cone, calling the hike rewarding despite its unmaintained and steep nature. The unique coastal scenery, including black sand beaches, is a major draw. However, the loose, thorny trails require sturdy footwear and caution, and some find the parking fees a bit steep.
"Great views after a nice hike up. You can see excellent views of West Maui, Haleakala, Molokini, and all of Kihei as well as South to the old lava flows. Be careful when walking many of the trees in that area have long thorns that will go through the bottom of your shoe. Parking: as of August 2021 if you drive into the parking lot it cost $10 for the car and $5 for each person we parked out on the road and just walked in."
Lars-of-D
"Pu'uolai Cinder Cone is a beautiful hike. It took about 30 minutes to climb up, walk all the way around the crater, and walk down. There are also many trails that branch out to explore, but I did not have enough time to do many of them. I believe one goes down to the rocky beach in front. The climb is steep and loose and very narrow and off-camber in many spots and if you're uncomfortable with it in the first minute, then you probably shouldn't do the rest. It does get hot up on the cone, since there's not much shade, so definitely do it in the early morning or evening. To access, go down the gravel access road to Oneuli beach. Soon after the beach comes into view, there is a metal post on the left side of the road that you can see in one picture. Here is where you turn. You can park on the side of the main road outside the gravel road, or drive down the gravel road and pay $10 for parking. I highly recommend this hike in the right time of day for those confident in their experience."
Eli Denning
"A fairly easy 30 minute hike with amazing views. The trail is steep with loose rocks, so NO SADALS! Seriously, sturdy shoes only for this one. Lots of plants and birds to observe during the hike."
mark cacovic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is typically from the gravel road near Oneuli Beach. You can park on the main road for free or pay $10 to drive down the gravel road. Some suggest the Oneuli Beach side is safer for access.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching this specific natural attraction. Renting a car is the most convenient way to access the area.
While officially closed, many visitors find paths by following signs of previous hikers. Look for a metal post on the left side of the gravel road near Oneuli Beach. +1
You can drive down a gravel access road towards Oneuli Beach, where there is a paid parking lot. However, the trail itself is not accessible by car.
Yes, Pu'u Olai Cinder Cone is located within Makena State Park on the south side of Maui.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific ticket required for the hike itself. However, parking within Makena State Park may incur a fee, around $10 as of recent reports.
As an unmaintained natural area, there are no official operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
While the park itself is generally free to enter, parking within the designated areas, especially near Oneuli Beach, can cost around $10.
It is not recommended to hike at night due to the unmaintained trails, loose rocks, and lack of lighting, which can be dangerous.
The trails are officially closed due to being unmaintained. Visitors often hike them despite the closures, but should proceed with caution.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderately difficult due to steep, loose terrain and some narrow, off-camber sections. It's not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights or unstable ground.
The hike to the top, around the crater, and back down can take approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how much you explore.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to loose rocks and thorny plants. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes. +1
Restrooms and other facilities are generally not available directly at the Cinder Cone. You may find some basic facilities at nearby beaches like Makena.
You might observe various plants and birds during your hike. The area is a natural habitat, so be respectful of the local flora and fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views for landscape photography. The trails leading down also provide scenic shots of the coastline and beaches. 
Early morning and late afternoon/evening offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
Drone usage regulations can vary and are often restricted in state parks. It's advisable to check current Maui County and Hawaii state park rules before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a camera with good low-light performance for sunrise/sunset shots.
The very top of the cone provides unobstructed views in all directions. The trails that lead towards the beaches also offer unique perspectives.
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