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.
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
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🥾 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking a more accessible coastal experience with stunning views, exploring the nearby beaches like Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach) might be a better fit. These areas often have more developed facilities and safer swimming conditions, while still offering the quintessential Maui coastal beauty.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Consider combining your hike with exploring the unique Oneuli (Black Sand) Beach or observing the powerful waves at Big Beach. The combination of hiking, unique beach environments, and breathtaking vistas makes this a memorable adventure for experienced hikers.
📸 Photographers
+1 Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast scenery. The contrast of the black sand beach against the turquoise water is also a compelling subject. Be prepared for the hike itself, as the best light often means an early morning or late evening trek. The unmaintained trails add a rugged element to your adventure photography. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the stunning moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Be aware that thorny plants are prevalent in the area, and their long thorns can easily penetrate the soles of inadequate footwear.
The Geological Significance
Standing atop Pu'u Olai provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the volcanic origins of Maui. You can observe the dramatic coastline, the vast Pacific Ocean, and the island's diverse topography, from the lush slopes of Haleakala to the arid lava fields. The cone's proximity to the ocean also means you can see the interplay between volcanic landforms and marine erosion, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
Coastal Wonders: Beaches and Views
Further south is Oneloa, famously known as 'Big Beach,' a long, wide stretch of sand with powerful shore break, earning it the nickname 'Breakneck Beach' due to the risk of spinal injuries. While Big Beach is beautiful to behold, swimming there requires extreme caution. The hike up Pu'u Olai offers unparalleled views of these beaches and the surrounding coastline. From the summit, you can see the crystal-clear waters of Makena beach below and the distant island of Molokini.
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