Hoapili Trail

"Rough hike to deserted beach. Not for young kids."

The Hoapili Trail traverses the hot, dry, and barren southwest coast of Maui over a 200 year old lava flow, one of the last from Haleakala.  The trail is part of an old Hawaiian trail system that once encircled Maui and allowed the royalty to travel from village to village.  

Because of the unrelenting sun and the difficult terrain, we recommend that you NOT attempt this hike if you have small children.  Even older children may find it challenging.  This is best done as a parents only hike.  If you must bring your children, we recommend only hiking the first part of the trial that follows the coastline along the bay.  There is still plenty to see!  Stop when the trail turns inland towards the lava field and head back the way you came.  

If you do choose to hike the trail, hiking shoes are a must.  You will also need to bring lots of water and snacks.  There is no shade on the trail once you get into the lava field and the lava rocks seem to intensify the heat!  The first part of the trail follows the coast to the east along La Perouse Bay.  Be sure to watch for wild goats along this portion of the trial!  Kiawe trees provide intermittent shade.  

Shortly after exiting the trees, the trail turns inland and the lava field looms ahead.  The difficult part of crossing the lava field is not the distance or the elevation but the heat and the constantly unstable footing created by the lava rocks.  

After traversing the lava field, the trail quickly descends to a beautiful white and black pebble beach, called Kanaio Beach, with a very large kiawe tree providing blessed shade!  Someone even thought to create a log swing which makes a great place to sit and enjoy the beach.  

The beach itself is usually deserted, however, there are some hearty locals who venture here from time to time to camp, so don't be too disappointed if after all that work you find yourself sharing the beach.  After checking out the beach and resting up a bit, head farther to the east along the coast a few hundred yards and check out the shore line and tide pools before heading back.  

There are no facilities along the trail.  We recommend bringing a first aid kit with you, the lava rocks can be quite sharp and the terrain can cause blisters even if you are wearing the best of shoes!  In addition to lots of water, bring a hat and sunscreen and don't forget the camera!