This moderate South Maui hike travels along historic trails amid the harsh lava from one of the last eruptions on Maui in 1790. This Nā Ala Hele trail was improved to the eight-feet wide path you see today in 1824 by Governor Hoapili. Hundreds of years earlier, the path was the King’s Trail or Ala Loa built by King Piʻilani and his son that circled around much of the island. This hike travels to Kanaio Beach, where the trail encounters private property. It’s also possible to do a shorter portion of the hike described below. Many people walk a short portion of the trail and turn back.

Trailhead: From where Hwy. 31 comes to a dead-end in South Maui, turn right onto Wailea Ike Drive, then quickly turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive. Follow Wailea Alanui as it turns into Mākena Alanui (also Mākena Road). Drive carefully down this very narrow road taking care to pass other vehicles when the road is only one lane. Mākena Road ends at trailhead parking. The road deteriorates as you get nearer to the trailhead, but it is accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Sturdy boots are a must for this incredibly rough trail. Bring lots of water and sun protection.

Hike: This hike begins at La Pérouse Bay, named for the French explorer Jean François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, who was the first European to anchor near Maui in 1786. The trail follows the coast where you’ll find a few spots containing a bit of sand between lava features. You’ll notice rock walls in the area. This site was a village named Keone’ō’io, “the sandy place with bonefish.” Stay on the trail and off of any remaining rock walls. The trail passes through an area of overgrown Kiawe trees near the shoreline. You’ll probably see several feral goats. After passing through the Kiawe forest, you’ll come to a barren expanse of lava. It’s possible to take a detour here to Cape Hanamanioa. The Hoapili Trail tracks to the east and is clearly marked. The trail is very straight and the rough lava makes travel difficult. Expect stifling temperatures. After a bit more than a mile, look sharp makai (toward the sea) for an oasis of greenery. This is Keawanaku Beach, and you’ll likely have it to yourself. To get there, find a faint trail departing from the Hoapili Trail. It’s difficult to follow, and you may lose the trail from time to time, but just head toward the greenery. After enjoying Keawanaku Beach, continue along the Hoapili Trail across another inland lava expanse. When the trail veers toward the coastline again, you’ll find another Kiawe forest with several ancient sites. At this point, leave the main Hoapili Trail and find faint trails that trace the shoreline. This is Kanaio Beach, a grayish mix of sand. Kanaio means “the bastard sandalwood tree.” This region has a number of ancient sites, so stay off of all rock structures. The views back toward Haleakalā are impressive. The land past Kanaio Beach is private property, so this is the turn-around point for this hike. Return to the trailhead the way you came.