South Maui is probably the most confusing dropdown menu of this website to a visitor. When one looks at a map of Maui, you would assume that south Maui would refer to the southern side of East Maui. What locals call “South Maui” is actually only the western coast of East Maui, served by Highway 31. It helps to think of South Maui as the southern part of the island where most people live. Sunny and dry South Maui has some of the best beaches on the island.

This site has two hikes in South Maui:

• Mākena State Park: This state park is known for its signature beaches, Mākena (Big Beach) and Puʻu Ōlaʻi (Little Beach) but there are a few great short hikes in the park as well.

• The Hoapili Trail: This difficult and rough trail follows a historic path through some of the most recent lava flows on Maui, passing many ancient sites and remote beaches.

• Cape Hanamanioa: This hike uses the same trailhead as the Hoapili Trail, but travels along lava sea cliffs toward a rocky coral beach.