One Of Maui's Most Scenic Trails Is A Free And Easy Hike On Hawaii's Breathtaking Coast

There are many exciting things to do in Hawaii, many of which involve spending time outdoors, whether that be on land or in the sea. One in particular is the Kapalua Coastal Trail, one of Maui's numerous hiking options. It offers ocean views, lush landscapes, and accessible terrain for adventurers of all skill levels, and its 3.5-mile roundtrip trail winds all along the northwestern coast of Maui.

Stretching from Kapalua Bay to D.T. Fleming Beach, the trail passes through a diverse landscape of lava fields, pristine beaches, and luxury resorts. Hikers can enjoy stunning panoramas over the Pacific Ocean throughout the trail, with opportunities to spot some of Hawaii's marine life and, during the winter months, even witness whale breaching.

One of the trail's most appealing aspects is its accessibility and cost, as it is completely free to hike and open from sunrise to sunset. This makes it an ideal activity for budget-conscious travelers, or just to those just wanting to experience Maui's beauty.

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is widely considered to be an easy hike, consisting of mixed terrain, including paved walkways, wooden boardwalks, and sections of sand and lava rock. Despite its variety, the trail remains relatively flat and simple to navigate, making it suitable for families with children or to visitors looking for a leisurely stroll.

Along the way, you'll encounter several points of interest, including the historic Cliff House near the Montage Kapalua Bay resort, Hawea Point, a protected nesting site for seabirds like the 'Ua'u kani and wedge-tailed shearwaters, and the Dragon's Teeth, a rock formation created by lava flows. The trail also offers access to some of Maui's most beautiful beaches, including Kapalua Bay Beach, named "America's Best Beach" in recent years, D.T. Fleming Beach, Namalu Bay, and Oneloa Beach. In particular, Namalu Bay is popular for cliff jumping, and Kapalua Bay Beach is a favorite for snorkeling, so be sure to bring your swimming things on this hike.

For those interested in marine life, the trail provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Tide pools along the rocky shoreline often house small fish and crustaceans, while the offshore waters are frequented by sea turtles. During whale season, from December to April, the trail offers prime spots for watching thousands of humpback whales as they migrate to the area and its warmer waters.

What time of year to complete the Kapalua Coastal Trail depends on what you hope to see, but we strongly recommend timing your trip with the whale migration in winter. This time of year has comfortable temperatures for walking, and offers visitors the best chances of seeing the wonderful display of marine mammals. The best time of day to hike this trail is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler, which also coincides with when the lighting is best for photography. At the trailhead is a free parking lot, which also offers great views of the sunrise. We recommend allowing approximately 2-3 hours to complete the full trail, though this can vary from person to person depending on pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views or take a dip in the ocean.

While the trail is well-maintained, it's important to come prepared. Sturdy walking shoes are a must, as some sections can be uneven or rocky, and sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential as much of the trail is exposed. It's also a good idea to bring a swimsuit and towel, as the beaches along the way make for perfect spots to refresh and cool down en route.

Parking is available at several points along the trail, including the Bay Villas beach access parking lot at Kapalua Bay, and the D.T. Fleming Beach parking lot. For those staying in the region's best resorts, the trail is often within walking distance. Remember to respect the natural environment and local regulations by staying on marked paths and not disturbing wildlife or plant life as you explore this standout hiking trail.