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Maha'ulepu Trail

Koloa, Hawaii

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.59 miles

Elevation Gain

253 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Shauna Simons

This family-friendly hike offers scenic lookouts over the ocean. This is a great option for a sunset hike -- especially if you're trying to impress that special someone.

This easy-to-handle trail is a good one for the whole family. The trail starts from "Shipwrecks Beach", in front of the Grand Hyatt and follows the coastline for 2 miles to Maha'ulepu Beach. Along the way, you'll witness beautiful, rugged coastline and multiple lookouts over the ocean.

This trail is fairly easy and flat. This beach typically has strong winds and shorebreak waves, so exercise caution if you decide to take a dip in the ocean. To return, simply head back the way you came.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Beach
Family Friendly
Romantic
Scenic

Maha'ulepu Trail Reviews

Beer Reward Score 10/10 - plenty of rocks to hang on along the way, but wait for the secluded beach payoff before turning back. Sand crabs, turtles (if you’re lucky), and horse poo (if you’re less lucky) will join you. Sunburn Score 8/10 - some parts shaded, but mostly open. Went home with a sweet backpack strap tan line. Dehydration Factor 5/10 - few liters should do it. Thigh Penalty 4/10 - mostly flat, but your feet might hurt more from the rocks. Post-hike Chill Koa Kea Resort is a couple of miles away, and has an unreal view of the ocean and Coconut Porters on ice.

I really like this hike, it's short and sweet. The ocean in that area is very blue. I would recommend starting at the Hyatt for more views, you pass by different landscapes when you go down past the golf course. There is also a cave on the way, nothing that special but interesting, I recommend seeing it from above and keep going (the owner will ask for money after he traps you in his 10 min talk about the place). Then cross the stream, walk that longer beach and when you turn, follow the instructions for this hike above. The cliffs past the Hyatt and before the golf course are a great place for sunrise.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Relax at Po'ipu Beach

Watch the Spouting Horn Blowhole

Take A Helicopter Ride Over Kauai

Glass Beach

Wailua Falls

Swim in the Waikoko Stream & Waterfall