King's Highway
King's Highway
4.5
About
This intermediate to advanced scenic hiking trail was built over a lava flow that occurred in the late 1700s, making the trek somewhat rugged in certain sections.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tim W
127 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Hot. Rocky. Hot. Worth it. Taking the trail off of the coast was a dicey one due to the uneven ground, but it was a unique and worthwhile hike to the next coast where there are swings and, if you're lucky, seals! Bring water!
Written January 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMO2015
Canada1,820 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
My husband and I did a fast hike near sunset along the King’s Highway. A sacred ground on a backdrop of lava flow. You can see the bones and offering (not to touch) along the way. Lava rocks can absorb heat, so be mindful of the heat and wear sunscreen or journey during early morning or evening. Footing can be a bit tricky, but an overall worthwhile there-and-back hike.
Written December 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayfarer909
New York City, NY93 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
The King's Highway (aka Hoapili Trail) a network of sorts of hiking trails that follow a rugged, unspoiled stretch of Hawaiian coast, frequently paralleling or traversing barren lava fields, the youngest on Maui. The trail is believed to be one of the few surviving remnants of what was once an extensive footpath, built during the 16th century rule of Piʻilani, intended to promote trade, the levying of taxes, and faster communication. While much of the old hand-laid rock roadway has long ago been paved over or swallowed by the jungle, traces still exist today, including this stretch.
This hike is not for everyone-certainly not for adrenaline junkies: no heights to scale here, as the trail is largely at sea level. Its beauty is of the austere variety, with bleak lava at times stretching to the horizon, and the untamed Pacific crashing against the shore. It does sport spectacular views of Haleakala, of the sea, of barely visible remains of sacred Hawaiian structures, and a good chance of encountering dolphin, birdlife and feral goats. And because it is not on the tourist circuit, it offers the increasingly rare commodity of peace and seclusion.
It is possible to follow the coast all the way or to turn further inland across the lava fields, either way eventually arriving at a windswept lighthouse with great views of the island and the ocean. Either way, get a very early start to avoid the midday heat, bring lots of sun screen and lots of water. Lava, of course, is very sharp--so wear hiking boots! The hike is largely exposed and the sun can be brutal. But for a taste of unspoiled Hawaii, a glimpse into the past, and welcome tranquility, it is highly recommended. And as an added bonus, there is excellent snorkeling off the trail.
This hike is not for everyone-certainly not for adrenaline junkies: no heights to scale here, as the trail is largely at sea level. Its beauty is of the austere variety, with bleak lava at times stretching to the horizon, and the untamed Pacific crashing against the shore. It does sport spectacular views of Haleakala, of the sea, of barely visible remains of sacred Hawaiian structures, and a good chance of encountering dolphin, birdlife and feral goats. And because it is not on the tourist circuit, it offers the increasingly rare commodity of peace and seclusion.
It is possible to follow the coast all the way or to turn further inland across the lava fields, either way eventually arriving at a windswept lighthouse with great views of the island and the ocean. Either way, get a very early start to avoid the midday heat, bring lots of sun screen and lots of water. Lava, of course, is very sharp--so wear hiking boots! The hike is largely exposed and the sun can be brutal. But for a taste of unspoiled Hawaii, a glimpse into the past, and welcome tranquility, it is highly recommended. And as an added bonus, there is excellent snorkeling off the trail.
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrittanyGolden
Chattanooga, TN50 contributions
Oct 2011 • Solo
This road was breathtaking. I live near the Smoky Mtns. and have enjoyed many beautiful drives around my area, but until I traveled down the King's Highway I had never before had my breath taken by such splendor. The road takes you along the coast, which is stunning of course, then through a bumpy road that takes you through the ancient old growth forests. That drive was beyond words beautiful. The trees 8 and 10 feet wide, with moss and huge ferns draping them. The canopy came in together to form a tunnel like darkness as I drove, that really made you feel like you are back in the jurassic age.. it was eerie and wonderful. I cannot wait to do it again.
Written January 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMulli
Louisville, KY20 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Terrain is lava rock, footing is not the best. Definitely wear closed toed shoes or boots. Take your time and bring water. Pretty long hike to a so-so beach. Probably just going to the light beacon is enough. Did see a monk seal on the beach there so that made the hike worth it. It was molting, not
Injured, so don’t let picture disturb you.
Injured, so don’t let picture disturb you.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fredrickunverzagt1
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Jul 2017 • Friends
That trail is partially on the last lava flow on the Valley Isle. La Peruse is awesome. The sandals from the ABC & A To Z stores will be shredded in minutes and then your hike is all pau. I lived on Maui from August 1st, 1987 until December 20th, 1996, and I don’t know what kind of life was in store for me before I purchased that 1-way ticket on a whim, but I know that the part of my life spent there was EPIC, and I miss Maui like a family member. There are too many things to do to list them all and many are probably best attempted by seasoned explorers, as opposed to families. There’s plenty of activities for families, but the unencombered are going to get to experience some amazing things. Don’t waste money on activities desk crap, ask locals, like when you’re having a meal at some restaurant. You tip your server well and they will turn you onto places that aren’t even in ANY guidebook for the island. Maui is called “The Magic Isle” for a reason.
Written June 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ono O
Fremont, CA2,724 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
Four stars for the interesting trail unlike anything that you probably have been on, two stars for the difficulty, heat and wind. Overall 3 stars. I thought that it would be interesting to take a hike on this old Hawaiian ‘Highway’ that once circled Maui. The trail was very hard walking, HOT, and incredibly windy. I wore tennis shoes, which was not the best choice as the soles were torn up a bit from walking on the unstable crushed lava chunks that make up the trail. Better to have real hiking boots with ankle support, and bring twice the water that you think you will need. I ventured out on the trail from the parking lot at La Perouse Bay. Once parked, take the trail that goes off to the left (while facing the ocean). You can catch the Kings Highway from either the first lava field, or the second. I would recommend taking the trail from the second lava field so that you get to pass a few nice beaches and have shade from the trees for at least a little of your hike. In the middle of the second lava flow, you will see a built-up lava wall that has an opening in it and this will lead you to the trail, which is also marked by white sign. From this point, it is 2 miles of walking on the three foot wide footpath over the lava flow until you reach the first place with shade, at Kanaio Beach. This is a good spot to rest before heading back the two miles over the lava flow.
Written November 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan P
Sacramento, CA242 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Park in the La Perouse Bay lot. You can hike about 2/3 a mile that goes through woods into the start of the miles and miles of lava fields. Anything beyond this is a multi-day hike and you need to plan accordingly.
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mauithegreat
La Mirada California78 contributions
Aug 2019
I visit this attraction while I was in Maui last month. I actually had visited other times but didn't reviewed it. It's a great experience walking on top and listening to the sound of the waves.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelsey P
Louisiana96 contributions
May 2018
Parts have little trails to start you off, but on areas without vegetation, you just have to guess and tread carefully. You would do best to wear hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and wear your sunscreen! Shade is not always accessible. Not too far from the black sand beach at the Waiʻanapanapa State Park you can watch the waves shoot up the blow holes.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far down can you drive ?
Is there also a way shortcut to Hana road ?
Written December 1, 2018
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