Lava Fields
Lava Fields
4.5
About
Hike through the otherworldly lava fields of Maui on the Hoapili Trail, which takes around four hours to complete. The trail hugs the Maui coastline—starting from La Perouse Bay and ending at the Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse—and passes through lava fields, beaches, and forests. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes as the rocks can be sharp, and bring lots of sunscreen too—there isn’t much shade along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for wild goats, dolphins, and turtles, as well as eels and crabs in the tide pools. If you're not one for walking, air tours of Maui often fly over the lava fields as well. – Tripadvisor
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richmT4680DK
Whitinsville, MA20 contributions
Sep 2022
Cool trail. You can have fun in 30 minutes or do the whole trail and come back in 4 hours. Beautiful beaches, interesting lava fields, and haunted-looking forest checks all the boxes.
The goats are not like the chickens. They are not looking to hang out with you and peck at your toes. You can watch surfers. The goats don’t surf, I mean there are people who surf the big waves here.
On our way back, the trail suddenly disappeared under a rapid whitewater mud river that was definitely not there went we went in. Due to rains up on Haleakala, this was a sudden event. I tested some spots that were above my knee and felt like they would rip me downstream. Even though the river was very wide at approximately 50 feet, we found a spot that was not too deep and crossed holding hands. That worked. If you get caught in a flash flood, just do that. The sun would have set three hours later and the water would not have receded, so waiting around was not an attractive option.
Cool trail.
The goats are not like the chickens. They are not looking to hang out with you and peck at your toes. You can watch surfers. The goats don’t surf, I mean there are people who surf the big waves here.
On our way back, the trail suddenly disappeared under a rapid whitewater mud river that was definitely not there went we went in. Due to rains up on Haleakala, this was a sudden event. I tested some spots that were above my knee and felt like they would rip me downstream. Even though the river was very wide at approximately 50 feet, we found a spot that was not too deep and crossed holding hands. That worked. If you get caught in a flash flood, just do that. The sun would have set three hours later and the water would not have receded, so waiting around was not an attractive option.
Cool trail.
Written September 28, 2022
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.
The B
8 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
While searching for things to do near Kihei, I stumbled across some reviews for the lava fields. I started reading the reviews and thought it sounded interesting and we should go check it out. Without really knowing what we were getting into, it turned out to be one of our favorite things we did on Maui. If you head towards Makena State Park (leave time to stop on your way out), you will be on Makena Road. When you see the State Park sign on your right with a nice parking lot, don't stop there...keep going...you will be on a small bumpy road...keep going...when you see the sign for Makena Stables...keep going...park on the beach. You will see a sign with trails - take a picture of it. Okay, you can proceed from here two different ways. #1 just check out the area, find the blow hole and maybe the first beach and then be done (you are missing out if you take this option). OR #2 go hiking! Wear good shoes because you will be hiking on lava rocks. There are no trees (you are in the lava rocks from 500 years ago...). So, start walking. In the first mile, you will see the blow hole (which is really cool) and a few beaches. After that, walk another 0.5-0.75 miles and you can choose to go see the Beacon, which is cool because you walk up basically to cliff side and can see as far as the eye can see (absolutely beautiful!). The other trail is much longer. It is another 2.5 miles and you are walking through the true lava field to get to a hidden beach. This trail is what makes this experience surreal. While walking through these massive lava rocks, you look to your left and you see the giant volcano, Haleakala. You see the lava path as it came down the side of the mountain and you look around you and all you see is the lava rocks. You are standing in the middle of it. It is surreal and breathtaking to process what you are seeing. You look to the right and depending where you are on the trail, you may see lava rocks or water in the distance. And if you are lucky, you may see a wild goat cross your path like we did! If you are committed to the hike, make sure you take lots of water and sunscreen with you! Without shade trees, on a hot day, you will get parched. It is absolutely worth it!
Written July 28, 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.
hazel_travelss
Honolulu, HI332 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
This nature attraction is located in south Maui. About 45min drive from the airport driving towards Waimea. I was trying to get more information about this area but there were only few so I was hesitant. But I'm glad we made the drive. Driving here you will pass by Waimea where there are golf courses and resorts. You can search on your gps "Makena State Park" or just Lava Fields. You will be driving on Makena road and when you pass by the state park keep driving until the road becomes one lane and semi paved. You will be amazed that before arriving at the end of the road you will feel like your on another planet! Lava fields on both side of the road. There is enough parking but I will suggest come early as the parking fills up. There are 3 portable toilets by the parking lot. Just follow the trail and you will be amazed to see all the lava rocks and fields and how it meets with the ocean. One of a kind view!
Written November 29, 2017
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.
sm1231310
Michigan55 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
I really love this trail. The ocean crashing against the rocky coast is so beautiful. There is an amazing blowhole not far from the parking lot if you go at low tide. The walk through the lava fields is so interesting. I love the noise the rocks make under your feet. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and a shirt that protects you from the sun. Other than the rocks, it's a fairly easy walk. Be respectful of nature; don't take anything or leave any trash. If you're in a sports car, park near the horse stables instead of going the last few yards to the other parking lot. Otherwise, the drive is not a problem at all. We did not have time to walk all the way to the lighthouse at the end, but next time...
Written December 27, 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.
Pat R
Grand Ledge, MI395 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
Like the others kinda stumbled upon it back in 2001 and went back with my wife in 2012. Fast forward to 2017 Please bear in mind keep going to the end to La perouse bay. Drove it to the end by the advise of the TA forum for Maui
Written August 26, 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.
Maxo
Chicago, IL121 contributions
Jul 2019
This is a very beautiful and underrated trail. We were very skeptical of going there because we thought it would be just a path through a rock desert under the burning sun. In fact, if you start from the parking lot at the La Perouse Bay (this is as far as you can get on car), then there will be only a small portion of the trail through the lava field, and then a nice and shady trail through a forest begins - with sandy beaches, waves, goats and mongooses running around. The trail probably goes much further after forest, but a round-trip from parking lot to the end of the forest is easy, not exhausting, mostly in shade, and will entertain your family for couple of hours. We took that trail with a toddler, and we all had a lot of fun.
Written August 28, 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.
Ken W
Overland Park, KS79 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
On our last day on Maui, we decided to drive South. I had no idea the lava fields existed & I’m glad we stumbled across them. We spoke with a park ranger and he said the last eruption was 500 years ago. When you need a break from beaches & people make the drive and see something different and off the beaten path.
Written June 14, 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.
joe b
1 contribution
Jun 2017 • Family
Do yourself a favor and go on the complete 1.5 mile hike after driving to the parking lot. It's slightly less than 3 miles round trip. Lava formations grow wilder as you trek further along the coast, and keep an eye out for occasional goats near the trail too! At the end (*minor spoilers*) there's a tall beacon and then a white choral beach with colorful shallow pools. The trail forks at a certain point, with the more spectacular views on the coastal trail.
Wear closed-toe shoes (trail is rocky) and bring some water. What's great about this hike is that it doesn't get crowded either. Probably best to do the hike with people over age 10. The hike is not too long but you may find yourself spending several hours beholding the vast alien scenery and the crashing surf (bring a camera)!
Wear closed-toe shoes (trail is rocky) and bring some water. What's great about this hike is that it doesn't get crowded either. Probably best to do the hike with people over age 10. The hike is not too long but you may find yourself spending several hours beholding the vast alien scenery and the crashing surf (bring a camera)!
Written July 1, 2017
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.
Glynn D
Houston, TX28 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We had a little time to kill on our last day on the island. During breakfast we were sharing with our server some of the things we had done, and we were looking for some more close by before our flight out that evening. He asked "Have you been to the lava fields past the resort you are staying at?" My thought was seen lava fields not really interested, but we have some time lets go see.
We started or trek out past all of the resorts, and Big Beach into Makena State Park and were surprised at how much further the road went. Several times it was a single lane in which we had to use pull-outs to let oncoming traffic by... and it kept going. Finally we emerged on a landscape unlike anything I have ever seen. I have seen lava flows, but this one was broken up and jagged with the upheaval of the earth. Not at all what I expected and well worth the trip out. There are hiking trails, jagged rocks and my traveling Moccasins didn't match so we chose not to try go another trip perhaps. There are a few spots where the sea is right up against the flow, creating a unique beach setting.
It is worth the trip, it is something that is difficult to describe, a rugged but very beautiful place.
We started or trek out past all of the resorts, and Big Beach into Makena State Park and were surprised at how much further the road went. Several times it was a single lane in which we had to use pull-outs to let oncoming traffic by... and it kept going. Finally we emerged on a landscape unlike anything I have ever seen. I have seen lava flows, but this one was broken up and jagged with the upheaval of the earth. Not at all what I expected and well worth the trip out. There are hiking trails, jagged rocks and my traveling Moccasins didn't match so we chose not to try go another trip perhaps. There are a few spots where the sea is right up against the flow, creating a unique beach setting.
It is worth the trip, it is something that is difficult to describe, a rugged but very beautiful place.
Written September 16, 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.
Rachelhb2015
Muscatine, IA54 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Really beautiful, but be aware that you have to traverse a narrow/one-lane dirt road for several miles to get there. Not recommended for all rental cars! I could have watched the life teeming in the tide pools here for hours. Nature at its finest!
Written August 23, 2022
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.
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