Kapalua Coastal Trail
Kapalua Coastal Trail
4.5
About
A two-mile walk along Maui's northwest coast, the trail begins and ends on a beach. In between, you'll see spactacular oceanfront and bountiful greenery on the dramatic coastline.
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- redfamfiveLaguna Niguel, California10 contributionsBreathtaking HikeDon't miss this breathtaking hike on an easy trail! Roundtrip from Napili is about 3 1/2 miles, and it is gorgeous the entire way. You are able to have 180 degree ocean views, with whales breaching and spouting, the whole hike. Also, the turn around point is at Flemings beach - which is beautiful - and there is a burger shack there with killer mai tais, if you want a fun stop at the half way point. This hike compares to the memorable national park hikes that we have taken. I did it 3 times during the week I was on Maui, and already look forward to going back and doing it some more!Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 15, 2024
- ctmom123Freeland, Washington78 contributionsWorth the effort. Beautiful views.I’ve seen mixed commentary on how difficult this hike is. Some say moderately difficult, and others say it’s very easy. I did it on a rainy/windy day, so it was occasionally slippery in the mud. It is rocky (both lava and rocks) and at times you are climbing up and or down rocks to continue along the path. I saw some people starting out in flip flops - they did not complete the trail. Some with kids turned back. The trail is pretty well marked, although there is a lava part that is a little confusing. It’s a beautiful view. It’s worth the effort, but I would not call it an easy hike.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 20, 2024
- JonnyjubbRayleigh, United Kingdom247 contributionsGo Early To Getting A Parking SpaceWent on this walk based on previous reviews. Had to go twice as there was nowhere to park the first time, so got there early the following morning. Sensible shoes are strongly advised as the terrain is quite rocky. There are hills and steps, but I wouldn’t say it’s that difficult a hike. Great views along the way. Took us about 90 mins there and back and stopped for a coffee near to Napili Beach on our return. Definitely worth a visit.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2024
- Amy CWalnut Creek, California15 contributionsStunning easy access trailThis trail is stunning!! A relatively flat trail with many access points and stunning views. Right along the ocean with some portion on a built up boardwalk. We walked it in the morning and the evening and both times were lovely and not overly crowded. I can’t recommend this trail enough. Lovely!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 15, 2024
- Lindsey M8 contributionsWonderful cliffs, volcanic rock, ocean viewsA wonderful trail to see the volcanic formation cliffs along the beaches. The beginning section is a sidewalk that runs alongside the Ritz Carlton hotel and then turns into a parking lot to the left where you will find monuments for ancient burials that are close by. Follow the red dirt trail(very muddy if it has rained) to the Dragon teeth made from volcanic rock then back to the trail and take your next right into the beach access. Trail heads to the left and runs alongside a bird sanctuary and then into more volcanic rock formations and eventually dead ends as concrete stairs. Good way to see nature and take some nice photos. It rained today when we hiked but it was still manageable. I walked in Earth Runner sandals and my husband wore No Bull All Day shoes; both held up great and were able to be rinsed (red dirt) before getting back into the car.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,209 reviews
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Daniel
Monticello, IL56 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We really enjoyed this easy hike along the coast of Kapalua. The public parking filled up fast so we paid 10 dollars to park just a few steps away. I would recommend going out on the rocks to see the tide pools and to get a better view of the coast line. We loved the view of the island of Molokai and the rugged coast. We also learned that the Ritz-Carlton has to build farther back off the coast because when they were digging during construction they found a burial site.
Written June 26, 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.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,520 contributions
Dec 2022
From the Marriott/Whaler's Village, we took the local bus ($1 for seniors, $2 for regular fare) up to the Kapalua golf course. From there, we walked down to the beach (D.T. Fleming), around the Honokaihua Burial site (ancient, sacred, cultural grounds), along the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and back to the bus stop (route #28) in front of Sea Horse Restaurant.
The views are incredible and the walking paths are varied, ranging from picking your way through rocky inclines to flat, paved pathways (and everything in between).
Just a word of caution: if you can avoid driving a car here, you will have a much better time. Parking is all on the side of the road and the spaces are such a challenge that it is a wonder how many fender-benders happen while negotiation the limited spaces. On a nice day, it is near impossible to find a space within walking distance.
Do consider the bus. It will take you back to Whaler's Village and from there, you can catch the free local green bus that will take you to the Marriott and further if the short walk back to the Marriott is something you don't want to do. That freebie bus services the local Kaanapali Hotels.
Also, that bus service (different route number) will also go to Cannery Mall and to downtown Lahaina.
This made for a near-perfect day. Loved our walk and the ease of taking the bus to do it.
The views are incredible and the walking paths are varied, ranging from picking your way through rocky inclines to flat, paved pathways (and everything in between).
Just a word of caution: if you can avoid driving a car here, you will have a much better time. Parking is all on the side of the road and the spaces are such a challenge that it is a wonder how many fender-benders happen while negotiation the limited spaces. On a nice day, it is near impossible to find a space within walking distance.
Do consider the bus. It will take you back to Whaler's Village and from there, you can catch the free local green bus that will take you to the Marriott and further if the short walk back to the Marriott is something you don't want to do. That freebie bus services the local Kaanapali Hotels.
Also, that bus service (different route number) will also go to Cannery Mall and to downtown Lahaina.
This made for a near-perfect day. Loved our walk and the ease of taking the bus to do it.
Written February 11, 2023
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.
Katherine S
16 contributions
Apr 2023
There are several places to access the coastal trail: from the Kapalua Beach parking lot to the Ritz Carlton. You can stop along the way for swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, cliff walks, bogie boarding, surfing or visiting dragon's teeth and the labyrinth. Parking may always be an issue, however, you can park for $10/day at the Kapalua Tennis Club parking lot across from Merriman's restaurant. The views are simply spectacular and it is totally free. You will love all the photo ops available. Bring water because there aren't many water fountains along the way. Travel lightly because you don't want to have to cart many things around while on the trail. It is not strenuous although you need a good had to shield the bright sunshine. Do this and commune with the ocean. The white water breaking on the cliffs is mesmerizing.
Written April 6, 2023
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.
Benjamin W
22 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Very nice walk, quite easy to complete. But not handicap or wheelchair accessible as you will have to walk over some rocky areas that are not paved trail. Not much shade or anywhere to sit. We ended up staying on our way back at the beach at the beginning of the trail, Kapalua Bay beach Found this little cove to be better than the better known Ka'opala Beach. This small beach has very calm water since it's a cove and is crystal clear with some reefs to snorkel over as well. It has limited space and gets a lot of people from the hotel next to it.
Parking for the trail or the beach is challenging if you don't get there early. There is a small parking lot which fills up quickly from people going to the beach. Everybody else parks along the side of the road so you may have to walk a bit and be very careful from all the traffic.
It would be nice if there was some sort of vendor nearby or long the trail where you could get a drink or buy snacks while you are at the beach, but there is absolutely nothing. Everybody seem to bring their own stuff.
I definitely recommend this trail if you're looking for an easy walk along the coast for great views and some nice photos. About halfway through the trail it goes inland along the hotel properties so you won't be seeing the coast at that point. It was a nice way to fill some hours before going to our scheduled luau that evening.
Parking for the trail or the beach is challenging if you don't get there early. There is a small parking lot which fills up quickly from people going to the beach. Everybody else parks along the side of the road so you may have to walk a bit and be very careful from all the traffic.
It would be nice if there was some sort of vendor nearby or long the trail where you could get a drink or buy snacks while you are at the beach, but there is absolutely nothing. Everybody seem to bring their own stuff.
I definitely recommend this trail if you're looking for an easy walk along the coast for great views and some nice photos. About halfway through the trail it goes inland along the hotel properties so you won't be seeing the coast at that point. It was a nice way to fill some hours before going to our scheduled luau that evening.
Written September 3, 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.
lws07
Los Gatos, CA669 contributions
Nov 2021
Easy to moderate hike that's 99% directly on the ocean. The views and hotels and residences along the way are fun to look at as well. The trail is easy to follow and is either paved, wooden boards, or packed dirt.
We mapped to the 99 Coconut lane parking lot at 1pm on a Sunday. The side of the road was full of cars for people going to beach and some to the trail. The lot was full, but we discovered a side paid lot ($10 parking) for the Merriman's Kapalua restaurant that's available til 3pm.
However, the 2 paid parking options weren't functional, so we parked for free and no one in the lot got a ticket.
We mapped to the 99 Coconut lane parking lot at 1pm on a Sunday. The side of the road was full of cars for people going to beach and some to the trail. The lot was full, but we discovered a side paid lot ($10 parking) for the Merriman's Kapalua restaurant that's available til 3pm.
However, the 2 paid parking options weren't functional, so we parked for free and no one in the lot got a ticket.
Written December 3, 2021
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.
George L
Commack NY81 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Both ends of the Kapalua coastal trail now have a $29 flat rate parking fee.
So unless you’re in the Ritz Carlton and can walk to the trail head on Office Road you are screwed
Great idea Maui County
So unless you’re in the Ritz Carlton and can walk to the trail head on Office Road you are screwed
Great idea Maui County
Written February 7, 2025
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.
Wikumj
Redhill, UK432 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
A stunning and easy coastal walk with plethora of picture perfect postcard views across a range of different types of terrain. We went during the evening for sunset and there were a number of people with photographers getting professional photographs taken. One of our favourite activities on our day trip to West Maui.
Written August 8, 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.
Jerilyn W
Anthem, AZ22 contributions
Jul 2021
We did this last week with our teen boys. Beautiful, easy hike, mostly paved or easy paths. Only a short part is rocky. Take water as there is no shade and go early to beat the crowds and get parking. Maui is mobbed with tourists now as you will see on some of the beaches you pass on this hike.
Written August 2, 2021
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.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,520 contributions
Dec 2021
We took the Maui bus to Kapalua Beach and walked the path up to the trail. There are nesting birds in the environ so tread softly and carefully!
The views are incredible" Molokai Island is right in sight and the expanse of clear beautiful water is worth the walk to see. But the walk to the end will go down to D T Fleming Beach which is a long walk away.
We really enjoyed our time here but did not hike the rough lava-rock terrain. You pick your battles. Not today, thank you.
The views are incredible" Molokai Island is right in sight and the expanse of clear beautiful water is worth the walk to see. But the walk to the end will go down to D T Fleming Beach which is a long walk away.
We really enjoyed our time here but did not hike the rough lava-rock terrain. You pick your battles. Not today, thank you.
Written February 6, 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.
Jeff H
Toronto, Canada55 contributions
Feb 2020
The Kapalua Trail runs south along the coastal path from the Ritz Carleton parking lot. Th scenery is gorgeous, the walk is gentle and for the most part flat. But bring running or hiking shoes. You have the option of walking the trail, or along the road. The hike ends at Merriman's restaurant at Napili, which is a great place to swim and snorkel as the bay is sheltered. There are always great views of whales from the beach. Walking back from Napili along the road will take you quickly back to the start of the hike. But don't forget to take the walk north down the Ritz Carleton golf course path, as it ends at the beach and the Beach restaurant called Burger Shack that serves the most decadent milkshakes known to mankind, We had the Kona Coffee shake.....and put back on all the calories we lost on the walk, but enjoyed every last taste! Their burgers and fish tacos are also amazing. Enjoy it....
Written February 6, 2020
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.
Was it gnarly in some places to where you had to slow down a lot, or was it pretty easy to run through? My family and I are going to Kapalua in February.
Written November 22, 2020
Yes, some areas involve picking your way through lava boulders and people, so you can’t cruise through the whole thing.
Written November 23, 2020
There is a section of the trail that goes into the hills above the ocean into a lovely, remote, forested area (a former but now abandoned golf course) that might be considered a rain forrest..
Written March 21, 2019
Tell me about the parts of the hike that are “along cliff edges.” How wide of a path are we talking about in these areas? How high are the cliffs? Thanks!
Written January 12, 2019
There is no danger of being close to a cliff as long as you stay on trail.
Written March 24, 2019
Tell me about the parts of the hike that are “along cliff edges.” How wide of a path are we talking about in these areas? How high are the cliffs? Thanks!
Written January 12, 2019
Agree with the other answers. On another note, if you are expecting a hair raising walk along the edge of a cliff, it is not like that, the walk has something for everyone in the family.
Written January 16, 2019
Do you have to pay to walk on the trail? If so what was the cost per adult? Is there ample parking? What is on the boardwalk?
Written August 24, 2018
There is no charge to walk along the trail. It is very easy path - mostly dirt with some boardwalk areas and a few steps. We had no problem with finding parking but it is limited - mostly at the side of the road with a small parking lot that had a few spaces when we visited. The views are really nice of the ocean. There are also many nesting areas for birds along the way.
Written August 25, 2018
psdeda
Zionsville, Indiana
When was the boardwalk on the coastal trail built?
Written February 21, 2018
not sure -- the board walk is only a short portion of the train -- the rest is "off-road" but well worn - you can also do what we do which is deviate from the path and follow the shore line. This involves more climbing up and down on rocks and is uneven. Not hard, but more challenging. This gets you to the tide pools and really amazing views with very few people around. You are on volcanic rock formations - the kids love it!
Written October 5, 2018
We will be arriving via cruise ship. Google maps indicates that there is a bus route that will take us there? Does anyone know if this is the case?
Written December 10, 2017
Addition to my previous post. Did not see the buses running while we were there, so can't help with buses.
Written January 4, 2018
Is the entire trail stroller accessible or do I need to carry the baby in a sling?
Written August 18, 2017
No , trail is not stroller accessible. Your baby would need to be carried in a sling. Part of the trail requires some climbing , nothing crazy but some climbing.
Written August 19, 2017
Would you recommend wearing hiking shoes? Also is it ok for an older couple?
Written December 3, 2016
My husband and I wore sneakers. We did a lot of walking and were just more comfortable. Older couples (along with us) did not seem to have any problems.
Written September 4, 2017
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