Lāhainā Pali Trail
Lāhainā Pali Trail
4.5
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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.
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4.5
175 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
58
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Piero C
Annapolis, MD769 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
Being in Hawaii, I’m a fan of slippery ascents, Kauai-style, deep into the tropical rain forest. Maui has tons, but for a change of pace, this hike from the east trailhead near Ma’alaea takes you the dry way up to a pretty vista overlooking Kihei and the Lahaina coast. It is not a difficult hike, as advertised, if you leave at the crack of dawn and have plenty of water. There is no shade at all, but it is steepest at the beginning, then is a relatively moderate ascent up to the windmills, the top , where I turned around, like most people, because I didn’t have a ride awaiting me on the other side. A fine, two hour jaunt if you do it this way. One suggestion: Maui Revealed, the most popular guidebook, suggests heading up in the morning, the way I did , to avoid having the sun in your face. If you want nice photos, however, I would head up around 4, so that your shots of the landscapes are not washed out or hidden in shadow but bathed in a golden glow. If you turn back at the windmills, you’ll be back at your car before it gets dark.
Written September 13, 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.
kwtexas
Arlington, TX57 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We read all the reviews... so went prepared. 3 of us wanted to do east to west, 1 didn’t care so we had him drop us at the east trailhead and then he drove back to west trailhead, parked and hiked from there. Worked great. We met up just downhill/west of the windmills, so it was great. We hiked on a windy day which helped with the heat; started at 9am, finished at 11:57am. I’m not the fastest hiker so others could prob do in less time. Views are good, but it’s the same view the whole time going up east side. Def prettier views going down the west side. Spotting whales might happen, but you’re so far away whats the point? It was great exercise, we took 32 Oz water and it was plenty. Def want sturdy soles shoes— rocks could be tough on flimsy soles. It was something new to do, we did it, don’t need to do it again.
Written March 24, 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.
Stephanie S
Denver, CO61 contributions
May 2021
We started from the east trail head around 3 pm so the brisk wind and some light cloud cover kept it from being too hot. There are some steeper sections but nothing crazy. Fabulous views back toward Kihei/Wailea and of Moloka'i, Molokini.
Written May 16, 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.
Chuck P
Indianapolis, IN8 contributions
Feb 2023
Be prepared for an exposed hike with lots of climbing and a rough trail in sections. You will be hiking for hours so bring sunblock, plenty of water and snacks. Also remember the weather can rapidly change so prepare for (possibly heavy/windy) rain.
Written March 4, 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.
Veronica Hunter
Medford, NJ6,347 contributions
May 2022
I entered the parking lot on the west entrance, off highway 30.
Started the hike around 6:00 am to avoid the heat and strong sun.
The Lahaina Pali trail has no shade but the view from the top is well worth it.
On another day, I started the hike from the East entrance.
Google maps has a marker on the entrance off highway 30 named Maui Demolition, near highway 310.
Started the hike around 6:00 am to avoid the heat and strong sun.
The Lahaina Pali trail has no shade but the view from the top is well worth it.
On another day, I started the hike from the East entrance.
Google maps has a marker on the entrance off highway 30 named Maui Demolition, near highway 310.
Written May 29, 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.
Michael F
Toronto, Canada437 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Modestly challenging hike on the west end. The steep portions are slow climbing of boulders while the test has a good but not too tough grade. Rocks on the way down require care. As a 65 year old with some health issues I could fo this. The parking lot is at between mile 11 and 11.3 across from the ocean in a shaded area.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written February 12, 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.
USMC_Recon_2003
United States183 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This is a pretty decent, moderate to advanced hike for anyone in pretty good shape. There is an incline and you need to as always have the proper hiking footwear and attire on. if you take this hike, the rewards are many and the stunning views will make you glad that you took the time to come and do this!
Written March 14, 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.
S14er
301 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
This is a very accessible trail close to Lahaina. It follows an old, hand-built horse/foot trail made about a century ago linking Wailuku and Lahaina. I hiked this trail Jan 2015 starting from Highway 30. It gradually goes up over a thousand feet across about 7 well-marked gulches until it reaches the Honoapiilani highway on the other side. I didn't do the entire trail as it requires a shuttle, but instead went all the way up to the windmills. This excursion would be about 4 miles roundtrip. The scenic vistas are awesome - views of the ocean and the island of Lanai are plentiful amidst grasslands and red rocks. Even on a sunny day, the wind provides cool reprieve. However, I thought the scenery got monotonous after a while and the windmills seem to not get any closer! After persevering, it was nice to get up there. Those things were HUGE! However, it felt quite industrial since there was construction - yes, trucks and cranes were there - going on. I went late in the day and had a fortune of hiking down while the sun is setting. The way the sun hits the red rocks is mesmerizing and makes for a fun descent. This is not the best dayhike in Maui (that will have to be the Sliding Sands/Halemauu followed by Pipiwai), but its accessibility is hard to beat. Allot about 3+ hours, bring water and protection from the elements! The entire trail is exposed.
Written February 15, 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.
Bella
13 contributions
May 2021 • Family
There are many places in this trail from where you might fall off to the detriment of your limbs. Very dangerous craggy walkways.
Written May 26, 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.
Susan M
Maui, HI2,493 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
I’ve hiked many times from the Lahaina side but this morning I decided to try the Maalaea side.
The dirt road to get to the trailhead can be troublesome if there’s been recent rain, it’s got several deep ruts and potholes. I had to slip and slide through a mud bog. Parking is limited so go early.
4 star because I was alone and when I parked there were 2 other vehicles, one had 4 local men in it, just sitting there watching me. I didn’t get out but watched them watching me. After 5 or so minutes they drive away, I was very relieved until they stopped a ways away and parked. My gut said NO, don’t go on the hike. I took a few photos then left. As I drove past them they made some comments that I couldn’t understand.
The moral of the story is be very cautious, leave no valuables in your vehicle.
The hike, from past experience, is wonderfully difficult and very hot, takes lots of water and snacks and start early!
The dirt road to get to the trailhead can be troublesome if there’s been recent rain, it’s got several deep ruts and potholes. I had to slip and slide through a mud bog. Parking is limited so go early.
4 star because I was alone and when I parked there were 2 other vehicles, one had 4 local men in it, just sitting there watching me. I didn’t get out but watched them watching me. After 5 or so minutes they drive away, I was very relieved until they stopped a ways away and parked. My gut said NO, don’t go on the hike. I took a few photos then left. As I drove past them they made some comments that I couldn’t understand.
The moral of the story is be very cautious, leave no valuables in your vehicle.
The hike, from past experience, is wonderfully difficult and very hot, takes lots of water and snacks and start early!
Written November 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.
How do you get to the western trailhead? I'm visiting Maui on my honeymoon and I've heard a lot about this hike but want to enter on the right side.
Written July 29, 2018
Coming from Lahaina, look for Ukumehame Park. South of that on 30 is the trail head. Or going toward Lahaina ...
The trailhead is on the east side of 30 just past the tunnel.
Written July 30, 2018
1. What time would you start to 'beat the heat' and have a good hike?
2. I am going solo. Chances of hooking up with others? Is solo a problem?
3. Do I need to bring all water with me or is there water on the hike?
Thanks.
Written April 2, 2017
1 We started before sunup with headlamps.
2. There are other hikers, but usually there are not others to hook up with
3 No water to be found. Bring
Your own. I would also recommend fuel, energy bars or even a sandwich.
I would also suggest a hat and sunglasses.
Written April 9, 2017
Where exactly does the trail start? and is it 10 miles? or 1 mile up and 1 mile back. Confused after reading the reviews. THANKS!
Written November 11, 2015
I started on the Lahaina side. There was ample parking and I didn't feel at all unsafe parking and leaving my car there. Some people like to go toward sunset, hike up a mile or so, and have a little campfire after watching the sunset.... this is the time of day where your car would be broken in to. Go in the morning and you will be just fine. We hiked up to the windmills and just came back. It was a great workout, and I feel that the views were just as stunning as any view up on top or anywhere on the Maalaea side (you have great terrain views through gulches out to the ocean, Molokini, and Kaho'olawe... along with other great views up past Olawalu toward Lanai). Plus, you don't have the same level of difficulty on the Maalaea side... if that's what you're looking for. The windmills are the halfway point, making it a 5.5 mile hike no matter what.
Written November 12, 2015
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