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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,193 reviews
Excellent
868
Very good
287
Average
31
Poor
2
Terrible
5
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN871 contributions
May 2023
The trail is beautiful, one side is ocean view, the another side is beautiful plants and flowers. The trail has some section with up hill and down hill, but it's relative easy.
Written 20 May 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.
J S
Bellingham, WA36 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We started this trail at both ends of the trail on different days. One day we were at Kapalua, so we walked a bit from that way. Since we had all of our beach gear, surfing, etc. we decided to wait and go from the Fleming side a different day. That day we parked, and began walking, trying to find the trail. There is one part that hooks down off of a street down towards the beach. Everything we saw in the cul-de-sacs in areas the trail is supposed to be wouldn’t let us through. Everything was marked private. It is not a clearly marked trail and we ended up just walking the road all the way back to Kapalua which was not something I wanted to do. I understand the beaches are public, but trying to get onto this trail from the Fleming side was really difficult because it was poorly marked and wove through private areas that we did not feel comfortable to walk through. Instead, it was just a walk down the street.
Written 9 April 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 6 April 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.
Kathy984
Ojai208 contributions
Feb 2023
We started at the north end and enjoyed the vegetation, interesting rock formations and the crashing waves.
Written 21 March 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.
Patti3490
Saint Cloud, MN43 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The condition of the trail was exceptional. Help of mother nature we had spectacular weather. Trail was well marked, and maps are available on the trail. I would recommend this trail, we did a morning walk, and it was already warm.
Written 15 March 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.
Liz W
Annapolis, MD48 contributions
Feb 2023
One of the most beautiful hiking paths on Lahaina. Along the way we saw the gorgeous coastline and were able to see the whales breaching further out in the bay. This trail is a lavish buffet for the eyes and not to strenuous. A must if you visit Lahaina.
Written 25 February 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.
Gerry L
14 contributions
Feb 2023
Beautiful spot along the ocean. Very diverse but an easy trail to follow. Go early because the parking gets crowded after 10 am
Written 20 February 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.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,322 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 11 February 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.
Leanne D
21 contributions
Jan 2023
Not sure what year somone managed to get blue sky sunny pictures as it rained for six days straight while I was here.. . It was a pretty area though and I suspect that if the sun does show up, you would have some great views. Maui in Jan is not the place to be if you want sun.
Written 29 January 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.
Gklipp
Charlotte, NC8 contributions
Jan 2023
We walked this trail in the morning. Beautiful scenery and a great way to start the day with moderate exercise. Loved walking on the lave rocks to the water edge and viewing the famous 17th hole of Kapalua.
Written 28 January 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.
gingerbreadhead
Woodinville, WA20 contributions
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.
Piero C
Brindisi, Italy498 contributions
Yes, some areas involve picking your way through lava boulders and people, so you can’t cruise through the whole thing.
RiccioCapriccio90
9 contributions
Is there a rainforest near Kapalua Trail?
Craig A
South Carolina808 contributions
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..
AreWeThereYet87
103 contributions
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!
Gregory K
Holland, MI14 contributions
There is no danger of being close to a cliff as long as you stay on trail.
AreWeThereYet87
103 contributions
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!
Relish The World
Toronto, Canada313 contributions
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.
StephSchmitt
Ephrata, PA34 contributions
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?
DAVID AND CAROL
Oro Valley, AZ320 contributions
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.
psdeda
Zionsville, IN
When was the boardwalk on the coastal trail built?
Joan K
Los Angeles, CA79 contributions
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!
Debbie T
LaPlace, LA2 contributions
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?
SHARON G
Holts Summit, MO116 contributions
Addition to my previous post. Did not see the buses running while we were there, so can't help with buses.
Is the entire trail stroller accessible or do I need to carry the baby in a sling?
dmbinct99
Madison, CT30 contributions
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.
Carolyn B
17 contributions
Would you recommend wearing hiking shoes? Also is it ok for an older couple?
Joan K
Los Angeles, CA79 contributions
I usually were silly water shoes that cover my toes and then when I dive in the water they protect my feet when climbing out. So those shoes are not super heavy duty but they do protect. We like going "off road" and climbing around the volcanic rock formations - it is really fun. None of us wear hiking boots and we are fine. Some wear just flip flops. I like the extra protection of the water shoes.
Kapalua Coastal Trail (Lahaina) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kapalua Coastal Trail
- We recommend booking Kapalua Coastal Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Kapalua Coastal Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Kapalua Coastal Trail:
- (0.12 km) Napili Kai Beach Resort
- (0.11 km) Luxurious, Newly Remodeled, Entire home is NEW! Walk to Napili Bay Beach!
- (0.17 km) Ocean Front at Napili Bay! Napili Lani #315 - Quam Properties
- (0.24 km) The Kapalua Villas, Maui
- (0.18 km) Ocean Front on Napili Bay! Napili Lani #320 - Quam Properties
- Restaurants near Kapalua Coastal Trail:
- (0.17 km) Merriman's Maui
- (0.22 km) Sea House Restaurant
- (0.34 km) Cane & Canoe
- (0.60 km) Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores
- (0.47 km) Big Wave Shave Ice Company