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Incredible coast walk with scenery and history galore.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Out and Back

62' 19 m

High

4' 1 m

Low

73' 22 m

Up

73' 22 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Swimming · Views

Overview

This hike tours the southern edge of La Perouse Bay along Maui's most recent lava flow of 1790. It is full of history and vistas. Great views of the nearby island of Kahoolawe.

Need to Know

Little shade, no water, good swimming but the water can get rough in the afternoon.

Description

Though this follows black lava with very little shade, it's often quite windy here (especially after 10am), and being right next to the sea makes it feel fairly comfortable. Bring lots of water and good footwear though!

Just after the start, pass by ruins of ancient Hawaiian structures. Trails have been in use for hundreds of years here - imagine hiking on these with bare feet! Pass the structures, plus some neat arches and a small blowhole in the lava right next to the sea.

You'll have a short break through a forested section, but the rest of the hike traverses crushed lava. It's not nearly as rough as some other lava trails, but watch your footing. If you venture off trail for a better look, be extremely careful - everything is razor sharp and tends to shift underfoot. Keep your eyes out to spot the black/brown goats roaming around the structures and sometimes on the open lava fields.

Enjoy magnificent views the entire way and retrace your steps when you've had enough.

Flora & Fauna

The sea is teeming with life. The lava... not so much!

History & Background

The lava here flowed in 1790, and was the last burp of Haleakala. Parts of the trail, including the King's Highway AKA Hoapili Trail were rebuilt between 1824-1840 (which makes even the rebuilt trail quite historic!).

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Bella Bonnechance

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 8 votes

#2

in South Maui

#3475

Overall
  4.0 from 8 votes
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#2

in South Maui

#20

in Hawaii

#3,475

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Photos

Amazing views of the 1790 lava flow (black fingers coming down the mountain) - the last on Maui.
Apr 19, 2015 near Kēōkea, HI
Rugged landscape with beautiful views
Apr 19, 2015 near Kēōkea, HI
Pretty spectacular scenery...
Apr 19, 2015 near Kēōkea, HI
Crashing waves near lookout.
Oct 21, 2020 near Kēōkea, HI
Goats in the lava flow.
Apr 22, 2015 near Kēōkea, HI
Little beach...
Oct 21, 2020 near Kēōkea, HI

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Oct 20, 2020
Bella Bonnechance
Beautiful, sweeping views with ocean breezes to keep one cool. Trail is open and exposed except for a forested section. 3.3mi — 1h 20m
Sep 19, 2019
Paul Op
May 21, 2019
Hugo Carrillo
Apr 27, 2018
Axel Queffeulou
May 26, 2017
Karun Narasimhan
Enjoyed the evening hike. Need strong soles to walk through lava rocks that get bigger as you walk closer to viewpoint
May 16, 2017
Marcelo Toscano
Jan 12, 2017
Lori Andrews
Gorgeous shoreline. 6mi
Apr 2, 2010
Cristi P
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