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Rugged, exposed, historic lava flow route.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.7

KM

Point to Point

77' 23 m

High

7' 2 m

Low

66' 20 m

Up

69' 21 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Swimming · Views

Description

This trail traverses the last lava flow on Maui, in 1790. The trail has been used for hundreds of years - imagine Hawaiians hiking barefoot along these razor-sharp, ankle-rolling lava cobbles! The trail was rebuilt in 1824-1840, which makes even the "new" version pretty historic.

The trail itself is miserable - straight across black, hot rock, far from the sea (hot!) and the surface is baseball-sizes lava rocks that seem to move with every step. But the destinations are pretty amazing: especially the turnoff to Keawanaku Beach, which has some of the finest swimming and snorkeling on the entire island, and you are very likely to have it to yourself.

You can continue on for many miles, but the surface is rough-going and once you past the end marked here, you've seen the high points. Definitely not recommended to continue.

Flora & Fauna

The lava is so fresh, you will find very little life, except in the sea, where it is tremendous!

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#3

in South Maui

#23115

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in South Maui

#92

in Hawaii

#23,115

Overall
24 Views Last Month
3,203 Since Apr 19, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

14%
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14%
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71%
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Photos

Lord of the Rings .....
Oct 21, 2020 near Kēōkea, HI
The hot, black highway to Kanaio Beach.  Pretty much like this the whole way... exposed, loose lava.
Apr 19, 2015 near Kēōkea, HI
That's about as much vegetation as you'll find on the King's Highway!
Apr 19, 2015 near Kēōkea, HI
Trail
Feb 14, 2019 near Kēōkea, HI

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