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Enjoy beautiful coastline, dramatic cliffs, and an archaeological site on South Kauai.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

Point to Point

81' 25 m

High

15' 5 m

Low

125' 38 m

Up

107' 33 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Cave · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy viewing the cave along this trail.

Overview

This hike starts at Shipwrecks Beach. This trail follows the coastline to the Makauwahi Sinkhole. It is not marked very well and has many parallel trails.

Need to Know

The cave reserve is only open on certain days. Check the website if you are interested in going inside the cave.

Description

This trail follows the coastline to the Makauwahi Cave. It is not marked very well and has many parallel social trails.

The official start of the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail starts at the end of Shipwrecks beach. This portion of the trail is in a dune area and parallels the coastline, but there are many parallel social trails that can be confusing. Your best bet is to follow the most well traveled portion. You'll hike through the dunes with some ups and downs and then notice the Poipu Bay golf course on your left. You'll eventually be hiking on the extreme edge of the golf course, cliffside. Be aware of the golfers and watch out for errant golf balls.

You eventually exit the golf course and get back on coastline trail. Again in this area, there are numerous sub-trails that all go in the same direction. You'll pass CJM Stable on your left and then see signs for the Makauwahi Cave Reserve. The trail is split between a horse trail and foot trail with signs guiding you. The trail circles the cave with interpretive kiosks for you to check out. Eventually, you'll end up at a bridge at Waioli Stream.

Flora & Fauna

Nene, monk seals, sea turtles, and humpback whales can all be seen depending on the season.

History & Background

Check hikemahaulepu.org and cavereserve.org for complete descriptions of historical and archaeological information.

Contacts

Land Manager: County of Kauai, Hawaii

Shared By:

Steve Jackson

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 24 votes

#1

in Poipu

#428

Overall
  4.8 from 24 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Poipu

#4

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#428

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Photos

View of Makauwahi Cave Reserve from rim
Oct 21, 2017 near Kōloa, HI
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Nov 26, 2017 near Kōloa, HI
View of the trail toward Gillins Beach
Oct 21, 2017 near Kōloa, HI
Shipwreck Beach
Oct 21, 2017 near Kōloa, HI

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 17 days ago
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Check-Ins

Mar 3, 2024
Cheryl Smith
May 30, 2022
Devin Radel
Mar 9, 2022
Barbara Barrocas
Beautiful vistas but more strenuous than we anticipated.
Jan 17, 2022
Samantha Kosiyachinda
Nov 22, 2021
Casey Chu
Nov 7, 2021
Norma Klein
Beautiful coastal trail, easy access, wear good walking shoes! 4mi — 2h 10m
Aug 15, 2021
Chris Sarot
Jun 18, 2021
Stephen Pack
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