This short South Maui hike travels to Cape Hanamanioa, a promontory of new lava with a large coral-studded beach. The hike begins at the same trailhead and shares the same beginning as the Hoapili Trail, but cuts south when the historic part of the Hoapili Trail begins. The hike follows an old road along the lava sea cliffs. Cape Hanamanioa houses several anchialine pools, brackish ponds with subterranean access to the sea. These pools are important to wildlife in the area and should be avoided (the pools at Cape Hanamanioa aren’t very attractive for swimming anyway). The large beach is comprised of large polished lava and coral, and isn’t particularly good for swimming, but it’s a great place to find some solitude.

This trail is a bit easier than doing the rougher Hoapili Trail. It can easily be combined with that hike for a long day.

Trailhead: From where Hwy. 31 comes to a dead-end in South Maui, turn right onto Wailea Ike Drive, then quickly turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive. Follow Wailea Alanui as it turns into Mākena Alanui (also Mākena Road). Mākena Road ends at trailhead parking. The road deteriorates as you get nearer to the trailhead, but it is accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Sturdy boots are a must for this incredibly rough trail. Bring lots of water and sun protection.

Hike: This hike begins at La Pérouse Bay, named for the French explorer Jean François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, who was the first European to anchor near Maui in 1786. The trail follows the coast where you’ll find a few spots containing a bit of sand between lava features. You’ll notice rock walls in the area. This site was a village named Keone’ō’io, “the sandy place with bonefish.” Stay on the trail and off of any remaining rock walls. The trail passes through an area of overgrown Kiawe trees near the shoreline. You’ll probably see several feral goats. After passing through the Kiawe forest, you’ll come to a barren expanse of lava. The Hoapili Trail branches off to the east, marked by several metal signs warning visitors to remain on the trail and out of any ancient sites. Stay on the old road you’ve been using and stay near the shoreline. The trail eventually enters sparse lava, and you’ll be about 30 feet above sea level. There are several spur trails toward the ocean that provide nice vantages. Be extremely careful on these eroding cliffs. Cape Hanamanioa has a large white nautical warning device. Pass this “lighthouse” and find a faint trail through the rough lava that descends down to the coral beaches on the eastern side of the Cape. Pass by an anchialine pool and keep away from it. Enjoy the pretty coral beach and return the way you came.