This is a difficult hike that offers huge views of the central part of Maui. The Lāhainā Pali Trail follows a historic old road that traverses high over the southern end of West Maui. The road is over 200 years old, but historians believe that this was earlier part of the Ala Loa Trail that traversed much of the island. This Nā Ala Hele trail is visible to much of the central part of the island because it goes through the Kaheawa wind farm. The Lāhainā Pali Trail can be accessed by two trailheads, on the eastern or western side of the trail. Most people choose to do half of the trail up to the wind turbines and back to the same trailhead, but it’s possible to hike the entire trail in a very difficult day or to stash an extra car at one trailhead and loop back to the other after completing your hike.

Trailheads:

• Eastern Trailhead: Just south of the intersection of Hwy. 30 and Hwy. 380, find a dirt road leading to the eastern Lāhainā Pali Trailhead. Two-wheel drive vehicles can park just off the highway, but leave enough room for four-wheel drive vehicles to continue another 1/2 mile to the trailhead parking.

• Western Trailhead: Find the Ukumehame Trailhead about three miles west of Māʻalaea Harbor. Find parking on the north side of the highway shortly after passing through the Lāhainā Pali Tunnel. Be careful pulling back into traffic.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Bring lots of water and sun protection. The trail is very rough and rocky, so sturdy boots are appropriate.

Hikes: Download an extensive trail guide to the history of the area along the trail.

• Eastern Side: The eastern side is the more difficult. It is longer because you will have to walk the access road from the two-wheel drive parking area. If you park at the four-wheel drive trailhead, subtract one mile from the round-trip mileage. The trail portion itself is also a bit longer, and hiking on this side subjects you to the cruel morning sun on your back as you ascend. Follow the rocky, steep trail as it switches back across the slope toward Kealaloloa Ridge, the southern rift of the volcano that formed West Maui. Cross an access road for the wind turbines and top out at 1600’. Return the way you came. This hike is 6.5 miles round-trip with 1600’ of elevation gain (5.5 miles from the four-wheel drive parking).

• Western Side: The western side is a bit shorter, has some morning shade, but still requires you to ascend the same amount of vertical gain. It also has more vegetation because it’s on the rainier side of the ridge. Unlike the zig-zags of the eastern side, this hike is more of a straight slog up and down the steep slope. After crossing broad Manawainui Gulch, top out at 1600’ near the wind turbine farm. Return the way you came. Don’t be alarmed if you hear gunshots on the bottom part of this hike - there is a gun range just down the highway and the sound echoes on the trail. This hike is 4 miles round-trip with 1600’ of elevation gain.

• Entire Trail: Doing the entire trail out-and-back from one trailhead is an exceptionally difficult hike. Start early and carry tons of water. It’s 10.5 miles and 3200’ of elevation gain.