Nu’u Refuge is a remote, special place abundant with natural beauty and ancient history. The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust purchased 82 acres of land in 2011 from a ranch to establish Nu’u Refuge. The Land Trust graciously allows access to the public. Archaeological ruins include many structures from an ancient fishing village as well as some of the most interesting and well-preserved rock art on Maui. The refuge also protects extensive coastal wetlands that provide sustenance to several endangered bird species. Because of the effort to protect bird habitat, dogs (even on leash) are strictly prohibited. The hike described below allows one to visit the entirety of Nu’u Refuge in a relatively short but rough hike. Nu’u is a very special place to many people, including fishermen, nature lovers, history buffs, and hikers. A visitor here needs to be especially careful to Leave No Trace and travel lightly.

Trailhead: On the Haleakalā backside near mile marker 30 on Hwy. 31, find a metal gate with a small parking area off the road suitable for one or two cars. The trailhead is pretty tough to find. If you’re coming from the west, you’ll pass over a small gulch on a small bridge. After the bridge, there’s a dirt road heading toward the ocean. This isn’t it. The trailhead is the next dirt road heading toward the ocean. It’s a metal ranch gate anchored on it’s right side by a lava wall. The dirt road beyond the metal gate is a grassy two-track. The link at the head of this section is a direct pinpoint on the spot. There’s a lot of private property in the area. If you think you’re wrong, don’t trespass. There are no services at this trailhead.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Boots are a must for the extremely rough trail. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Hike: Sneak past the gate on the right side. There’s an obvious spot to squeeze around it. Within 25’ of the gate, look sharp along the lava rock wall to your right. There are extensive petroglyphs and pictographs along the wall. This incredible rock art site is well-preserved and needs to stay that way. Do not touch the wall. Around the corner you’ll find some rock wall remains and a faint trail heading west. This short trail ends quickly at some more rock art. Back on the old road, follow the two-track down to gorgeous Nu’u Bay with a broad shoreline of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. It’s quite the scene. Hike east and find a faint trail up a small hill. From here, you’ll trace the shoreline on a difficult to follow ancient trail. Some parts are marked with white coral, but expect to lose the trail from time to time. Pass Nonou Bay. There are some heavily eroded ruins along the way. The trail terminates in a small bay with a picture-perfect black lava and white coral beach. This is the refuge boundary. Visit this beautiful place and then hike north and find an old road heading northwest back toward the trailhead near an old rock wall. After less than a half mile, this old road intersects another. Head southwest along the fenced wall of the coastal wetland refuge for endangered birds. Keep out, and enjoy the views of the wetlands from the road. Quickly intersect the trail you started this loop upon. Hike back past Nu’u Bay again and back to the trailhead.