Lahaina Pali Trail - Activities On Maui Wailuku, Hawaii

The Lahaina Pali Trail is an out and back style hike on Maui with a trailhead at both ends. The hike is around 5.5 miles one way so if you're going from one end to the other and then back you'll be hiking close to 11 miles. Expect around a 3-5 hour hike each way depending on your hiking level.

Image credit: Forest & Kim Starr

While the path itself isn't overly difficult, the length combined with the 1,500 foot elevation gain (from around 100 feet above sea level to 1,600 feet) makes it an intermediate to difficult hike for most. Bring plenty of water and be sure to read Hiking Safety & Essentials before you go.

Both trailheads are accessed from the Honoapiilani Highway (30). The western trailhead can be found 1/4 mile west of the A'alaloloa Pali tunnel. So, 1/4 of a mile after you pass through the short tunnel (heading west) be on the lookout on the mauka (mountain) side of the road for an area to pull off and turn in. You can park there and access the west side of this hike. You'll find this trailhead pinpointed on our map.

The eastern trailhead is found closer to the Ma'alaea Harbor and access 0.2 miles south of the Honoapiilani Highway (30) and North Kihei Road (310) T-intersection. Heading south after that T-intersection, look for a dirt road you can pull off into on your right. You'll find two gates, the one on the right will be closed but not locked. You can follow that road up and then to the left for a parking area (follow the boulder lined road). Close the gate behind you.

Since this is not a loop trail you'll need to pick a hiking strategy. Either do the full hike both ways, which will be a very long day, or do a partial hike. You could hike in a mile or two and head back, or do the full one way hike if you have somebody who can pick you up at the other trailhead.

Image credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Along the way you'll see some amazing views of the island's central valley, the ocean, Maui's wind farm, and views of Lanai island and Kahoolawe Island. During whale season you'll likely even seen whales breaching and tail slapping out in the ocean. Birds are common around here and there are a variety of native plants as well. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. As you get higher in elevation note that brush fires do occur up here so make sure you're not smoking or doing anything that could ignite the dry brush up there.

Now for some fun history on the Lahaina Pali Trail. This trail was originally constructed back in the early 1800s to better link Wailuku and Lahaina. By 1900, prisoners constructed a new dirt road at the base of the pali closer to the coast and the Lahaina Pali Trail stopped being used as much. Later on in 1952 a new paved highway opened which is the Honoapiilani Highway (30) you drive on today.

• General: Cost: Free	• General: Photo Opportunity	• Hiking: Dogs Allowed	• Hiking: Hiking	• Hiking: Length: 5-8 Miles
• Hiking: Level: Difficult	• Hiking: Level: Moderate	• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes	• Hiking: Out & Back Trail	• Sightseeing: Great Views
• Sightseeing: Wildlife