The Hoapili Trail is one of Maui’s more beautiful, yet rugged trails on the island. Opposed to the lush, green and tropical scenery you encounter on the Road to Hana, Maui’s Hoapili Trail, also known as the King’s Highway or the King’s Trail, brings you through the lava fields on the southern side of Maui, showing the rougher side of one of the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands. This hike is roughly 5.5 miles long, round-trip, and there isn’t much of an elevation gain. Because of this, athletes often use this hike as a trail-running hike.
But don’t take this hike lightly!
Because of its more rugged lava rock terrain, one misstep and you could very easily get sliced by the razor sharp volcanic rocks that this trail is essentially composed of.
Along the trail, you’ll have overlooking views of the shoreline and ocean and the more rugged and rocky side of Maui that you won’t see on the tropical side of Maui.
Also, due to the lack of foliage on this side of the island, you’re also exposed to the sun more on this hike, as trees don’t grow nearly as well in the lava fields as they do on the rainier, windier and more tropical side of the island, like the Road to Hana.
Rating
8 / 10
Difficulty
3 / 5
Disclaimer
Time
Distance
Starting at La Pérouse Bay, this hike from start to finish is roughly 5.5 miles long, roundtrip.
Recommended Hiking Equipment for the Hoapili Trail
A good chunk of this hike is in a big lava field, so make sure you’re properly equipped with hiking equipment.
- Hiking shoes or hiking sandals
- water
- sunscreen
- sun hat
- Hiking poles (here’s our personal 5 top trekking poles recommendations)
You can also rent hiking gear on island so you don’t have to bring it with you! These guys make it really easy!
Description
Summary
Trailhead
You’re not too far from Keawakapu Beach! Check out this awesome beach nearby!
Location
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/PpPbgDMRNyQjZ1k48
Directions
Coordinates
20.5820126,-156.4244898
Nearby
Keawanaku Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/zGMZ1at1RH8v7G4z9
Kanaio Beach
Check out the Waihee Ridge Trail if you’re interested in other AWESOME Maui hikes!
Media
Gallery
Videos
What Else Should I Know?
What is the history of the Kings trail Maui?
What is the King’s Highway a historic hiking trail?
How long does the Hoapili Trail take?
How long is the Hoapili Trail?
Is Hoapili Trail worth it?
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What is the history of the Hoapili Trail?
How long is Sliding Sands Trail?
What are the lava fields in Maui?
What is the toughest hike in Hawaii?
How long does it take to hike hoapili trail?
What is the best trail in West Maui?
Is the Hoapili Trail better in the morning or afternoon?
Where is the hoapili trail?
What hotels are near Hoapili Trail?
What restaurants are near Hoapili Trail?
How Old Is The Hoapili Trail?
What Was The Hoapili Trail Used For And By Whom?
How Did They Build The Hoapili Trail Originally?
Who Built The Hoapili Trail?
So Is It Hoapili Trail, Pi’ilani Trail, King’s Highway, Or La Perouse?
How to Get to the Hoapili Trailhead
When is the Best Time to Hike the Hoapili Trail
Other Things to do in South Maui
How the Maui Lava Fields Came to Be
Getting to the Maui Lava Fields and Hoapili Trail
Seeing the Wild Goats on Maui
The Hoapili Trail to Hanamanioa Lighthouse
Interested in other hikes for runners? Check out this article on the top hikes for runners in Maui!
