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Puu Olai (Red Hill) from Oneloa “Makena” Beach

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Rating

2.5 out of 5 Coconuts

Summary

A nice little hike that makes you feel like Ke Ali'i (King) of the Hill

Difficulty

5/10

Duration

Short; 1 hour from parking to end

1.5 miles roundtrip

~350 ft elevation gain

Access

Parking at Big Beach parking lot, walk to beginning from there

Where

South Maui; Makena near Big Beach and Little Beach

Coordinates

20.6361099,-156.4666763

Map

Description

Puu Olai, also known as Red Hill, is the mound that you have probably seen if you've driven along the water anywhere on the south to southwest side of Maui. Standing at the bottom of Haleakala on the water's edge, Puu Olai is the volcanic tuft sitting at Makena, near Big Beach and Little Beach.

You begin this hike by heading on the path from Big Beach to Little Beach. Halfway across the climb across the beaches, you'll turn right to continue to climb up Red Hill. Keep climbing, following the path, where you'll eventually reach the summit of Puu Olai and the trail will loop around around, bringing you back the way you came from.

Media

no images were found

Address

6600 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Gear

Gear

Your Brain (as always when hiking)

Waterproof Phone Case (while there are others, this one is the best.)

Water Filter or Camelbak pack

Bug Repellent (this natural one is our favorite!)

Dry Bag (you're on an island. You'll probably get wet.)

Paracord (there's always a use for this.)

Camera or Drone (you can't beat this one.)

Spare Socks (laugh now, but you'll take this one seriously post-hike.)

Shoes (these are great hiking shoes.)

Clothes you can get wet

Sunglasses (this brand specifically is the best for ocean and water activities.)

Sunscreen (use this one to help preserve the coral and marine life.)

Trekking Poles

First Aid Kit (better safe than sorry.)

Pelican 2 Pack Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch (Regular Size)-Floating Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 16 Pro Max/ 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/ 13 - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow
$27.20 -$0.49 $26.71
5 High-Capacity Emergency Water Straws – Lightweight, Reusable, 1800-gallon Filters for Camping, Hiking, Travel, Biking, Survival, and Emergencies. No Expiration Date, Perfect for preparedness
$49.98 ($10.00 / Count)
CamelBak Rogue Light Bike Hydration Pack 70oz, Black/Silver
$82.00
CamelBak Ambush Hydration Pack, Coyote Tan, with 100oz (3.0L) Mil-Spec Crux Reservoir, One Size
$118.99
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Mountain Biking Hydration Pack - Easy Refilling Hydration Backpack - Magnetic Tube Trap - 100oz, Moroccan Blue/Black
$126.04
Pelican ExoDry 10L Small Drybag - Waterproof - Shoulder Strap - Thick & Lightweight - Roll Top Dry Compression - Keeps Gear Dry for Kayaking, Beach, Rafting and Fishing - Olive
$28.99
Piscifun Dry Bag, Waterproof Floating Backpack 20L with Waterproof Phone Case for Boating, Kayaking, Fishing, Army Green 20L
$20.99
HEETA 2/3/4 Pack Waterproof Pouch, Screen Touch Sensitive Waterproof Dry Bag with Adjustable Waist Strap, Keep Your Phone and Valuables Dry for Swimming Kayaking Boating Fishing Beach Diving Surfing
$12.99
Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord, 7-Strand Core, High Strength - 5/32 Inch x 100 Foot (4mm x 30m), Black
$13.29 ($0.13 / Foot)
DJI Mavic Mini Combo- Drone with Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time, less than 0.55lbs, Gray
$574.01
DJI Mavic Mini Fly More Combo Drone FlyCam Quadcopter Bundle with SD Card and More, 4K
$998.99
DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC) + Fly More Kit Plus – Lightweight Camera Drone with 4K/60fps Video, 2 More Batteries Provide Up to 94-mins Flight Time, Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing, Drone for Beginners
Darn Tough Men's Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight with Cushion Sock (Style 1039) - Eclipse, Large
$17.95
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Walnut, 10.5
$80.29
Columbia Mens Crestwood Hiking Shoe, Camo Brown/Heatwave, 12 Wide US
$52.50
Plant Therapy Nature Shield Essential Oil Blend 10 mL (1/3 oz) 100% Pure, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade
$11.99 ($36.33 / Fl Oz)
Maui Jim Men's and Women's Byron Bay Polarized Wrap Sunglasses, Marlin/Neutral Grey, Large
$279.00
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Zinc Oxide, Daily Moisturizer with SPF, 1.7 oz Pump
$39.00 ($22.94 / Ounce)
EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 Body Sunscreen, Water and Sweat Resistant, Oil-Free, Zinc Oxide Formula, 8 oz Tube
$60.00 ($7.50 / Ounce)
Montem Ultra Light 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles - One Pair (2 Poles) - Ultra Light, Quick Locking, Foldable, Weather-Resistant and Ultra Durable
$89.95
MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Carbon Backcountry Trekking Poles, Large
$189.95 -$40.85 $149.10
First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit (FAO-442)
$20.58
330 Piece First Aid Kit, Premium Waterproof Compact Trauma Medical Kits for Any Emergencies, Ideal for Home, Office, Car, Travel, Outdoor, Camping, Hiking, Boating (Red)
$45.99 ($0.14 / Count)
M2 BASICS Professional 350 Piece First Aid Kit | Hard Case, Dual Layer, Wall Mountable | First Aid Kit for Business, Home, Car | Emergency Kit, Emergency Medical Kit
$42.88

 

Check out this link for a deeper look: Best Things to Bring on a Hike

Nearby and Related

Big Beach and Little Beach

Disclaimer

Make sure you have permission to hike here. Respect the Aina and help keep this place of beauty beautiful.

https://letsgotomaui.net/disclaimer/

Specific Cautions

Proper permission to continue the hike

More Info

https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/hawaii/hikes/puu-olai-red-hill

https://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGP008-021