Maha'ulepu Trail
Photo by Wasabi
Hike among incredible geological wonders on this ancient coastline trail from Shipwrecks to Keoneloa Bay. Native flora and fauna and cultural sites. No water. Facilities at Shipwrecks.
Things To Bring
- Water
- Appropriate Footwear
- Sun Protection
Cool Because
The terrain is million of years old on this undeveloped coastline.
Topography
Rocky trail with narrow, cliffside sections that leads to open beaches.
Not Good For
Someone that wants to gain elevation.
Hazards
Uneven terrain with cliffside sections of trail. Blowholes can shoot dangerous sprays of ocean waves near the path. The rough water and reefs at the isolated beach make swimming, surfing and bodyboarding potentially hazardous.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
LENGTH
2 Miles (one way)
User Rating
Click a star to vote
2.5 / 5 (67 votes)
Your Questions Answered!
The Explorer's Guide to Kauai answers all the frequently asked questions from the discussions on this website, including the questions you didn't know to ask. Plus, there's detailed Kauai vacation maps and neighborhood info...Show me!
Let's Discuss (24 comments)
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Oct 09, 2007 10:04AM
We will be visiting Kauai in late November. Our cruise ship will be docking in Nawilliwilli harbour...is it possible to take a bus (or even ride our bikes?) from the harbour to Shipwrecks to do this hike? And are there buses from Shipwrecks back to near the harbour? Thanks!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 09, 2007 10:36AM
Hello Lauren - biking to Mahaulepu is doable but the recommended off road route involves some tricky turns and private land (you would need an experienced local guide). I think that you can rent a car at the docks but do not know of a bus service to Shipwrecks. The hike is wonderful and your effort will be rewarded. W
Oct 23, 2007 12:38PM
We will be at Waikomo Steam Villas from 11/19 to 11/29, with our 10 year old active son and 15 year old unactive daughter. Would this be a good family walk to take? What would be the best time of day during these dates for such a walk?
Mahalo
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 23, 2007 1:59PM
Andy - this is a great family walk and close to where you are staying. I recommend starting early because it will be cooler and generally clearer. W
Oct 24, 2007 6:41PM
I don\'t know if we hiked the trail because it was nowhere near two miles, but we made it to the cliffside and it was awesome. After passing the Hyatt, we parked at a paved parking lot for the beach at the end of Ainako St. We walked on a dirt road until the road deadended and a trail began. We walked on the trail for probably about 10 minutes when we got to the cliffs. If were to do it again, I would forgo the entire dirt road (someone had told us, we should drive down the dirt road but I didn't want to risk damaging the low rental car) and the trail altogether. Rather than the dirt road and trail, walk along the beach toward the left to the cliffs. There is an entrance to the short, uphill trail and you are at the cliffs in no time. This is the trail to do if you don't really want to hike but want a gorgeous view.
Where is Shipwrecks? Did I start at the wrong starting point? I would actually like to do the hike if there is one.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 25, 2007 6:26AM
Shipwrecks is the beach in directly in front of the Hyatt. I usually just start walking along the cliff trail that starts on the East end of Shipwrecks (Keoneloa) beach. Check the virtual tour. W
Nov 13, 2007 7:06AM
We will be visiting for 7 days in Kauai May of 2008. I have two questions will we still be able to see whales and where would be the best place to do that? Also, are grocery stores available and how would I find the locations of these? Thanks so much
Kelly
Kauai Explorer Staff
Nov 13, 2007 8:18AM
Kelly - there will be very few whales in May. Most are on their way back to Northern waters. Grocery stores are available in all of the little towns around Kauai.
Dec 19, 2007 11:43AM
No questions, just a thank you. I was in Kauai in September to visit my sister, and this place was a highlight of my trip. There's a sense of wonder, beauty and spirituality there that's hard to explain. Mahalo nui loa.
Jan 09, 2008 6:14PM
Mahalo for the information on this site. I have 2 questions. Where are the best spots to see whales on Kauai In late January and where are the best places to see a sunrise and sunset(besides Polihale? Mahalo for your time. (=
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 10, 2008 7:48AM
Hi Emily - without a doubt, whale-watching is superior from a boat. Some excellent companies sponsor this website and we surely would appreciate if you go with them. If you want to see whales from land, choose a high spot that overlooks deep, calm water. A few spots include Spouting Horn in Poipu, Kealia point, Kilauea Lighthouse and the .5 mile point on the Na Pali coast trail.
Ke'e is my favorite sunset spot (because I live nearby). South shore sunsets are beautiful as well. W
Mar 12, 2008 7:48PM
Aloha,
I have hike into Kalalau dozens of times but want to explore some other supper insane hikes on the rest of the island. Could you recommend any trails for the extremely adventurous, day hikes or extended. Specifically I heard about a trail to a huge waterfall that was the site of a helicopter crash a few years ago, I believe it was called the blue room, and is not hiked often because its length and difficulty, not to be confused with the blue room out past Hanalei. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 13, 2008 7:32PM
Aloha David. You're most likely referring to the Blue Hole on the river flowing from Mt. Waialeale. This is a very strenuous hike that takes all day, roundtrip, if you begin early. You need a 4 wheel drive to take the road that leads to the trailhead. Some trail and lots of boulder hopping to get here. It can be rainy as you approach closer to the mountain, even on sunny days. A serious hike. J
Apr 24, 2008 7:41PM
ALOHA,
I WILL BE VISITING KAUAI THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND WOULD LIKE TO HIKE IN TO WAIMIA CANYON. I DO NOT WANT TO HIKE ALONE, CAN YOU RECOMMEND A COMPANY THAT HIKE WITH INTO CANYON?
MAHALO
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 25, 2008 4:10PM
Aloha Nancy. You're wise to hike with a buddy. You may want to tune in with the local Sierra Club chapter, as they may be guiding a hike in this area during your stay. We post their monthly events on the Ecovents calendar on this website (in the Info guides) or you can visit their website here: http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai/. They may also be able to connect you with a fellow hiker.
You may also want to ask a local tour company like Outfitters Kauai to see if they offer guided hikes or know who does.
Enjoy the canyon! J
May 21, 2008 10:35PM
What day(s) do the cruise ships come in, we will be there from June 19 to the 26th. Would like to plan around the crowds.
Thanks,
Mark
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 22, 2008 8:46PM
Aloha Mark. We do not know the cruise ship schedule, though it arrives at Nawiliwili harbor regularly. This area - Kalapaki Bay and the surrounding shops - do see an influx of foot traffic when the ship docks. The spots you'll encounter the most crowds - essentially stand still traffic - are Kapaa and Lihue, especially between 11 and 2 on weekends and 3-6 on weekdays. This is mostly due to lots of visitors and locals using an infrastructure that cannot support them. Whenever possible, park the car and walk, or better yet, ride share. J
Jun 25, 2008 3:47AM
This is my favorite place on Kaua'i. I've spent a lifetime hiking and climbing mountains in fragile eco-systems, but this is a special place. Please respect it. Peace. Paka
Jul 03, 2008 5:35PM
Will be staying @ kauai beach club 7/11 to 7/18. How is the best way to get to this area? Thank you
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 03, 2008 9:18PM
Aloha Fred. I think you are staying at the Marriott Kalapaki. You can get to Mahaulepu by going to Poipu and following Poipu Rd to the end. Travel the dirt road to the T. Make a right towards the ocean and park. Gates close at sunset. Don't get caught! J
Jul 22, 2008 4:20PM
I have done this hike many times with my wife. There isn't an easier hike on Kauai. The coastline and beach have some spectacular views especially if the surf is high.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 22, 2008 7:30PM
I'd say the only easier "hike" would be walking the paved path at Lydgate. Thanks for the comments, Chuck. J
Aug 18, 2008 9:34PM
Hi,
you say that the hike is easy. But at the beginning of this page it is described as "trail with narrow, cliffside sections". Could you please tell me whether this means that the hike is not suitable for people who get dizzy or are afraid of steep and exposed trails?
Thanks!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 21, 2008 9:28PM
Aloha Brigitte. This trail should be fine, even for someone that has these issues. There are spots where you can go out to the edge of the cliff if you want, but the trail is far enough in that you don't have to do this. Just wear good walking shoes and bring lots of water. Enjoy! J
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