Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point is a popular hike in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii. The 3.7-mile out and back trail offers the chance to see lush foliage, interesting wildlife, and striking rock formations.

Along the trail you'll encounter cragged sea cliffs, sheltered coves, dunes, tide pools, sculpted lava formations, and beautiful native plants. Everywhere you turn there's a new and fascinating slice of nature to experience.
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Mahaulepu Beach at one end of the trail is known for whale and monk seal sightings in the winter. It's a rockier beach -- better utilized for beach combing, hiking, and enjoying the visual rock formations than for sunning on sand.
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Hikers say the trail is appropriate to all skill levels and traverses a spectrum of different terrain including trails, pavement, rocks, and sand.
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This trail is along the last slice of accessible coastline on the island that hasn't been developed. It provides a view into the beautiful Hawaiian landscape when it goes undisturbed by human interference.
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Previous hikers have said that the trail is sandy and easy to walk along, showcasing beautiful views, lava rock, a golf course, and an area of sacred ground. Many note that of the various hiking options in Kauai, this trail shouldn’t be underestimated.
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There are many offshoots on this trail that lead to various additional sights, but they all lead back to the main Heritage Trail. This allows hikers to design their experience just the way they want it, without worrying about getting lost.
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Of course, you should always have a map downloaded on your phone, or a physical copy, before heading out into nature.

Because this is one of the last slices of untouched land on the island, it’s imperative to leave the trail just as you found it. In exchange, you get a unique and stunning natural experience.

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Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, Koloa, HI 96756, USA