Stroll Then Swim on This Beach Hike in Maui — It’s Summer Perfection

The Hawaiian Islands have no shortage of gorgeous hikes, beaches, or places to swim. In fact, there are many places where you can enjoy all three of these things at once. However, what if you want options? With multiple beaches to choose from, different activities available at each beach, and a trail that takes many forms, the Kapalua Coastal Trail in Maui is beloved for a reason.

At about 2.5 miles, the trail is an out-and-back hike with public bathrooms and parking at both ends, as well as along the path. Parking can be expensive at both ends of the hike (unless you’re a resident, in which case it’s free), so many people attempt to park along the middle of the hike. However, travelers often will choose to pay irregardless because of the sheer amount of options for activities available within a short distance. 

For instance, Kapalua Beach is highly regarded for snorkeling and exploring tide pools but can’t be used for surfing. However, Oneloa Bay can be used for surfing and also has sand dunes to explore. The existence of multiple beaches means that there are ample opportunities for swimming as well as bird watching, cliff jumping, and viewing humpback whales (from December to April). The trail itself also has interesting landscapes such as the Dragon’s Teeth — a lava formation that juts upwards near the ocean and gives the appearance of jagged teeth.

Throughout your hike, you’ll quickly realize that these lava rocks are everywhere and can prove to be hard for some people with lower mobility to navigate. As a result, it’s recommended to leave the flip-flops at home and to bring sturdy footwear instead. 

Open all year, this trail is known to be beautiful from nearly any angle, with waving palm trees, warm sand, waves that break along the rocks in a way that seems almost poetic, and rainbows that hang over it all. Sunsets, in particular, signal when most people use the path, but in the summer, the number of visitors doubles during the evenings and mornings because of the extreme heat of the day paired with the lack of shade along the route. However, the trail is also known to be very windy, so this can often help offset some of the summer heat. 

Due to its close proximity to luxury hotels and multiple beaches, the hike and surrounding area are very popular with tourists and families. It’s also often used by runners because of its relatively flat nature. The path does, however, change quite often, with some parts paved, other parts dirt, and some rocky areas created by hardened lava. As a result, the hike is not ADA accessible or good for families who want to use strollers. Additionally, unlike many hikes on the Hawaiian Islands, dogs aren’t allowed on the trail because of shearwater bird nesting areas. 

This hike isn’t one where you’ll climb over mountains in order to visit waterfalls and feel as if you’re in "Jurassic Park." It’s quieter and calmer, but is no less exciting for those who know how special the beaches are on any of the Hawaiian Islands. Floating on the waves, exploring the tide pools, viewing nesting birds or humpback whales in the distance — the Kapalua Coastal Trail has everything you’ll need for a hiking beach day in Maui. But maybe you think there’s a Hawaiian trail better suited to hiking and swimming in the summer? Use our nomination form and tell us all about it!