You will not only find some of America’s most iconic landscapes across the islands but some of the best hiking trails in the world. While you’ll find plenty of difficult hikes across Hawaii, not everyone who lives in – or visits – the Aloha State is an experienced hiker. Luckily, there are countless incredible trails that are either easy, short, or both – like Maui’s Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Part boardwalk, part meandering waterfront path, and all incredible, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is perfect for those of all skill levels, including small children.
Jill/Flickr
Stretching between luxury resorts and picturesque coastline in northwestern Maui, the Kapalua Coastal Trail - which measures in at approximately 3.5 miles round trip - is more of a nature walk than it is a traditional hike.
Jill/Flickr
The trail begins at Kapalua Beach before meandering down the shoreline to Namalu Bay, across Oneloa Bay’s sand dunes, and through the Ritz-Carlton before arriving at D.T. Fleming Beach Park.
Tara C./Yelp
Fun fact: the Kapalua Coastal Trail is the only hike in America to begin and end at one of the country’s best beaches. Both Kapalua and D.T. Fleming beaches have been named the best beach in America, in 1991 and 2006, respectively.
Werner Bayer/Flickr
Along the way, you’ll find grassy shoreline and native plants, tide pools, rocky cliffs and volcanic outcroppings, plenty of sea turtles, and some of the island’s prettiest beaches.
Stephanie G./Yelp
Birgit/Flickr
Perhaps the most striking of sights along this path is what is known as Maui’s Dragon Teeth, a magical scene of jagged, gray rocks that were formed hundreds of years ago when wind gusts from the ocean forced lava to harden towards the sky - and now resemble jagged teeth jutting out from the jaw of a dragon.
Andrew Baerst/Flickr
Here you will also find this elaborate labryinth made from stone on a grassy plane, thought to be a prayer labyrinth. Prayer labyrinths have been used by numerous religions and cultures for at least 3,500 years, though this particular labyrinth has only existed for the last several decades.
Jeff Wallace/Flickr
Leona S./Yelp
You’ll also be able to admire the million-dollar homes, condos and resorts that populate this picturesque area - and on a clear day, you might be able to spot Lanai and Molokai on the horizon!
Lynne Schreur/Flickr
The beginning and the end of the trail are paved - but in the middle, you will find sections of gravel, dirt, and boardwalk. Don’t worry, though - the trail is mostly level, and features only slight inclines in elevation.
Jill/Flickr
Shira W./Yelp
Have you ever strolled along the gorgeous Kapalua Coastal Trail? No matter what your skill level, you’re sure to find that one of these twelve waterfront hikes is perfect for your weekend agenda.
Jill/Flickr
Tara C./Yelp
Werner Bayer/Flickr
Stephanie G./Yelp
Birgit/Flickr
Andrew Baerst/Flickr
Jeff Wallace/Flickr
Leona S./Yelp
Lynne Schreur/Flickr
Shira W./Yelp
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
