Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before you park

•

[MOLOKA\'I] - UPDATE 3/24/25: Pala'au State Wayside Park Pavilion: Due to demolition and renovation work, the pavilion will be closed from March 25 to May 31.

•

[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 3/24/25: The Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside is closed indefinitely due to police activity in the area.  Please avoid the area until further notice.

•

[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

•

[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 3/18/25: Mauna ʻAla, Royal Mausoleum State Monument will be undergoing improvements that may temporarily prevent vehicular access. Please check the Royal Mausoleum State Monument website for updates.

•

[OʻAHU] UPDATED 3/18/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Full Park Closures will occur Tuesdays through Fridays beginning April 1 to April 11 and also Monday through Thursday April 14 to April 17.  Partial Park Closures Hours with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will occur on Monday April 7 during this time, and will resume from April 21 onwards Monday through Friday, (except weekends and holidays).   Normal Park Hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume during Spring Break March 17 to March 28, Good Friday Holiday on April 18, and Weekends. During Partial Park Closures Hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. The project began January 6, 2025, and will run to July 25, 2025, or upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check back for updates.

•

[MAUI] UPDATE 3/4/25 - Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Beginning April 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025 the park, cabin campgrounds and access road to Polipoli Forest Reserve will be closed due to tree mitigation work. 

Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail

Trail Length 3 miles (round trip)
Activity Pedestrian
Difficulty Moderate
Terrain Barren Lava, Ups and Downs.
Elevation Gain 200 ft
Park Name Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Description

This is a rugged coastal trail over largely barren lava, offering spectacular views of the Hana Coast and Slopes of Haleakala, as well as stands of native hala (screwpine) trees and small offshore islets.

Route

From the State Park make your way to the shoreline at Pailoa Bay (cliff shoreline) and head southeast. The trail is obvious in some areas and less so in others, but it is easy to follow the shoreline where it is not well-marked. Be respectful of gravesites within the park area, please stay outside of these areas, indicated by low stone walls and stone platforms. Pass the park cabins and Ohala heiau (temple) inland of the trail. Continue along the rocky shoreline until you reach a boulder beach, indicating the end of the trail From this point, you can retrace your steps, or follow roads leading to the Hana Highway to return to the park. Allow at least 2 hours for the hike. You may also make a full day of it and continue along the beach to Hana Bay, where food is available and swimming is accessible.

Directions

Take Highway 360 about 53 miles (3 hours) east of Kahului airport. Waiʻānapanapa State Park is at end of Waiʻānapanapa Road.

Additional Info

  • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
  • Stay on the trail.
  • Keep dogs on leash.
  • Pack out at least what you pack in.
  • No open fires.