Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports before your park •

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[KAUA’I] - UPDATE 3/11/25: Kalalau trail, Nāpali Coast SWP has REOPENED for DAY HIKING ONLY as far as Hanakapi'ai Falls.  Stream flooding has subsided, but the trail has been compromised further out due to heavy rain and runoff, with impassable sections.   Emergency repairs will be undertaken at the earliest convenience, and the trail will be reopened as soon as it is deemed safe, which we expect to be within days.

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[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. 

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 2/7/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Full park closures have commenced Tuesdays through Fridays beginning March 4 to March 14, and April 1 to April 11. Full park closures will also occur Monday through Thursday April 14 to April 17.  Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM occur on Monday’s during these dates. Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will resume again Monday through Friday, (excluding weekends and holidays) on April 21.   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.  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. During Partial park closures 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. Please check back for updates.

 

Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail

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    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.