Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

[O’AHU] UPDATE 3/30/26

Kaʻena Point State Park, Mākua-Keawaʻula Section: CLOSED due to flooding and collapsed road on Farrington Highway.

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Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokulēʻia Section: CLOSED due to saturated and eroded roads.

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Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park and Camping REOPEN this weekend.

[MAU’I] UPDATE 3/30/26

Waiʻānapanapa State Park : Currently CLOSED to parking, park entry, tent camping, camper van camping and all cabin reservations, anticipated REOPEN on March 31st.

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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.

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Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until April 26.

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Kaumahina State Wayside CLOSED.

[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

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Kiholo State Park Reserve: Road CLOSED to vehicles due to erosion until further notice, pedestrian access remains opened. Camping remains CLOSED.

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Lapakahi State Historical Park: CLOSED until further notice due to unsafe trails and water bars.

[KAUAʻI] 3/24/26

Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Kalalau trail OPENED. 

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

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.