Kapalua Coastal Trail Hike, Maui: Complete 2024 Guide
Need a relaxing stroll in the morning on your Maui vacation? Check out the Kapalua Coastal Trail, an easy hike along the beautiful Maui northwest coastline.
And what does the Kapalua Coastal Trail hike offer?
Beautiful sandy beaches and spectacular bay views? Check! Interesting family fun sections with tide pools to explore and nesting birds to observe? Check!
Ritzy resorts with alluring beachfront burger joints and bars? Check! Crazy lava formations and labyrinths to see? Check!
Best of all, the Kapalua Coastal Trail hike is easy and fun for the whole family, and completely free, even parking!
You can’t go wrong with the Kapalua Coastal Trail hike: from romantic sunsets to early morning jogs, this versatile hike is one of my favorite hikes on the island of Maui!
And if you are staying at the Ritz Carlton or the Montage or nearby, this hike is likely one of the first you’ll take on your vacation!
Planning a trip to Maui? Sunrise at the top of the Haleakala crater is a magical experience you will remember long after your visit!
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Kapalua Coastal Trail Hike: Fast Facts
Kapalua Coastal Trail Difficulty
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is rated as easy!
The trail sections are variously paved, wooden boardwalk, packed mud, or rocky paths.
While trail is mostly well-marked, there are a few spots where you lose the trail a bit over rocky sections and may need to scramble over some of the rockier areas, but usually quite manageable.
Kapalua Coastal Trail Length or Distance
The Kapalua Coastal Trail length is 2 miles one way, so a total distance of about 4 miles for the out-and-back hike.
If you take some of the side trails to the Dragon’s Teeth (Makaluapuna Point) or to the cliff house or Hawea Point, you will add a mile or two.
Since this trail is out-and-back, you can cut short the distance easily by turning back whenever you so desire.
If you are seeking a longer hike, you can easily tack on the Napili Bay Beach Trail, about an additional mile, starting from Kapalua Bay.
At the other end, from D.T. Fleming Beach Park, you also have the trailhead for the Mahana Ridge Trail, a difficult 10-mile, out-and-back hike.
Kapalua Coastal Trail Elevation Gain
The Kapalua Coastal Trail elevation gain is about 250 feet, quite minimal.
You have a few steps at the end of the Ironwoods section and some minor inclines, but for the most part, this trail doesn’t involve a lot of climbing up and down.
Kapalua Coastal Trail Time Taken
The Kapalua Coastal Trail takes about an hour to complete, depending on your pace and the side trails that you take.
This is a very popular running trail, and obviously will take a lot less if you are jogging.
We took closer to two hours, we wanted to explore the tide pools and the dragon’s teeth area.
What about Kids and Dogs on the Kapalua Coastal Trail, Maui?
Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, though I’ve seen dogs on leash near the residential sections.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is one of the best family hikes on Maui, and is kid-friendly.
While taking strollers and wheelchairs won’t be possible in parts of the trail (there are some steps and non-smooth surfaces), you can easily manage backpack baby or toddler carriers.
With a lot to explore and keep the kids busy, this is a popular spot for family hikes.
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Getting to the Kapalua Coastal Trail Head
The beautiful Kapalua Coastal Trail is located a few miles north of Lahaina and Kaanapali in upscale Kapalua, home to ritzy resorts like the Ritz Carlton and the Montage Hotel, world-class golf courses, and beachfront mansions, villas and condominiums.
The trail is easily accessible from either end or multiple points in the middle.
Kapalua Coastal Trail directions are straightforward. For simplicity, I will describe the trail from the Kapalua Bay trailhead, the south end, and closer to Lahaina.
If you are coming from Lahaina or Kaanapali, you will take the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) up north for about 15-30 minutes.
I usually enter Kapalua Coastal Trail address as kapalua coastal trail kapalua hi 96761 on Google Maps or GPS.
Once you are in the neighborhood, and have decided where you want to start the hike from, find the closest parking from the below section.
Public restrooms are available at Kapalua Bay and D.T. Fleming Park.
Kapalua Coastal Trail Parking
Love free parking? That’s the other nice thing about hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail: convenient free public parking!
Obviously, so do the rest of us, to find Kapalua Coastal Trail parking, especially a free parking spot, your best bet is to come in early or on weekdays.
On weekends and busy weekday times, your best option is the D.T. Fleming Beach Park parking lot, which is much larger and not as popular as the other lots.
Kapalua Bay Free Parking
If you’re coming from the direction of Lahaina, this one is the closest (but also the most popular). This lot is small and will fill up quickly.
Take the Napilihau St exit of the Honoapiilani Highway, turn right on Lower Honoapiilani Road all the way to Kapalua Bay.
The parking lot is called the Sea House and Kapalua Coastal Trail parking lot and is free, and the trailhead is right next to the parking lot.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park Free Parking
Usually I just head to this free parking lot because it is much larger and I’ve never had an issue finding parking here.
Also a bit more convenient, you stay on Honoapiilani Hwy and take a left on the second Lower Honoapiilani Road exit, and you are almost immediately at the parking lot.
You are basically going to hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail in the reverse direction, and the trailhead is right next to the Mahana Ridge Trail trailhead.
Ironwoods Kapalua Free Parking
If you don’t find parking in Kapalua Bay Parking, continue on the Lower Honoapiilani Road. The next free parking option you will come to is the one for the Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods Beach).
Dragon’s Teeth Free Parking
Continue along Lower Honoapiilani Road and you will come to the Dragon’s Teeth free public parking lot.
Small and usually full, if you do get a spot here, you are right next to the Ritz Carlton and Makaluapuna Point (Dragon’s Teet).
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Best Time to Hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is open from sunrise to sunset, year round.
I personally prefer to jog this trail early morning or late evening. Sunrises and sunsets from any part of the trail are spectacular.
Most of the trail is open with no shade, so the middle of the day can get hot.
We did a family hike late morning, which was bearable because the day was windy, and the breeze really helped.
Kapalua Coastal Trail Map
The Kapalua Coastal Trail map below outlines the hiking path and the main locations identified in this guide.
Kapalua Coastal Trail Information
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an out-and-back hike, and you can start from either end, Kapalua Bay or D.T. Fleming Beach Park, or even from points in the middle, depending on where you parked.
The trail begins at the Kapalua Coastal Trailhead trailhead signpost with maps just beyond the parking lot, and starts of as a paved walkway.
Kapalua Bay Beach
The trail starts as a paved walkway from the south end of Kapalua Bay Beach. You get beautiful views of the ocean and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.
There are multiple points along the trail with beach access paths, so feel free to walk up to the beach.
And why is Kapalua Bay Beach one of the most popular beaches in Maui? A spectacular bay with calm, blue waters and a crescent-shaped beach with white powdered sand, what an incredible way to start your Kapalua Coastal Trail hike!
Hiking with smaller kids? You may prefer the D. T. Fleming Beach at the end of the trail, which is usually much less crowded and has better facilities and lifeguards.
Namalu Bay (Cliff House)
Further up on the Kapalua Coastal Trail you come to Namalu Bay and an iconic cliff house, a house set right on the edge of the cliffs.
Renovated and operated by the Montage Hotel, the Cliff House is now available for private events. The Montage Hotel, an upscale ritzy resort-like hotel, sprawls on the other side of the trail.
We had a small, wedding anniversary celebration there, and it was one of our most romantic evenings, enjoying a cozy dinner overlooking the ocean!
The cliffs below and around the Cliff House are accessible by a small trail (look for a distinctive light lampost), and is a popular haunt for the local kids.
You can see many of them jumping off the cliffs into the ocean, the more daring ones from higher cliffs! They have cute white ladder to take them back up for the next jump.
The corals around the cliffs are a great place for snorkeling.
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Hawea Point
The Kapalua Coastal Trail turns into a packed mud trail that takes you past an area protected for nesting seabirds.
The island’s largest nesting colony of wedge-tailed shearwaters (‘u’au kani), a ground burrowing bird, is located just off the trail, and I’ve seen birds with their somewhat noisy chicks, often in poorly concealed burrows.
The trail is marked off here with ropes and a sign explaining the need for caution.
A bit beyond the nesting area is Hawea Point with many Kapalua tidepools, a trail detour worth exploring if you have the time. You also get really nice views of Molokai from here.
Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods Beach)
After this short but beautiful nature section, the Kapalua Coastal Trail reverts to a wooden boardwalk that takes you along Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods Beach) surrounded by ironwood trees on one side and the Kapalua Bay Villas and their manicured green lawns on the other.
While beautiful, the Oneloa Beach seemed a bit windswept and didn’t look good for swimming, with lots of rough corals close to the shore.
The close shorebreak, though, is well suited for surfing and boogie boarding. I’ve seen some locals bodysurf these waves, and that was real cool!
You can gape at the beautiful seafront mansions and some of the most expensive real estate in all of Hawaii on the other side of the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
You have to climb a bunch of steps, and there are showers midway up the steps, if you want to wash off the beach sand.
At the top of the steps, on your right, you will see the gated entrance to the Ironwoods condominiums that you passed, and the trail continues along the road sidewalk to your left and further up along Lower Honoapiilani Road.
Dragon’s Teeth (Makaluapuna Point)
Kapalua Coastal Trail dragon’s teeth is a must-see Maui natural wonder!
The Dragon’s Teeth Access Trail is a small offshoot trail you can add to your Kapalua Coastal Trail hike, and you come to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the surf.
The sudden cooling of the molten lava flow against the ocean waters resulted in a freak natural wonder, not unlike the lower jaw of a dragon with huge, sculpted teeth.
You must view this from a helicopter to fully appreciate the scale of this lava rock formation.
But even at ground level, you can but admire at what nature has wrought here, with these beautiful rock formations.
A bit further up, you come to the Kapalua Labyrinth, a white coral maze built in 2005 for peaceful walking meditation, and is the largest maze in Maui.
I make it a point to get as close to Dragon’s Point, the tip of the arm jutting into the ocean. From here you get spectacular views of the ocean, and I’ve seen humpback whales with calves breaching nearby.
Not winter? I still recommend you head out here or Hawea Point, especially early morning or late evening. I’ve seen spinner dolphins streaking out of these waters as well.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
The last section of the Kapalua Coastal Trail hike is yet another beautiful beach, the D.T. Fleming Beach Park, with family-oriented grass lawns and picnic areas.
Hiking with smaller kids? This is your go-to beach, with better facilities and lifeguards.
Your kids can try out boogie boarding and surfing with gentler swells here or just play in the water and swim!
The Kapalua Coastal Trail hike ends at the far north end of D.T. Fleming Beach Park, and you can turn here to head back.
Hiking Gear Checklist
Many of Hawaii’s hikes are demanding, make sure you are well equipped and well prepared. Here’s what we typically take with us:
- Water Bottle: I hate plastic bottles, and with opaque bladders you can’t see if it is moldy inside. We use this Hydro Flask water bottle – light, stainless steel, wide mouth (you can add ice), with double-wall vacuum insulation (greatly refreshing for hikes in summer). You can also get it with a Flex Straw Lid!
- Hiking Shoes: My preferred hiking shoes are the medium range Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe (men’s, women’s, men’s mid), great for Hawaii’s trails through mud and streams. My wife loves her high-end Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking shoes (men’s, women’s), also waterproof.
- Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be harsh. Avoid sunburn with sunscreen compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is our go-to when we travel to Hawaii. Apply liberally and regularly!
- Trekking Poles: Great for hikes that involve climbing, both going uphill and downhill, and on trails that are wet, muddy and slippery! Improve your footing with this collapsible, high-end Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles, available for men and women.
- Headlamp: Planning a sunrise or sunset hike? Hiking in the dark is no fun, especially on many of Hawaii’s rainforest or ridge hikes. We love these two headlamps: the budget Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp and the premium Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, with many features.
Tips for Hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail goes along multiple beaches and nature, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, boogie boarding, surfing, and snorkeling to name a few.
If you plan on any of these, make sure you bring the appropriate clothing and gear.
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must if you are going to hike in the sun. Hang on to your hat, it can get windy.
I prefer hiking shoes, especially on the offshoot trails to the viewpoints and cliffs. The trail is quite forgiving, and you can get by with sneakers or jogging shoes.
Make sure you take a lot of water and snacks.
If you do plan to indulge in fine dining, be sure to make reservations. All the restaurants mentioned below tend to be packed.
I am never the first to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, breaching humpback whales or spinner dolphins, but rest assured, someone will spot them and a crowd will form quickly.
Carry a good pair of binoculars and keep your camera or smartphone handy, and check out what the crowd is about!
Finally, heed the warning signs along the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and stay safe on the hike!
What Else to Do near the Kapalua Coastal Trail?
Fine Dining Restaurants for the Romantic Couple
Hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail as a couple? Check out some of the beautiful beachfront restaurants along the trail.
What could be more romantic than fine dining and admiring a stunning sunset? With so many 5-star resorts, can fine dining be far off?
Chef Peter Merriman’s Kapalua is a farm-to-table, oceanfront restaurant featuring Hawaiian regional cuisine, right at the start of the Kapalua Coastal Trail hike.
A bit further up, the Montage Kapalua Bay offers a sunset luau or you can choose the more cozy Cane & Canoe which features a land and sea menu.
At the other end, the Ritz Carlton’s Burger Shack is my favorite for a mid-hike lunch, where you can dine alfresco on the beachfront patio.
I highly recommend their wagyu beef burgers and mouth-watering shakes, but if you are counting calories, the fish tacos or vegan burgers are a yummy alternative.
For a more formal dinner, book a reservation at their Banyan Tree restaurant, a AAA 4-Diamond retaurant serving Hawaiian Coastal cuisine. You are in for a real treat!
Hike the Mahana Ridge Trail
Starting from near where the Kapalua Coastal Trail ends on the D.T. Fleming Beach, the Mahana Ridge Trail hike is a difficult 10-mile hike up a ridge to the Maunalei Arboretum.
You are climbing about 2,500 feet up the ridge, and the hike takes about 6 hours, but the payoff is stunning views of Kapalua Bay and West Maui!
The Best Maui Tours
Have you booked these top-rated Maui guided adventures yet?
Small-group Road to Hana tour so everyone in your group can sit back and enjoy the views without worrying about negotiating hairpin bends or finding parking at popular stops!
A Haleakala sunrise tour so you can experience the bucket-list sunrise atop the volcano without the need to reserve a parking spot or drive up in the dark!
A Maui whale watching raft tour, which will let you see the massive humpback whales at eye level! (You can also opt for a more sedate boat whale watching tour.) A MUST winter Maui activity!
A Maui snorkeling excursion that combines the Molokini Crater with Turtle Town, the two most epic snorkeling destinations on the island!
A 7-line Maui zipline experience where you can glide over the forests on the north shore of Maui. Enjoy ocean views and navigate obstacle course challenges!
An oceanfront luau in Wailea where you can enjoy a sunset buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. You can also opt for a Kaanapali oceanfront luau.
Renting a Car in Maui
The best things to do in Maui are located all over the island.
Public transport options on Maui are minimal to non-existent, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Maui trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book Maui car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Maui car rentals now!
Where to Stay in Maui
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Maui you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
By far the majority of visitors to Maui choose to base on the west side, where there is a large selection of accommodations available, from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals.
We suggest starting your search for Maui accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO. You can filter to choose a specific area, such as Kihei, Kapalua, or Wailea.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in Kihei and Kapalua and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
>> Look for a Maui vacation rental on VRBO now!
More Maui Travel Inspiration
If you are considering a trip to Maui, read some of our other comprehensive guides to craft the ultimate Maui itinerary!
If you are a first-time visitor to Maui, start by reading our article on the best things to do in Maui. From beautiful beaches and lush rainforest to Maui’s volcanic crater, our round-up captures the most iconic Maui experiences and activities.
If you are dreaming of a winter getaway to a tropical paradise, read our guide on why you should visit Maui in winter!
If you are planning a brief first visit to Maui, here’s our 3-day Maui itinerary to help you flesh out your own trip! And if you are considering a couples getaway to Maui, read about the top romantic things to do in Maui!
Driving the Road to Hana is one of Maui’s bucket-list experiences. We have a comprehensive guide to the best stops on the Road to Hana, including waterfalls and short hikes on the way.
One of the top stops on the route is Wai’anapanapa State Park, which requires reservations. Read our full guide to Maui’s black sand beach in this popular state park!
Maui boasts one of only two national parks in Hawaii. Read our round-up of the best things to do in Haleakala National Park. We also have the ultimate guide to sunrise at Haleakala.
We also have a guide to the best hikes in Haleakala National Park, and in-depth hiking guides to the two most epic hikes in the park: the Sliding Sands Trail and the Pipiwai Trail.
Speaking of hiking, also be sure to check out our round-up of the best Maui hikes, from easy to challenging. Plus, peruse our complete guides to hiking the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail in northwest Maui, and the Waihee Ridge Trail for astounding views!
We also have a round-up of the best waterfalls in Maui, from the 400-foot Waimoku Falls to Upper Waikani Falls near Hana. Some Maui waterfalls can be seen from viewpoints whereas others require hiking.
Water activities are plentiful in Maui! Check out our epic guide to whale watching in Maui, and our guide to the best Molokini snorkeling tours and the best Turtle Town snorkeling.
If you’d rather snorkel from shore, read our round-up of the best snorkel spots in West Maui.
Every Maui itinerary should have plenty of beach time: there are so many beautiful beaches in Maui that you are spoiled for choice. We have a round-up of the best beaches in South Maui, plus a detailed guide to Wailea Beach in southwest Maui, and one for Maluaka Beach along the Turtle Town stretch of coast.
We also have articles on the much-visited Kaanapali Beach, the popular Napili Beach and local favorite Keawakapu Beach. Along the northwest side, Honolua Bay is a famous surfing spot, and Ho’okipa Beach, near Paia, is a windsurfing mecca.
If you are looking to experience a different side of Maui, plan a visit to the Iao Valley State Monument. The lush landscapes and serene ambience will wow you! Also read our guide to Maui’s state parks, which include popular Makena State Park, home to Big Beach and Little Beach.
Spend a day exploring Upcountry Maui. Some of the best things to do in Upcountry Maui include touring farms and gardens. Help milk goats, tour a tea farm, go wine tasting and much more.
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