I used to live on Maui, and I visit often, but it never ceases to amaze me that I can always manage to find something I’ve never done before. 

On my last trip to Maui, I stayed in Kapalua and while I’ve frequented the beach at Kapalua Bay plenty, I don’t usually spend a ton of time in the area. So when I saw signs for the Kapalua Coastal Trail, I set aside a morning to check it out. 

I can’t believe I’d never done this before! While part of it was familiar to me, the whole trail took me through areas of Maui I’d never seen before. 

If you’re looking for a fairly easy and accessible hike, with INCREDIBLE views without having to go to the Hana side of the island, this is my number 1 recommendation. 

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your hike along the Kapalua Coastal Hike.

Kapalua Coastal Trail Hiking Tips

The Kapalua Coast Trail stretches for about 1.75 miles along West Maui’s coastline and offers beautiful beaches, sweeping ocean views, and dramatic lava landscapes all from a fairly easy walking trail. 

If you do this as an out and back hike…depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the sights, the hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. For casual hikers who like to take photos and enjoy the scenery, setting aside 2 hours is a pretty good estimate.

I was staying at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua (the northernmost part of the trail) when I did this hike so I came and went from the hotel grounds, but if you’re not staying in the Kapalua area and you’ll need to drive in and park, here are your options: 

At the south end of the trail, the main Kapalua Bay Beach parking lot (just past the Napili Kai Beach Resort) is fairly large and it’s $29 to park for the day (5AM-10PM).

Merriman’s charges $20 to park in their lot for the day (from 6AM to 3PM expect Sundays). 

You can park at the Kapalua Tennis Garden for $15 for the day (or $10 for 3 hours). 

And there’s free street parking on Lower Honoapi’ilani Rd. 

There’s also a small paid parking lot (less than 15 spaces) on Lower Honoapiilani Road and Kapalua Pl which has the best access for Oneloa Beach (this lot puts you more towards the north end of the trail). DT Fleming Beach has more (free) parking and that would put you at the far north end of the trail. 

The trail is easy to follow and part of it feels more like a rugged hiking trail, but some of it feels more like a pleasant stroll through a resort area. 

If you’re not staying in Kapalua and you’re looking to make a day of this, I would plan to park near Kapalua Beach. Take all of your beach gear with you (chairs, umbrella, towels, snorkeling gear, cooler, etc.) but leave it in the car (don’t leave valuables in the car!).

Start your hike at Kapalua Beach and hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail all the way north to the Ritz Carlton at DT Fleming Beach. It’s about 1.75 miles there. You could stop in at Cafe Kai in the resort for coffee and breakfast. It’s a cute little shop and there’s plenty of seating around the cafe and lobby with great views out over the resort and ocean. 

If you’re doing this later in the day, you could do lunch at the Burger Shack on DT Fleming Beach. 

When you’re done, reverse your route and end with some beach time at Kapalua or Napili Beach. 

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