Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ka'anapali
KA'ANAPALI BOARDWALK
The
Ka'anapali Boardwalk
is about three miles long from end to end. There are various
historical placards scattered along the beach path. The southern terminus of the boardwalk
is in front of the Hyatt resort, and the easiest public beach parking is at Hanakao'o Beach
Park along the highway between Ka'anapali and Lahaina. From here the boardwalk runs
north all the way to the Sheraton about a mile and half later, although if you follow the
paved walkway through the lower level of the Sheraton and through the parking lot, you
will notice the trail reforms and starts skirting the golf course. The walkway then wraps its
way through the Royal Lahaina resort and the parking lot of adjoining hotels. By follow-
ing the Beach Walk signs you will eventually join with another boardwalk which runs all
the way down to the Honua Kai resort.
South of Lahaina
HONOKOHAU DITCH TRAIL
More of a walking and jogging path than a proper hiking trail, the
Honokohau Ditch Trail
runs for two miles through the residential communities of Launiupoko and Pu'unoa. The
trail is meant to mimic the irrigation ditches which once provided up to 50 million gal-
lons a day for the surrounding sugarcane fields (which morphed into luxury homes with
the closing of Pioneer Mill in 1999), and there are allegedly plans to one day have this
trail system run all the way from Olowalu to Kapalua. Until that time comes, hikers will
have to enjoy this short stretch weaving its way through dream homes pulled straight from
the pages of a magazine. Along the journey, panoramic views can be had over the water
toward Lana'i. Since this area can become unbearably hot during the middle of the day,
it's best hiked during the late afternoon when you can finish it with the sunset. To find the
trailhead, the easiest access is to turn uphill at the stoplight for Launiupoko Beach Park
and travel up Kai Hele Ku Road, continuing straight at the roundabout. A couple of hun-
dred yards past the roundabout you will see the trailhead on your left, and there is a small
amount of parking on the side of the road, although be sure you aren't leaving your car on
someone's front lawn.
LAHAINA PALI TRAIL
Hot, dry, and with incomparable views, the
Lahaina Pali Trail
is a literal walk back in
time to days when reaching Lahaina wasn't quite so easy. This five-mile, three-hour (one-
way) hike is the most strenuous trek in West Maui, as the zigzagging trail climbs for 1,600
feet before reaching a crest by the Kaheawa Wind Farm. While torturous on both your legs
