Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and your thirst, the reward for the uphill slog is panoramic views over the central valley
and dozens of humpback whales off the coast during the winter.
Tracing its way over a part of the island which receives less than 10 inches of rainfall
annually, this trail was originally constructed about 400 years ago during the reign of
Pi'ilani, who envisioned a footpath wrapping around the island. Once horses were intro-
duced, riders would use this trail to connect Central Maui with the West Side, but when
a dirt road was constructed along the coast in 1911, the trail fell into disrepair. Neverthe-
less, hikers will still encounter evidence of ancient activity such as stone shelters and rock
walls. It's surreal to imagine that only 100 years ago this was the preferred route for reach-
ing Lahaina. To get the most out of this hike, pick up the hiking guide the Na Ala Hele
trail system has published entitled “Tales from the Trail,” which provides an interactive
historical tour aligned with markers along the trail. Copies are available at the Department
of Land and Natural Resources building in Wailuku (54 High St.), or, if you have a smart-
phone, download it as a PDF (
www.mauiguidebook.com/hikes/lahaina-pali-trail
) you can
carry with you on the trip.
The downside of this trail is that since it's a one-way hike it can take some logistical
planning. The Ukumehame trailhead on the Lahaina-side is at mile marker 10.5 about a
half mile after the tunnel in a small dirt parking lot on the inland side of the highway. If
you depart from the Ukumehame trailhead, the path ascends moderately and offers pristine
views of the coral reefs below. After the trail levels out at 1,600 feet and you reach the crest
by the wind farm, it will descend steeply and sharply to the opposite trailhead between
Ma'alaea and the junction of Honoapi'ilani Highway (Hwy. 30) and North Kihei Road.
Your four options for the return route are to either leave a car at the opposite trailhead, hike
back the way you came, hitchhike back to the original trailhead, or turn back the way you
came once you reach the wind farm (which is the shortest and most practical option). If
you plan on only hiking half the trail, setting out from the Ma'alaea trailhead offers better
views of the valley and Kealia Pond, whereas departing from the Ukumehame trailhead
offers better views of the coastline and whale-watching opportunities. For the intrepid and
those equipped with headlamps, the Ukumehame side is the best sunset perch on the West
Side. Since there is absolutely no shade on this hike and it can get brutally hot, it's im-
perative to avoid the middle of the day and to pack more water than you would normally
need. Also, since this area is so dry, it's a tinderbox ready to ignite at any moment, so don't
smoke or use a lighter at any point on your hike. You'll be passing over rocky, rugged ter-
rain, so wear closed-toe shoes.
