Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Follow the road 3.1 miles past the First Entrance to Big Beach. The road dead-ends in the
parking lot of La Perouse Bay. For most visitors this marks the end of the line, and despite
the remote location, it can get crowded. For you, however, La Perouse is just the start, be-
cause reaching Keawanaku requires an hour-long hike on the Hoapili Trail. You need to be
in good shape to make the trek out to the beach. Pack
lots
of water and wear closed-toed
shoes since the jagged
a'a
lava will rip slippers to shreds. Since there's no shade on this
hike, it's best to start early to beat the wind and heat. It's also imperative that you stick to
the trail and leave cultural artifacts undisturbed. The trail is outside of cell phone range, so
be sure you're prepared and take extra precautions.
Keawanaku Beach on Maui's remote southern coastline
The trail starts simply enough and hugs the shoreline past a couple of coves. After 10
minutes you'll pass a small cross on the ocean side of the trail that denotes the La Perouse
surf break, and after five more minutes the path will take a turn to the left toward a sign
for the Hoapili Trail. At this point the trail departs from the coast and snakes across the
center of the lava field. In the distance to your right you will see the lighthouse for Cape
Hanamanioa. Keawanaku will be 20 minutes after making the left onto the Hoapili Trail.
