Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The trailhead for Hoapili (also known as the “King's Highway”) is located in the park-
ing lot of the La Perouse Bay snorkeling area at the end of Makena Alanui Road, 3.1 miles
past the first entrance to Big Beach. If you're still confused on how to get here, just drive
south on Makena Alanui Road until the road dead-ends in a lava field and you can't drive
any farther.
From the La Perouse Bay parking lot you'll notice a trail that parallels the shoreline
and weaves its way along the coast toward the south. Before you set out on the trail,
however, understand that this place is hot, barren, mostly devoid of shade, and traverses
jagged
a'a
lava that's so sharp you'll want some proper hiking boots. Finally—and most
importantly—however much water you would normally take on a four-hour hike, double
it, and then you should have enough. Two liters per person might seem like too much, but
remember that when you get back from the hike the nearest drinking water is a food truck
all the way back at Big Beach. Since much of this hike is outside of cell phone range, it's
important to be prepared. One way to reduce the chance of overheating is to start this hike
early in the morning so that you don't get trapped in the heat of the day. Don't leave any
valuables in your car.
After you've followed the shoreline for 15 minutes, you'll notice a small cross on the
ocean side of the trail that denotes a popular surfing spot known as Laps (short for La
Perouse). It's an experts-only spot that sees 15-foot surf in the summer. After the surf spot
the trail will climb in elevation for 10 minutes before arriving at a junction and veering
off to the left. There will be a sign informing you that you're entering the King's Highway
and to respect the historic sites. The sign will also indicate that Kanaio Beach is two miles
ahead, and if you see a sign asking you to leave the artifacts untouched—but not the sign
that mentions Kanaio Beach—don't worry, you just turned left a little soon and you will
see the sign after walking for five more minutes.
When on the inland section of trail where the path deviates from the coastline, there's
a short spur trail that leads down to the lighthouse at Cape Hanamanioa, although there
isn't much to see down here except for the old weathered light. A better side trip is to take
the short spur trail found 20 minutes later that leads down to Keawanaku Beach, where
you're almost guaranteed to have the beach to yourself. After the turnoff for Keawanaku,
the trail continues for another 20 minutes until you finally reach the coast again at Kanaio
Beach, a salt and pepper-colored shoreline that's composed of equal parts black lava rock
and sun-bleached coral. You'll notice the remnants of multiple structures which were once
a part of an ancient fishing village, and although the thatched roofs no longer remain, the
