Maui - Hawaii - page 697

MAP
This gem of a coastal trail leads 3 miles south from the park to Kainalimu Bay, just north
of Hana Bay, offering splendid views along the way. The route follows an ancient foot-
path known as the King's Highway that was the main land route between Hana and vil-
lages to the north. Some of the worn stepping stones along the path date from the time of
Piʻilani, the king who ruled Maui in the 14th century.
The trail packs a lot up front, so even if you just have time to do the first mile, you
won't regret it. If you plan to hike the whole trail be sure to bring water (it's unshaded
the entire way) and good hiking shoes (it gets rougher as you go along).
The trail begins along the coast just below the camping area and parallels the ocean
along lava sea cliffs. After just a few minutes you'll pass a burial ground, a natural sea
arch and a blowhole that roars to life whenever there's pounding surf. This is also the
area where you're most likely to see endangered Hawaiian monk seals basking onshore.
Perched above the sea at 0.7 miles are the remains of ʻOhala Heiau , a place of worship
to the harvest god Lono. A fishing shrine ahead on the left affords a good view south of
basalt cliffs lined up all the way to Hana. Hala and ironwood encroaches the shoreline
past the heiau. Round stones continue to mark the way across lava and a grassy clearing,
fading briefly on the way over a rugged sea cliff. A dirt road comes in from the right as
the trail arrives at Luahaloa, a ledge with a small fishing shack. Inland, stands of iron-
wood heighten the beauty of the scenic last mile of clifftop walking to Kainalimu Bay.
Stepping stones hasten the approach to the bay ahead, as the trail dips down a shrubby
ravine to a quiet black cobble beach. Dirt roads lead another mile from here south to
Hana, but if you're up for more adventure you could continue walking along the beach
all the way to Hana Bay.
For a basic map and more details visit http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov .
Sleeping
Fall asleep to the lullaby of the surf at one of the park's campsites on a shady lawn near
the beach. It's a great place to camp but there is one caveat - this is the rainy side of the
island. Plan accordingly. The park also has a dozen rustic cabins that are extremely pop-
ular and usually book up months in advance. To make a cabin reservation online, visit
www.hawaiistateparks.org . Undesignated campsites are $18 per night and cabins are $90
per night. Call %808-984-8109 if you have questions.