Kapalua Coastal Trail, Hawaii, United States

4on_the_go_98765 5:00 PM Feb 10, 2023

It's been a couple of years since our last visit
From the Marriott/Whaler's Village, we took the local bus ($1 for seniors, $2 for regular fare) up to the Kapalua golf course. From there, we walked down to the beach (D.T. Fleming), around the Honokaihua Burial site (ancient, sacred, cultural grounds), along the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and back to the bus stop (route #28) in front of Sea Horse Restaurant. The views are incredible and the walking paths are varied, ranging from picking your way through rocky inclines to flat, paved pathways (and everything in between). Just a word of caution: if you can avoid driving a car here, you will have a much better time. Parking is all on the side of the road and the spaces are such a challenge that it is a wonder how many fender-benders happen while negotiation the limited spaces. On a nice day, it is near impossible to find a space within walking distance. Do consider the bus. It will take you back to Whaler's Village and from there, you can catch the free local green bus that will take you to the Marriott and further if the short walk back to the Marriott is something you don't want to do. That freebie bus services the local Kaanapali Hotels. Also, that bus service (different route number) will also go to Cannery Mall and to downtown Lahaina. This made for a near-perfect day. Loved our walk and the ease of taking the bus to do it.

4Benjamin W 5:00 PM Sep 2, 2022

Easy scenic walk on the coast
Very nice walk, quite easy to complete. But not handicap or wheelchair accessible as you will have to walk over some rocky areas that are not paved trail. Not much shade or anywhere to sit. We ended up staying on our way back at the beach at the beginning of the trail, Kapalua Bay beach Found this little cove to be better than the better known Ka'opala Beach. This small beach has very calm water since it's a cove and is crystal clear with some reefs to snorkel over as well. It has limited space and gets a lot of people from the hotel next to it. Parking for the trail or the beach is challenging if you don't get there early. There is a small parking lot which fills up quickly from people going to the beach. Everybody else parks along the side of the road so you may have to walk a bit and be very careful from all the traffic. It would be nice if there was some sort of vendor nearby or long the trail where you could get a drink or buy snacks while you are at the beach, but there is absolutely nothing. Everybody seem to bring their own stuff. I definitely recommend this trail if you're looking for an easy walk along the coast for great views and some nice photos. About halfway through the trail it goes inland along the hotel properties so you won't be seeing the coast at that point. It was a nice way to fill some hours before going to our scheduled luau that evening.