Looking for easy walks on Maui that don’t require hiking boots or a full day commitment? These four are worth getting off the beach for.
They’re for the days when you want to stretch the legs, see something different, and come back feeling like you earned your next mai tai — without committing to a full hike. We’ve got a separate guide for that (5 Hikes on Maui list).
The four walks:
- Wailea Coastal Trail
- Waihe’e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge
- Thompson Road (Kula)
- La Perouse Bay — Hoapili Trail (King’s Highway)
1. Wailea Coastal Trail
Distance: ~3 miles one way (Keawakapu to Polo Beach); can turn around whenever you want to cut it shorter
Elevation: Flat
Difficulty: Easy — accessible, stroller-friendly
Fee: Free
The Wailea beach path is the one walk I do on almost every visit to Maui. Even though I stay upcountry with my family, I’ll drive down to Keawakapu Beach early in the morning and walk or run the Wailea waterfront path heading south. There will already be joggers and families out with strollers, because this trail is no secret — but the views are hard to beat and it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen them.
The Wailea trail winds along the coast past the big Wailea and Makena resort hotels, with the ocean right there the entire time. In winter, you’re almost guaranteed to spot a humpback whale from the shore — sometimes multiple at once. In the summer, the water is that particular shade of blue that makes you stop mid-stride.
If you start at Keawakapu, go south. You’ll hit a stretch of beach before you reach the paved trail — keep walking and you’ll find it. A couple of the resort hotels have small coffee stands right on the path if you need a refuel, or cut up to the Shops of Wailea for an acai bowl from Island Vintage Coffee (my absolute favorite on the island!).
What to know: Parking at Keawakapu Beach lot is free and usually easy in the early morning. Bring sunscreen — there’s minimal shade. The path is paved and well-maintained, accessible for strollers and wheelchairs (accessible from the hotel paths or from Ulua Beach parking lot, not from Keawakapu). In whale season (November–April), bring binoculars if you have them.
Who it’s for: Everyone! Families, runners, people who don’t hike, people who just want to be near the ocean. Zero barriers to entry.
2. Waihe’e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Trail
Distance: ~2 miles round trip
Elevation: Flat
Difficulty: Easy
Fee: Free
This is the most underrated walk on this list, and probably the least well known.
The refuge is on the north shore of Maui, just past the Waiehu Golf Course off Kahekili Highway. The trail is completely flat and ends at Waihe’e Stream, where the river meets the ocean and waves roll in against the coastline. Bring your binoculars: the wetlands are home to endangered native Hawaiian birds including the ae’o (Hawaiian stilt) and ‘alae ke’oke’o (Hawaiian coot).
The history of this place is particularly rich. This land was once home to two thriving ancient Hawaiian villages, Kapoho and Kapokea, an extensive inland fishpond, and several heiau (sacred temples). Kings resided here, battles were fought here, and the sand dunes that frame the trail were said in Hawaiian legend to have been built by the goddess Haumea to protect a sacred tree. In 2004, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust stepped in and purchased all 277 acres — it had been slated for a destination golf resort. They’ve been restoring it to its natural and cultural state ever since, replanting native species and protecting the 93 archaeological sites on the property.
What to know: Take Halewalu Road off Kahekili Highway toward the Waiehu Golf Course — signs point to both the course and the refuge. If the gate is closed, park outside and walk through. No amenities on the trail.
Who it’s for: Nature lovers, birders, anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture. Also great for kids — flat, easy, interesting, and the river at the end is a good payoff.
3. Thompson Road (Kula)
Distance: ~4 miles round trip to the gate and back
Elevation: Gentle rolling hills
Difficulty: Easy
Fee: Free
Thompson Road is one of the best places to visit in upcountry Maui. You’re up around 3,500 feet in elevation, in the cool ranchland above Kula, and the landscape looks more like a scene from Tuscany or the English countryside than anything you’d picture when someone says Hawaii. Rolling hills, horses and cows in the pastures, the kind of quiet that doesn’t exist at sea level.
You can park across the street from Grandma’s Coffee House, or turn up towards Kula Hospital and park there just past the fork in the road. Thompson Road is the first road right up the hill from Grandma’s. Make sure to start walking on the lower road, if you go to the left (further upfill) you will head towards Kula Hospital. You’ll know you’re at the end when you hit a closed gate with a steep hill rising up on your left. That’s the turnaround.
Oprah’s estate is in this area – my dad swears he met her while walking up on Thompson Road one day!
What to know: Usually it is very easy to find parking along the road. Bring a light layer — it’s noticeably cooler up here than the beach. No amenities, no trailhead, no crowds. Just a road and a very good walk. Grandma’s Coffee House is one of my favorite upcountry spots, perfect for breakfast or just a treat after your walk!
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to see a side of Maui that many visitors miss. If you’re looking for places to explore outside of Maui’s beaches, this is a beautiful option. Great for an easy morning before driving back down for a beach afternoon, or for a nice stop after watching the sunrise at the crater. The upcountry combination of Thompson Road + a stop at Grandma’s Maui Coffee on the way back is one of the better mornings you can have on the island.
4. La Perouse Bay — Hoapili Trail (King’s Highway)
Distance: ~3.4 miles round trip to Hanamanioa Lighthouse
Elevation: Flat
Difficulty: Easy (but hot and exposed)
Fee: Free
La Perouse Bay is at the far south end of the Makena coast — past Big Beach, past the end of the paved road — and it’s where Maui’s most recent lava flow from hundreds of years ago dramatically meets the ocean.
The trail starts at the parking lot at La Perouse Bay and takes you through kiawe groves and jagged lava fields. You’ll likely spot wild goats, and if you’re lucky you may spot sea turtles and even spinner dolphins.
If you continue out the path and take the coastal route when it forks, you’ll reach Hanamanioa Lighthouse. Here, sweeping coastal views and great photo ops abound.
For strong snorkelers, there is great snorkeling in the bay down from the parking lot. This really is an advanced snorkeler location, as the rocks getting into the water are unstable and sharp, the currents are strong, and there’s no lifeguard.
What to know: The road turns to rough gravel before the parking area — passable in a regular car, slowly. Bring closed-toed shoes (not flip flops — the lava is sharp). There’s no shade and no drinking water. Morning is better before the afternoon heat!
Time: As long as you want. An hour of poking around or a half-day if you snorkel and explore.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a coastal walk that’s away from the crowds of Wailea or Kaanapali. This is also a fun hike for families, kids have a lot of fun exploring in the lava – just remember not to bring any lava rocks home!
If you’re looking for something more challenging, we have a full guide to the best hikes on Maui — including the Haleakala through-hike, Waihee Ridge, and Pipiwai Trail. And we have a full Haleakala backpacking series coming soon. Drop any questions in the comments!
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