Lahaina Pali Trail

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Lahaina Pali Trail

Great Views on the Lahaina Pali Trail

Lahaina Pali Trail is one of the best hikes on Maui.  It takes you between the south side of West Maui and the central valley, as you pass over the West Maui Mountains.

This is a strenuous hike.  You are walking on rough and rocky terrain, with lots of uphill climbing. The hike is about 5 miles long, and it rises from sea level at each end, to 1600 feet elevation in the middle.  Allow about three hours if you are in good physical condition, or five hours if you are slower or plan on taking several rest breaks along the way.

Most people do this hike in only one direction, as the round trip would be twice as long (10 miles instead of 5) and twice as strenuous. You can walk one way from the south to the central valley end of the hike, or you can walk one way in the other direction.  Either way, you will need to leave a car at the far end, or arrange for somebody to pick you up at the far end if you don’t want to do the hike in both directions.

If you are starting your hike on the Maʻalaea side (central Maui near the aquarium), drive through the gates to the trail parking lot.  If you are starting on the south end of the trail, there is a small dirt parking lot in Ukumehame, adjacent to the mountainside of the Honoapiilani Highway, near Mile Marker 11.

It’s very dry and hot in this entire area, so bring plenty of water to drink along your hike.  Sunscreen and a hat are also highly recommended. Do not smoke or build a fire along the Lahaina Pali Trail, as the dry brush here is prone to wildfires.

In the middle of the hike, near the highest elevation, you will walk beside the giant white windmills on Kealaloloa Ridge.

My friend Guy hiked the Lahaina Pali Trail in 2018 and kindly allowed me to show you some of his beautiful pictures.  See photos below.

For other hikes on Maui, see Hiking on Maui.  Or click for more things to do on Maui.

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Lahaina Pali Trail Hike Photos

Lahaina Pali Trail view of Maalaea Bay
Lahaina Pali Trail view of coastline
Lahaina Pali Trail windmills
Lahaina Pali Trail gulch
Lahaina Pali Trail haze
Lahaina Pali Trail hikers
The above photos are courtesy of Guy.

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Video of Lahaina Pali Trail Hike Maui

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