East Lāhainā Pali Trail

East Lāhainā Pali is the eastern half of the old cross-island route: a rocky, exposed out-and-back from Māʻalaea to the ridge junction with the Kaheawa access road. The mapped East corridor is about 1.9 miles each way, or 3.8 miles round-trip. Published East-route figures run from about 5.0 to 5.5 miles before a lower-parking approach, with some estimates reaching 6.5 miles from the lower lot. The difference has not been reconciled, so allow time for a longer walk. The climb gains roughly 1,350 feet; plan on about 3 to 4 hours. Turn around at the junction, not down the wind-farm road.

After a short, easier start, the path climbs sharply through switchbacks for much of its first mile. The grade eases as the turbines appear across Kealaloloa Ridge, but the trail keeps crossing rough, open hillside. It passes two unnamed gulches and Malalowaiaole Gulch, then shares a short stretch with McGregor Point Road. At the lower junction, bear straight or left through the gulch; at the upper junction, turn right for the ridge. The Kaheawa wind-farm access road beyond is closed to hikers.

There is almost no shade on this dry slope, and loose rock makes both the climb and descent hard work. Start early to avoid the hottest part of the day, wear shoes with grip, and bring water; no water source at the East access was confirmed. Trekking poles can help on the steep descent. The upper trail is gentler than the first climb, but do not count on the return being easy.

The route ends at a ridge junction near the wind turbines, not at a summit. From the upper trail, the view opens over Māʻalaea and the central valley toward Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi. The turbine line above the ocean is the hike’s clearest photo subject; winter can bring distant whale sightings offshore.

Parts of the route follow the old King’s Highway, or Alaloa o Piʻilani, one of Maui’s historic island-crossing routes that linked West Maui with the central valley. Lower scrub gives way to dry-land native plants as the path climbs. ʻAʻaliʻi, Pua Kala, ʻĀkia and ʻIliahi are noted near the first mile; stay on the tread around the less-common Pua Kala.