Lāhainā Pali Trail

This route doesn't bring you back to your car. Set up a second vehicle or a pickup at Ukumehame before you start. If you've got one car, make the trip an out-and-back on just one side: hike toward the turbines, turn around at Kealaloloa Ridge, and retrace your steps. The East and West Lāhainā Pali outings are half-route options; they are not the complete crossing. For the full walk, start at Maʻalaea and finish west at Ukumehame.

The eastern approach climbs on open, rocky ground toward the ridge. Expect a steady uphill stretch with little cover, loose footing underfoot, and sun and trade winds on the slope. The trail opens onto views across the central valley and out to the neighboring islands. Pace the climb and carry water from the start; there isn't water along the route.

The route passes through the middle of the Kaheawa wind farm, where the large turbines are the unmistakable landmark. The ridge is the high point and the turnaround for hikers doing a one-car half hike, but for the full crossing it's only the middle. Look back toward Maʻalaea, then west toward the coast. On a clear day, the view reaches Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi. The open ridge can be windy, so keep small loose items secured.

The west side drops through a string of gulches toward the coast. Walking west, you'll pass the Manawainui, Makahuna, and Mokumana areas before reaching Manawaipueo Gulch and the old highway near the Ukumehame end. This is the steepest sustained section when hiked uphill from Ukumehame; on the full crossing you take it downhill, over uneven rock that still asks for careful footing. The final coastal stretch is a different feel from the higher ridge, but it remains open and dry.

The trail is also known as the Old Lahaina Trail and follows part of Maui's historic around-island route system. Look for remnants of the old stone roadway on the ridge crossing. It was an overland connection between West Maui and the central valley before the modern highway; the line of the old road is part of what makes this more than a climb to the turbines.

Low scrub gives way to native dryland plants higher on the route, including ʻilima and ʻākea among the grasses and kiawe. In winter, humpback whales may be visible offshore from the lower west side. The rocky path against the open ocean is the signature view here; include some tread in the foreground so the ridge and coast still read as a hike. Maʻalaea Harbor, a separate stop near the east access, has restrooms and refreshment stands. There are no facilities or water on the trail itself.