ʻŌhai Loop Trail

ʻŌhai Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile coastal circuit above Papanalahoa Point on West Maui’s north shore. It crosses rolling, open ground over the headland and returns to the same roadside trailhead, so the published distance is the full loop, not a one-way figure. You get a proper walk through low coastal scrub, eroded rock and a wide stretch of ocean, with Kahakuloa Head (Puʻu Koaʻe) standing out at the far end. I’d make time for it if you want to stretch your legs and see this stretch of coast away from the car.

Close to the start, the path splits into mauka (mountain side) and makai (ocean side) legs. The loop works either way; take the mauka side first if you’d like to save the ocean-facing section for the return. That gives the coastline a little more room to open up as you walk. At the far junction, stay with the marked loop. A faint-looking spur heads closer to the cliff edge, but it isn’t part of the maintained route.

This is an interpretive walk through native coastal plants adapted to wind and salt spray, not just a track to a viewpoint. The signs introduce the low scrub along the path; look for names such as ʻūlei, naupaka and ʻākia. The trail’s namesake, ʻŌhai (Sesbania tomentosa), is an endangered Hawaiian shrub. Treat the signs as the guide to this sensitive plant community and stay on the established tread rather than wandering onto informal lookouts.

The same roadside access also serves a short paved overlook path, about 100 yards to a fenced promontory. It’s an easy way to get a coastal view if you don’t want the rough loop, but it is a different walk. The 1.2-mile distance here covers the interpretive loop only; don’t add the overlook spur unless you choose to walk it too.

Allow about 45 to 60 minutes if you stop at the signs and views. The hills are exposed with little shade, and wind can make the coast feel less sheltered than the short mileage suggests. Rocky tread is manageable for most walkers, but loose dirt can be slick when wet. Keep well back from the cliffs and skip the informal side paths. Dogs are allowed on leash. There’s no food or water service along the route, so bring water before leaving the small trailhead lot.