The road on the west coast of Maui goes south past Kihei, through Wailea and then ends at Kahena.   At the end of the paved road, a narrow road winds through lava flows in the Ahihi Natural Preserve before ending at La Perouse Bay.   The Hoapili Trail continues south along the coastline.   It was once part of the “Kings Highway,” a foot-path route started in the 1820’s to reconnect coastal trails after eruptions from Haleakala.   The route winds through black, ragged lava for many miles, but we hiked out and back, covering about 4 miles.

Small stretches of sand can be found at Perouse Bay, then at the end point at Kanaio Bay.

We were able to spot spinner dolphins off the rugged coastline.   A few feral goats and birds were also present where a few trees had taken hold in the desolate terrain.

For much of the hike, the “trail” is barren, just a route through the lava flows.

We could see the a’a flows all the way up the mountain.   Haleakala stood 10 000 feet above.

The surf pounds the rocky seashore all along the southwestern coastline.

Our route was out-and-back, a slow pace as we were careful with each step on the uneven surfaces.   This is a hot hike with no shade so mornings are better than afternoons.   Although there is no swimming in the area, Big Beach at Makena State Park is only km north, a great place to cool off after hiking the Hoapili Trail.