Go off the beaten path in Maui with this unique best Maui hike through a lava field to a secluded black sand beach.
Hi friends!
Did I get you with the title of this one? Yup! I hiked through an old lava field on my trip to Maui last month. I know I've been a little Hawaii heavy lately on the blog, but I thought this was the perfect post for my fitness related Wednesday post. I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I enjoy putting them together.
Since this was my third trip to Maui, I was looking for some more off the beaten path things to do. I consulted my trusted Maui Revealed book <--- I highly suggest buying this if you are going (amazon affiliate link) and found a hike on the south side of the island near where we were staying in Wailea.
Looking for something else adventurous? Check out this RAFT Snorkeling Tour to Molokini!
Before we get to the hike though... indulge me with a little food love... (shown by my love..)
The Hubs and I decided to fuel for the hike with our favorite breakfast from Kihei Cafe.
The most amazing breakfast burrito ever.
And the most amazing Banana Macadamia Nut French Toast ever.
I dream about that meal.
But I digress. Back to the lava hike.
We arrived at La Perouse Bay by mid-morning. This is as far as cars can go in south Maui. Maui Revealed suggests going earlier in the day, but it was the best we could do. That breakfast was unavoidable 🙂
We explore the La Perouse Bay area as we start along the hiking path.
I loved the way beautiful flowers even grow out of the harsh lava.
The views are incredible and La Perouse Bay is so pretty. The contrast between the lava and blue skies is remarkable.
We pass by beach after beach, but know the hard part of the hike is ahead of us so we keep walking.
The path is packed gravel and is pretty easy through La Perouse Bay.
Eventually we reach a 500 year old lava field, which in geological terms is relatively new. The Hoappili Trail or Kings Highway was created in the early 1800's to get from one side of it to another.
Yes! Here is where I hike the lava field!
Notice how rough and ragged the lava is even on the trail. It is obnoxious and hurts your feet even with good shoes! It's a wonder I didn't hurt my ankles. Apparently the Hawaiians used to walk this trail barefoot. Can you even imagine?
The hike is 2 miles one way, hot and looks like this for a long way. Just when you think you must be there, you realize you haven't even gone halfway. The footing slows you down and is quite the ankle turner.
The winds howl across this part of the island.
But, look at these sights. We didn't see anyone else on the trail and had this all to ourselves.
It literally felt like we were at the end of world! Such a sobering experience. I started to get worried about being in such a remote area, but then Hubs cell phone rang! It was a restaurant confirming our dinner reservations. So at least I knew if there was a real emergency we could call for help.
We walked about two miles and finally saw the tiny beach below. We had to crawl around some questionable looking rocks and down a small drop off. It is not for the faint of heart! The trail was very hard to follow around the beach and there were many huge boulders to maneuver.
And finally we arrive to Keawanaku Beach!
It's soft blue waters almost look ill-fitting next to the harsh brown and black lava.
This hike wasn't that long, but with the un-even lava footing, it was one of the harder ones I've ever done.
We took some time and enjoyed the beach. The water was relatively calm and the bay is protected from the howling winds. We snorkeled and saw some great fish especially on the left side of the beach.
There were very few signs of life other than these beach chairs made of smoothed lava rocks.
We enjoyed the shade tree and took in the views for a few hours.
We eventually decided to start our hike back and leave the gorgeous beach!
The hike back was a little more challenging because we struggled to find the right trail. But eventually, we got going in the right direction!
This is why I love Hawaii! I've been three times and still discover amazing and unique experiences every time. It is truly a magical place! And where else can you come home with a hiking story involving lava, black sand beaches, snorkeling, AND views!
Want more Hawaii?
- Sunrise at Haleakala and Upcountry Maui
- Top Experiences at Hilton Waikoloa Village
- Running in Maui
- Fashion Friday featuring dinner at KPC
- My Maui Wedding
Also, check out these fun tours of Maui where all the legwork is done for you!
Your turn!
What's the craziest hike you've ever done?
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
The first thing I noticed about this post was how cute you look in your dress and hiking shoes. Hiking in a skirt! Love it. And also, the scenery. So beautiful. It sounds you guys had an amazing time. I love reading about your adventures. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Haha! I didn't even think about it! It was an amazing time-- quiet an adventure. Glad to bring you along 🙂
jill conyers says
I need to be in Hawaii! Now! We're thinking about going for spring break. Woohoo!
Thanks for sharing with friends at Living a Life of Fitness Health and Happiness!
JulieWunder says
I hope you get to go! It's my favorite place!
Johlene@FlavoursandFrosting says
Love this post Julie! I've never been to Hawaii before & these photos make me want to go so badly! And, and that macadamia nut french toast looks amazing!! Happy weekend 🙂
JulieWunder says
Oh yeah! That french toast is dreamy!
Mandi Korn says
What a great adventure and I am sure that you are both thankful that you didn't turn an ankle, that would have made for a less than beautiful post:o)
JulieWunder says
Haha!! Yeah-- I'd have to struggle for a positive spin on that one 🙂
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
This is so awesome! I love that you hiked in a dress hahaha Also, that burrito... need it in my lifeee!
JulieWunder says
Yup!!! I'm totally that girl 🙂 It is an "athletic" dress made of a wicking material... if that makes it any better :-)))))
Farrah says
Oh em gee, Julie, I want to go to Hawai'i so badly right now! ;_; You're adding WAYYYY too many places to me I-need-to-go-here/eat-this list!!!
JulieWunder says
Just trying to make it easier for you to know where to go when you do visit 🙂
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Those are some beautiful views. I'm sure you hiked off that breakfast you had earlier. It looked delicious!
JulieWunder says
Totally! No worries about that!
Michelle says
Sounds like an amazing experience! Thanks for linking up with us!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Michelle! It was great!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.blogspot.com says
Hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire was probably the craziest hiking I've ever done. The boulders were difficult to maneuver, so I know what you are talking about with the dicey footing on the lava field, Julie!
JulieWunder says
Sounds like you do! Glad I didn't turn an ankle! I came close!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Wow!!! So amazing! And so fun! I am having so much fun living vicariously through you on your vacation!!
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad!! It was so much fun!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I'm sooo jealous. I would love to hike in a lava field! I've been dreaming of visiting Hawaii for so long, one of these days I need to make a trip. Great photos and that French toast? Yum!
JulieWunder says
I know! That french toast was legit!!!! I hope you get to go someday. It's an amazing place.
Jess @hellotofit says
I vaguely remember walking around an old lava field when I went to Hawaii. The helicopter tour was super cool - seeing real lava was so bizarre!
JulieWunder says
It is!!! It still blows my mind every time I see it!
Andrea says
I once did a lava hike in the Galapgos. It was too hot that day so we turned back early- it gets really hot on the black rocks! The secluded beach in the middle looks lovely!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Andrea! I'm so jealous you've been to the Galapagos!!!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
That hike! Wow! It does sound tough, but at least there was an amazing reward at the end! I love reading about your Hawaiian adventures. I hope I get to experience it for myself one day!
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I hope you get to experience it too!
Jaime says
My husband and I did Cold Mountain many years ago and found ourselves on a wrong trail. I hate getting off course. 🙂
And I really want to visit Maui now.
JulieWunder says
I've heard that one is a doozy!!! Congrats for doing it!
runawaybridalplanner says
I didn't even know this trail existed. I spent half a month in Maui once, and I thought I saw most all of it, but apparently not. Definitely adding this to my next to do list the next time I visit. Which truthfully I wish could be this month, I would love a tropical trip this winter, but probably not going to happen until next year.
Although, my sister is going there in March, I will pass along this trail I don't think she's done it either:)
JulieWunder says
You need to get that book!! It tells you all the secret things to do!
I hope you get to go sooner vs. later!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Wow. Just wow. First, I love you made Hubs carry everything 😉 Haha But really, can you pick me up in the plane, and then let's fly to Hawaii?! This is incredible! I would be worried about hurting myself on the path like that for sure, but the beach is totally worth it. Love reading all about Hawaii 🙂 The long flight deters me (oh and the cost, ha)
JulieWunder says
Haaaaa!!!! I'm glad you noticed that :-))) He insisted on bringing those heavy snorkeling gear sacks. The first thing he did when we got home was buy a padded backpack for them :-)))
Yes, let's all go to Hawaii! We've found some pretty decent package deals to go there-- saves to bundle stuff.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This looks incredible!! You need to write a hiking guide book!
JulieWunder says
Now that's an idea!!! 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
So now I am going to have to go back so I can do that hike!
JulieWunder says
Yes! You must go back! You can take me with you!
Annmarie says
I went horseback riding through those lava fields! So pretty!
JulieWunder says
Now that's the way to do it! I bet your feet were much less sore!! haha!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
Ahh so beautiful! I would love to visit Hawaii some day! My fiance actually just got a new job where he gets to travel a lot, and one of the spots is Hawaii. I wonder if I can tag along.. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Oh yeah! You should MAKE that happen!!!
Dan Steadman says
that looks great and an adventure...craziest, probably the shut-in trail at 151 to the top of Mt. Pisgah...oh yeah it started storming when I hit the top of Pisgah...or the Rim of the Gap, probably South Carolina's most difficult trail with a rope to help you up in parts, the markings for the trail tend to come off and you are on the side of a mountain, near waterfalls you have to cross, and it's a long way down, goes between Jones Gap and Caesar's head....as far as favorite vacation spots, in the NC mountains would take it...though if it could be worked out South Dakota
JulieWunder says
Now that is quite an adventure too! Don't you just LOVE our mountains!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
That breakfeast! Yup that is a breakFEAST for sure. Stupid question: does the air taste ashy?
JulieWunder says
It didn't there at all. It is pretty dormant. We did also go to the active volcano on The Big Island. I've heard that there can be air quality issues there, but the day we went we didn't have any problems.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Now THAT is an epic breakfast burrito. I was in Maui about 8 years ago, and I didn't get to do this but it gives me all the more reason to go back, right?!
JulieWunder says
Yes! You totally have a reason to go back now :-)) That burrito is reason enough in my opinion! haha!
Blane Sherer says
I enjoyed your sharing of your lava flow hike to the beach.
Glad you were able to get that done.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane! It was a lot of fun!