Kapalua Coastal Trail, Lahaina

Nice enough walking path although the only 'trail' bits are the sections that deviate away from the main path towards the ocean. The small sheltered bay by the cliff house offers some fantastic snorkelling with an abundance of sea life very close to the cliffs. Most of the walkway is tarmac along with sidewalk, not exactly inspiring but still some nice bays, beaches and cliff views.

Interesting mix of beaches, cliffs, rock formations, and resorts. Going from the south the coastal trail begins with a family beach, continues through large scale resorts, cuts into a grassy knoll connected to interesting rock formations, goes along a cliff with big drops and crashing waves, winds through exclusive golf resorts, goes on a regular street for a while, and then ends up at the public access path to the "Dragon's Teeth" that's on the edge of a golf course. The contrasts between nature & development, public & exclusivity were both interesting to understand both the geographical and economical diversity of Maui on this trail. Finding the free, public parking that has access to the Kapalua beach is the first trial. Using Google Maps to navigate to "Kapalua Coastal Trail Free Public Parking" would be a good guide, but it's easy to turn into the Bay Club Place by mistake that's north of the access road. Most likely there won't be any parking left but you'd be able to park on the eastern side of the Lower Honoapiilani Road, south of the beach access road.

Best walk on Maui! I'm lucky that I can do this daily!

Parking limited and it's best to park on the lower Honoapilani road ( many cars parked along side of road) and walk a few blocks. Access from Office Street and turn and drive for a mile and once you see merriams and sea horse restaurants ( that's the start of trail head) there is a parking lot on Bay Club Road ( it looks private but it's the park entrance with some public parking to public trailhead) nice walk way and breezy walk along cliffs. Dogs not allowed in some parts of protected sea bird area. Opens up to three lovely bays: Kapula, Onelea ( turquoise Surf beach) and DT Fleming in 1.75 mile walk. See my picture of map. Great views and cliffs along the way. This side way nicer and private than kanapali.

Pretty trail, if short. Hard to find access from the south side (enter through the one parking lot that does not prohibit public access, between Montage and Sea House). Great sea, beach, and cliff views.