The Hoapili Trail to the Hanomanioa Lighthouse is an easy and scenic 3 mile out-and-back hike to a seemingly uninteresting lighthouse. While the lighthouse is not all that exciting, the trail and its surrounding landscapes are one of the most interesting found on Maui as this trail passes through the southwest rift zone of Haleakala crater and along the ocean.
As you hike along the trail, you'll pass dark lava rocks, which often have plenty of dark-haired feral goat roaming about. You'll first pass a few small beach areas before the trail heads into a grove of trees which usually has feral goats crossing the trail. After the short walk through the grove, you'll pass through open lava fields until you reach the Hanomanioa Lighthouse.
The lighthouse itself is nothing special, just a 20-foot tall metal structure that illuminates at night.
If you wish to continue hiking further, you can continue on for another 0.5 miles (one-way) to Kanaio Beach where the trail ends. Do not continue hiking beyond Kanaio Beach as you'll be hiking on private land.
Dogs must be leashed. No biking.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
As you hike along the trail, you'll pass dark lava rocks, which often have plenty of dark-haired feral goat roaming about. You'll first pass a few small beach areas before the trail heads into a grove of trees which usually has feral goats crossing the trail. After the short walk through the grove, you'll pass through open lava fields until you reach the Hanomanioa Lighthouse.
The lighthouse itself is nothing special, just a 20-foot tall metal structure that illuminates at night.
If you wish to continue hiking further, you can continue on for another 0.5 miles (one-way) to Kanaio Beach where the trail ends. Do not continue hiking beyond Kanaio Beach as you'll be hiking on private land.
Dogs must be leashed. No biking.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
