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Ohai Trail

The Ohai Trail is located along Kahekili Highway, Maui and is an easy 1.3 mile loop hike that features stunning views of two seaside mountain cinder cones known as Kahakuloa Head (Pu'u Koa'e and Pu'ukahuli'anapa).

Hike Description
This trail begins at the main entrance that leads in two directions - first to a lookout point that features views of Maui's northern coastline, including the Nakalele Blowhole, before turning immediately back to head toward the main loop. Once at the loop, this track follows it in a clockwise circle, but you can hike it however you wish - each way is a similar difficulty. Since this part of the island is generally rainy and wet, the trail too can be muddy, slippery, and slick at times.

As you hike east, you'll get views of Kahakuloa Head along with turquoise-colored sea waves crashing ashore below your feet. The trail winds around a low-growing shrubland that grows in a windswept pattern, caused by the Krumholtz Effect.

Throughout the hike you get views of Kahakuloa Head (Pu'u Koa'e and Pu'ukahuli'anapa), wildflowers - like Lantana (a non-native species), and Maui's northern cliffs. The loop portion is technically 1.2 miles, but there's an additional spur trail located to the left of the loop trail with views looking west.

Prohibited
Biking, horses, and motor vehicles are not allowed.

Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed as long as their waste is carried out.

Parking Hikers will find a medium-sized parking lot at the coordinates provided. As of February 2023, the lot is large enough to fit less than 12 vehicles.

Warning
Steep cliffs: This hike passes several steep sea-side cliffs where, if the hiker were to fall, there is likely no return. Watch your step and stay back from the large ledges.

Slippery Mud: This trail exists within a very wet part of Maui and thus the trail may be muddy most of the time.

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.
Explore 50 trails near Wailuku, HI

Know Before You Go

  • The Ohai Trail is an easy 1.3-mile loop in Wailuku, Maui, offering scenic views of Kahakuloa Head and the northern coastline.
  • The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially due to frequent rainfall, and features steep seaside cliffs, requiring caution.
  • Leashed dogs are permitted, but biking, horses, and motor vehicles are prohibited, and parking is limited (less than 12 vehicles).
Interactive topographic map for Ohai Trail located in Wailuku, HI. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
1.3 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Loop
Est. Time
39 min
Elev. Gain
154'
Rating
5.0
Added
August 16, 2018
Updated
February 16, 2023

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
154'
Ascent
154'
Descent
186'
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Download the GPX Data for Offline Use

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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    21.015889, -156.576415
  2. Main Trailhead

    21.016053, -156.576491

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

Ready to help fellow hikers? Add a trip report to share your experience and provide valuable insights for other hikers!

1.3 miles / 2.1 km
February 16, 2023
Awesome hike, first time back since 2018. A bit busier than it was then, but still quiet if you show up early. This part of the island is generally wet and rainy so the trail tends to be muddy. This time the trail was extra muddy, slick, and slippery, which made it slow-going compared to our first hike here. Not as much Lantana in bloom during the Winter as there is during the Summer, but still plenty of Winter wildflowers to look at, including a much smaller number of Lantana.
Hiking
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
February 16, 2023
Hiking
1.3 miles / 2.1 km
August 15, 2018
Hiking
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

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