The Red Sand Beach (a.k.a Kaihalulu) Trail in Hana, Maui, Hawaii, is a moderate 0.6 mile out-and-back hike over to the hidden cove of turquoise waters and red sand beach, Kaihalulu.
The trail itself is rated at moderate since there are plenty of steeper downhill cliff-side sections where the trail gets narrow; however, a lot of people still do this hike in their flip-flops and sandals. For the most part the trail is moderately trafficked and less popular than the Black Sand Beach Trail.
At the end of the trail, about 0.3 miles in, you'll reach the cove of the Red Sand Beach, Kaihalulu, with a large tidal area for snorkeling and swimming. A large natural breakwater sits about 60 feet offshore from the beach, which helps keep the waters in the tidal area stay calmer.
There are plenty of lookout points along this trail of the Red Sand Beach as well.
Trailhead: The trailhead can be found just east of the end of Uakea Rd in Hana; however, this GPS data starts near the corner of Hauoli Rd and Uakea Rd.
Parking: Parking can be found on the side of the road along Uakea Road. There's a parking capacity of about 10 cars, so you may need to wait for a parking space or show up early. Be respectful of the nearby "No Parking" signs and only park where public parking is available.
Beach attire / clothing options: This beach is apparently clothing-optional, which we did not know until after we visited; however, it may explain some people's choice of swim attire. Just a note if visiting with your family or kids.
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.
The trail itself is rated at moderate since there are plenty of steeper downhill cliff-side sections where the trail gets narrow; however, a lot of people still do this hike in their flip-flops and sandals. For the most part the trail is moderately trafficked and less popular than the Black Sand Beach Trail.
At the end of the trail, about 0.3 miles in, you'll reach the cove of the Red Sand Beach, Kaihalulu, with a large tidal area for snorkeling and swimming. A large natural breakwater sits about 60 feet offshore from the beach, which helps keep the waters in the tidal area stay calmer.
There are plenty of lookout points along this trail of the Red Sand Beach as well.
Trailhead: The trailhead can be found just east of the end of Uakea Rd in Hana; however, this GPS data starts near the corner of Hauoli Rd and Uakea Rd.
Parking: Parking can be found on the side of the road along Uakea Road. There's a parking capacity of about 10 cars, so you may need to wait for a parking space or show up early. Be respectful of the nearby "No Parking" signs and only park where public parking is available.
Beach attire / clothing options: This beach is apparently clothing-optional, which we did not know until after we visited; however, it may explain some people's choice of swim attire. Just a note if visiting with your family or kids.
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.
