Slaughterhouse Beach Access Trail
The Slaughterhouse Beach Access Trail in Kapalua, Hawaii is a moderate 0.2-mile out-and-back trail that leads down to Slaughterhouse Beach on Maui.The trail is mostly a long staircase with a dirt trail at the end that leads down through native trees and shrubs to reach the beach, but it's worth a peak if you're in the area even if you do not plan to swim. From the beach and on clear days, you'll get amazing views of Molokai across the ocean. Occasionally snorkel boat tours will pull into the bay and sometimes even dolphin can be found jumping and swimming in the waters a few-hundred feet offshore.
The beach's name stems from an old slaughterhouse that used to sit on the nearby cliffs above the beach, but is no longer there.
Snorkeling: This is a great spot for snorkeling along the northern section of Slaughterhouse Beach where you'll find rocks and corals that attract colorful fish.
Important: If you plan to swim at Slaughterhouse Beach, be sure to not bring any spray sunscreens and make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe. There are plenty of signs in the area asking visitors to please respect nature and to not use sunscreens that will kill the coral and other sea creatures.
More info: For more information about Mokule'ia Bay or Slaugherhouse Beach, check out this link:
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/marine-managed-areas/hawaii-marine-life-conservation-districts/maui-honol...
Parking: Parking can be found along Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Hwy 30) at the parking coordinates provided and the spaces are limited. If you want a good spot at the beach, show up early in the morning when parking is available.
Facilities: There are no restrooms here, so plan accordingly. Additionally, there are no places to refill water bottles, so bring plenty of water if you plan to stay at the beach for a longer period of time.
Views: The real views here can be found from the beach; however, there is somewhat of a lookout point where the trailhead begins next to the parking lot with views of the beach below.
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.
