Shipwreck Beach marks the start of the Maha’ulepu Heritage TrailExploring limestone cave formations along the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail refers to the exposed trail along the Southern Coastline of Kaua’i.
Why Maha’ulepu? This flat trail is two miles each way and packed with plenty of interesting sights and breathtaking views. It is known for its limestone formations and rocky inlets. Our boys love exploring the many tide pools, beaches, and caves around each corner. In fact, we rarely ever hike the entire trail because there’s plenty to see and do from the get-go. Finally, during the winter months this trail is an ideal spot to go whale watching as you walk.
Where is the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail? Take your first right turn after the entrance to the Grand Hyatt in Poipu. The trail begins at the foot of the giant cliffs at Shipwreck’s Beach.
What is the parking situation like? There is a good amount of parking here split between a parking lot at Shipwrecks Beach and street parking on the way into it. This area in particular is more susceptible to vehicle break-ins–hide any valuables and be sure to lock your doors.
When is the best time to go? Since the trail is completely exposed we prefer to go in the morning or late afternoon. Otherwise, it can be an extremely hot journey.
What should I bring? Hat, sunscreen, lots of water. Wear whatever footwear you’re comfortable walking and exploring in. Note that there is a significant amount of sandy terrain on this trail as well as sharp rocky edges, most folks prefer tennis shoes or closed-toe sandals like Keens.
What food should I bring? Depending on how long you plan to be out and about here are some options that are nearby: coffee and bagels from Little Fish Coffee or cold-pressed juice and snacks from Kauai Juice Co. in Poipu. Or perhaps you’d prefer musubi and more from Sueoka’s in Koloa. If you go for the latter then you should definitely stop in for delicious hot chocolate from Aloha Roastery (yes, they also serve coffee and homemade pastries).
Insider advice: When you get to Gillin’s Beach you will encounter a wide stream that is known for high levels of pollution (thus increasing your risk for Leptospirosis). I would advise against swimming in or around this stream.
Fun fact: Just inland of the stream mentioned above you’ll find the Makauwahi Cave, (open on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for donation-based guided tours). Next door you’ll run into the tortoise sanctuary, a large fenced-in area that you may enter to mingle with a few dozen tortoises that roam around.
Photo ideas: Sunrise and sunset are the ideal times to capture photographs along this trail. Meander down into one of the inlets to capture the sky and silhouettes reflected in the tide pools.
Sunset along the Maha’ulepu Heritage TrailSunset playtime on the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
