Kauai with Kids: Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail Part II
Kawailoa Bay on the Maha’ulepu Heritage TrailDriftwood structure on Ha’ula Beach at the end of 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? It’s a tough decision, but I am a beach lover and this continuation of the trail is my favorite of the two “halves.” You get to skip walking around the golf course and you’re mostly traversing along the beautiful sandy shoreline. There are three beaches with turquoise water along this section of the trail–Gillin’s Beach, Kawailoa Bay, and Ha’ula Beach. It takes approximately half an hour to go from the first beach to the last one with plenty of reefs to explore and inlets to dip in.
Where is the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail Part II? Drive past the entrance to the Grand Hyatt Kauai and make your way towards CJM Stables. The paved road will become a dirt road and eventually fork–head to the sign that says “Cave Parking.”
What is the parking situation like? You can park here at the sign or drive as far as you can then park, the road becomes quite rugged so mind your vehicle’s clearance.
When is the best time to go? Again, 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 and/or loose terrain on this trail as well as sharp rocky edges, prepare accordingly.
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: At the end of Kawailoa Bay the trail takes you back on top of the limestone cliffs, they open up to a big grassy field with a rock labyrinth memorial. From here you can walk down a short rocky path to find the secluded Ha’ula Beach–hide from the wind inside the driftwood structure!
Fun fact: This entire area along the trail is one of the last undeveloped segments of coastline on the South Shore! It’s truly a nature lover’s dream and it is expected you will pack out any trash that you brought in.
Photo ideas: Since this area is so wild and rugged I love to use photographs to show how small we are compared the stretch of land and sky we are sandwiched between.
Gillin’s Beach along the Maha’ulepu Heritage TrailTrekking towards Ha’ula Beach on the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
