King's Highway Hike

Ever since my friend told me about the hike she did out at La Perouse, I've been interested in checking it out for myself.

The Hoapili Trail, more commonly known as the King's Highway, is an ancient Hawaiian footpath that edges along the coast and cuts through lava fields.

{the trailhead at La Perouse}

{the trail consists of broken black lava rock}

{mountains on the left}

{ocean on the right}

{tide pool}

{the first part of the trail passes several small coves and tide pools}

{a spot of shade}

{following the trail towards the King's Highway}

{on the "highway"}

The King's Highway that is open to the public as a hiking trail was rebuilt in the early 1800s by Maui's Governor Ulumahehei Hoapili after a lava flow from Haleakala covered the original trail in the 1700s.

The trail passes several ancient Hawaiian hale (house) foundations.  Since this area is considered an archaeological site, several posted signs request hikers be respectful and stay out of all the dwellings.

{aa or black lava rock all along the trail}

It was slow-going over all the loose lava rock.  I recommend sturdy shoes (I did okay in my running shoes but I would say wear hiking boots if you got 'em), loads of sunscreen and more water than you would normally pack in for a 4 mile trek.  There is little elevation gain on this hike, but it's hot!  Thankfully, it was a windy day, so the heavy breezes kept me cool throughout the day.

Walking across the lava rock sounded like I was stepping over broken china dishes.  Pieces rolled and crunched under my feet the entire way.

{it was amazing to see how far the lava fields stretched out to my left}

{it was like hiking on the moon!}

About 2 miles from the trailhead, you crest a small hill, and at the top you can look down at a small "secret" beach also known as Kanaio Beach.

The sign at the beach tells you it's another 2 miles to get there, buy my guidebook told me that the sign is false, and that you are already there!

{the beach is rocky and not great for swimming--at least, when I was there, it was too rough to get in}

{at the beach looking back at the way I came in}

{Kiawe trees on the beach's edge}

Under the trees, someone had suspended two swinging benches made from drift wood and ropes.

{bench 1}

{bench 2}

{this photo took three attempts with using the self-timer on my camera}

After a snack and some water, I headed back the way I came:

{Axis deer leg?}

{one of the first coves at the start of the trail}

The water at this cove looked welcoming and fairly calm (considering all the wind and whitecaps out in the water).  There were a few other snorkelers in the water as well, so I decided this would be a good place to take a dip.

The water was crystal clear and the fish were plentiful.

{a hole in the lava rock shelf that juts out over the ocean}

{ka-BOOM! a wave crashing into the rock and sea-spray exploding up through the hole in the rock}

After the hike, I drove back to Lahaina, and I met Bryan for a late lunch at Java Jazz in Honokowai.

{Fantapano ordered and delivered}

{Fantapano demolished!}

Now, a BBQ with friends at the house and a late night showing of Evil Dead!