ALOHA!
So you have heard about the Kapalua Coastal Trail as a great activity in West Maui!
And you have decided that you want to make a trip out to Kapalua!
So then comes the question…
Where to start the Kapalua Coastal Trail?!
Well, as with many things… it depends!
There are a few different spots along the Kapalua Coastal Trail that you can park and start the trail.
So you may consider what it is you want to do after you finish up on the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Mostly, this would be if you’re looking for some beach time afterwards.
Then it could be convenient to simply park near the beach you want to go to afterwards.
Below are your basic options!
Where to park for the Kapalua Coastal Trail:
This list goes from north to south. You can start the Kapalua Coastal Trail from all of these spots.
Suggested route for walking the Kapalua Coastal Trail. Since this is a point-to-point hike, you can choose to start from any of the viewpoints along the way. Explore the map.
A bit more below about the parking lots of Kapalua Coastal Trail starting locations!
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Parking lots along the Kapalua Coastal Trail
1. Parking near DT Fleming Beach Park
Fleming Beach is a beach that’s known for boogie boarding. It’s a proper beach park and there are regular beach facilities here. There’s also a lifeguard.
There’s a pretty big parking lot near DT Fleming Beach Park, although since the beach is popular, there is a chance for a full parking lot.
Google maps: DT Fleming Park.
See more about DT Fleming Beach.
2. Parking near Dragon’s Teeth Trail
The parking lot near Dragon’s Teeth Trail is pretty small, but this can make for a perfect spot to start the Kapalua Coastal Trail if you can manage to find a parking spot here.
Google maps: Dragon’s Teeth Access Trail.
See more about Dragon’s Teeth.
3. Parking near Ironwoods Beach
Ironwoods Beach tends to be a quieter beach. This is also called Oneloa Beach. There are no beach facilities here.
Although the Kapalua Ironwoods parking lot is not that big, this spot doesn’t tend to be as popular so it may be easier to find a parking spot. This can also be a perfect spot to start the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Google maps: Kapalua Ironwoods.
See more about Ironwoods Beach.
4. Parking near Kapalua Bay
There is a parking lot at Kapalua Bay, although because of the popularity of Kapalua Bay, it’s possible that it will be a full parking lot. Kapalua Bay is considered to be one of the best beaches on Maui, and it’s also considered among the best snorkeling spots on Maui.
Google maps: Sea House and Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Which is the best spot to park?
If you really don’t have a preference for where to start the Kapalua Coastal Trail, then I would recommend trying to park at the parking lot near Dragon’s Teeth. If that is full, then try the parking lot near Kapalua Ironwoods. Then if that is full, try the parking lot near DT Fleming Beach Park. These are all on the northern end of the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Kapalua Bay is on the southern end of the Kapalua Coastal Trail. I would say only park here if you have a specific interest in doing something around here before/after you hike the trail because Kapalua Bay probably has a higher chance of having a full parking lot. If you are interested in snorkeling, Honolua Bay just north of Kapalua is also considered to be a good snorkeling spot and generally has easier parking.
And that’s a bit about where to park for the Kapalua Coastal Trail!
Be sure to see the list of viewpoints along the Kapalua Coastal Trail!
After the Kapalua Coastal Trail, it can be perfect to drive further north for the blowhole, the tide pools, and the back road of West Maui! See the far north section of the best of West Maui!
If you are interested in Kapalua Coastal Trail, then you may also be interested in these top activities on Maui:
- Nakalele Blowhole
- Waihee Ridge Trail
- Iao Valley lookout
- How to spend one day in the West Maui Mountains
- Hoapili Trail
- Best of Maui hiking
HAPPY DRIVING TO KAPALUA!
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