Ohai Loop Trail + how NOT to drive to the Ohai Trail! 🌴 hike to see northern West Maui’s rugged coastline 🌴 Hawaii travel blog

ALOHA!

If you’re looking for a relatively short and easy hiking trail somewhat near Kaanapali or Kapalua, well then, Ohai Loop Trail can be a Maui hike to consider!

It can be perfect to make as a part of your drive in West Maui. (Map below of the best way to drive to Ohai Trail!)

There’s also a bench so you can rest up with ocean views too.

But you actually don’t even really need to hike at all in order to see amazing views around here.

First, it’s a great scenic drive with ocean views and mountains views just to get here.

And there’s also an overlook right where the trail starts too, and you can see sweeping ocean views from here.

Take a few steps forward on the hiking trail, walk maybe 1-2 minutes, and you’ll get more amazing ocean views!

The Ohai Loop Trail is around 1.3 miles long

Going at a leisurely pace, you’ll be able to complete this hike in around 30 minutes, but you might want to give yourself more time to take in the views!

Ohai Trail location

This is located in what’s considered along the more “rugged” Maui coastline, in the western area of Maui. And more specifically the far north area of West Maui.

From the beach resort areas of Kaanapali and Kapalua, you will drive further north and keep following the highway around the island as it starts going east. 

Explore the map.

Now, looking at the map more closely, you will also see that there’s a road you can take from the south, the Kahekili Highway (340).

It would appear as though this would be the road to take if you’re coming from places like Kahului (location of Maui’s main airport OGG), Paia (unofficial start of the Road to Hana), and South Maui.

Google maps might actually send you on this route if you make Ohai Trail your destination.

Explore the map.

BUT!

Just as there is the “back road” to Hana, I’d say this part of Kahekili Highway through the town of Kahakuloa is the “back road” to West Maui. 

Except, having talked to people who have driven both of these back roads, this West Maui back road seemed to feel more scary. (They thought Hana was fine.) So, it’s better to look into this drive before doing it.

And so, the “safe” way to go is to drive the road past Kaanapali and Kapalua! It’s also a scenic drive, and there are things to do along the way too, like the famous Maui blowhole and the famous Maui tide pools. 

You might want to download offline google maps before you go since it’s possible you’ll lose service in this part of Maui.

The parking lot for Ohai Trail is located right off main road that you’ll drive to get there.

🌴

Now…

More PHOTOS of what you’ll see on the Ohai Loop Trail!

It’s a loop, so you can go either way. I went straight for the coastline!

And that’s a bit of what you’ll see hiking the Ohai Trail!

See more great hikes to do on Maui!

HAPPY HIKING THE OHAI LOOP TRAIL!

👇 Explore the Road to Hana map on google maps!


More of the best things to do in Hawaii:

• Things to do in Maui
• Things to do in Haleakala National Park
• Things to do in Lanai
• Best things to do in Oahu
• Things to do in Kona
• Things to do on the Big Island
• Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park


There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from this.


Top things to pack for your Hawaii vacation!

The ultimate beach towel for travel?!

Turkish towels are considered to be more absorbent and lightweight than your average beach towel. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these!

The cheapo way to waterproof your phone

You can take underwater pictures with a simple waterproof phone case like this. Touch screen may not work well underwater - try the volume button to snap the pic instead!

Get your suitcase more organized!

Packing cubes can make it so you're spending less time on your vacation looking for things! They are basically a form of drawers in your suitcase. Take a look at these packing cubes.

Wear less sunscreen by wearing a UPF swim shirt!

Wearing a swim shirt means less skin that's exposed to the sun which means less sunscreen you need to apply! See about wearing swim shirts with UV protection like these when you're snorkeling.



More for your Maui packing list

• How a cheapo waterproof phone case works
• Why wear water shoes for the beach
• Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean
• Essentials to pack for Maui
• Best shoes for Maui




Watch the videos to see Maui in action!

Find more amazing things to do on Maui: Watch my Maui videos on youtube

If you see an activity you like, look in the description below the youtube video for the individual blog post about that specific activity!



ALOHA!