Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach)

The basics

Part of the appeal of Kaihalulu Beach is that it’s relatively remote, reachable only via a somewhat dangerous trail from the town of Hana. While a few Hana Highway sightseeing tours—especially those focusing on beaches and swimming places— stop at the beach, some travelers visit on their own by hiking a short, unmarked trail off of Uakea Road near the Hana Community Center.

Things to know before you go

• The beach gets its reddish color from volcanic sand and minerals in the area.
• Kaihalulu is known to be clothing-optional.
• You may have to ask for permission to cross private land to the trailhead.
• There is a standing advisory against visiting due to safety concerns.
• The trail can be steep and slippery on the cliff’s edge, and washes out at times, so hikers need to be experienced and wear sturdy shoes with traction.
• Bring water shoes to make getting in and out of the water easier.
• Be respectful of local residents, who can be protective of their local beach.
• Due to the steep trail and jagged rocks in the water, bringing kids isn’t recommended.

How to get there

The beach lies on the south end of Hana on a small peninsula facing Kaihalulu Bay on the far east end of Maui. It’s a little more than a 2-hour drive from Kahului. Once you reach Hana, drive to the end of Uakea Road, where you can park and head out on the trail to the beach.

When to get there

Since the weather is idyllic year-round, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Maui. That said, summer from June to August is prime beachgoing weather across the island. Keep in mind that you can avoid crowds and take advantage of less expensive accommodations during the spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) shoulder seasons.

The trail to Kaihalulu Beach

The trail to Kaihalulu Beach is short but can be tricky to find. At the end of Uakea Road, you should find street parking. To continue, you may have to cross private land belonging to a hotel. Once you sort out permission to cross, look for a lamppost at the end of a field—from there, a narrow dirt trail leads to a giant ironwood tree. After that, follow the signs, stay on the trail, and continue until you’ve found the cove. Note that the trail can be slippery and there’s a risk of landslides and falls; emergency services are often called to the site, and the community group Hoʻomakaukau Maui Hikina has issued an advisory against visiting.