I have had a growing curiosity lately about a trailhead we see on our way to Kekaha Kai Beach at Kua Bay where we spend a lot of time. The trailhead begins just off the paved road where it curves and runs parallel to the shore towards the parking lot for the beach.

Yesterday afternoon we headed out there and walked up the trail to see where it goes.  The dirt trail climbs these red cinder hills at a fairly steep ascent but is not particularly strenuous. The lose rock and dirt can make it a bit tricky in places. We probably should not have done it in flip flops… especially new ones… but such is life here… flips flops wash and feet heal .

There are a number of forks in the trail which leads to the top and back down the other side of them eventually connecting to some 4WD roads that lead towards the shore. There are commanding views of Makalawena to the south and even the airport can be seen. To the north the sprawling homes of Hualalai Resort dot the landscape. There are awesome views of Kua Bay and you can even see the Four Seasons Resort in the distance with Haleakala on the island of Maui across the ocean in the background.

I would not recommend it as a great way to get to Makalawena. Although it is possible there are easier ways to get there. It is sunny and dry up there but breezes keep it feeling kind of cool and the views are awesome. Would probably be a great spot for whale watching (Lynn’s dads idea, not mine). It’s also just a cool place to get a birds-eye view of the surrounding landscape, shoreline, trails and roads. Check it out if you get a chance.