Wailuku in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Welcome to the Lahaina Pali Trail
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 7, 2025
1. Welcome to the Lahaina Pali Trail Marker
Follow in the footsteps of travellers from over a century ago. Built for horseback and foot travel between Wailuku and Lahaina, the Lahaina Pali Trail was the direct route across the steep southern slopes of West Maui mountain. It was hand-built along the steep, sometimes treacherous hillsides.
The trail is five miles long and climbs to over 1,600 feet above sea level. Along this trail, you will see native plants like a 'ali'i (Dodonaea viscosa), wiliwili trees (Erythrina sandwicensis), and a native dryland sandalwood (Santalum ellipticum).
Petroglyphs, stone walls, and rocky outcrops mark the spots where long ago travellers stopped to rest. The mid-point of the trail is Kealaloloa Ridge, the southern rift zone of the volcano that formed West Maui. Pu'u (cinder hills) and natural cuts in the ridgeline expose the dramatic geologic history of this part of Maui.
The Lahaina Pali Trail is a historic roadway. Damage to the trail or any archaeological sites along the trail is subject to penalties, as defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 6.E.11. Please care for this cultural resource.
The Lahaina Pall Trail
this page online
Trail guides with more information on the cultural and natural history of the trail can be obtained at DOFAW, 54 South High Street, Wailuku, at retail stores at Ma'alaea, and at many outdoor recreation outlets.
Warning: Extreme Fire Hazard During Dry Periods
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles.
Location. 20° 47.505′ N, 156° 33.832′ W. Marker is in Wailuku, Hawaii, in Maui County. It can be reached from the intersection of Lahaina Pali Trail - eastern half and Honoapiilani Highway (Hawaii Route 30), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22 Lahaina Pali Trail - eastern half, Wailuku HI 96793, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Lahaina and West Maui. Globally, it is in North America, Polynesia, the
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 8, 2025
2. Welcome to the Lahaina Pali Trail Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: On Foot...By Horse... ...Then Carriages and Cars (here, next to this marker); Ko Lalo Kuilani Aloha (approx. 2.1 miles away); Scandinavian Migration to Hawaii (approx. 2.8 miles away); Master Navigators (approx. 3.3 miles away); Submarine Communications Buoy (approx. 3.4 miles away); Guardian of Sea-Going People (approx. 3.4 miles away); Battle of Kepaniwai - Uniting the Islands (approx. 6.2 miles away); Nā Wai 'Ehā - The Four Waters of Maui (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wailuku.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 68 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
