In addition to our world-famous beaches, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible trails and hikes. In fact, if we could only choose two activities to do for the rest of our days, it would be hanging out in the waters off the coast of Hawaii and exploring the miles and miles that criss-cross our islands. And today, we’re doing both. Not only is this bay one of the prettiest in the entire state but it’s only accessible via a magical forest trail sure to enchant you. Adventure awaits along the magnificent and magical Honolua Bay Access Trail…
Many beaches are known for either their tropical beauty, crystalline blue waters, rich historical significance, or hiking opportunities. Others are popular among either snorkeling enthusiasts or professional surfers. Not often will you find a beach that has all of this and more — except Honolua Bay, that is.
Kris Nelson/Flickr
Located north of Kapalua on Maui’s wild and rugged northwestern coast is a bay so breathtaking it’s impossible to tear your gaze away. With vibrant blue waters surrounded on three sides by lava rock cliffs resulting in calm, protected waters, it doesn’t get much prettier than this.
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
And while Honolua Bay itself is stunning, we can’t deny the ethereal natural beauty of the footpath through the forest you must take to reach this slice of paradise.
Keppet/Flickr
The trail meanders less than a mile through the forest from a parking lot adjacent to the Honoapiilani Highway above…
Tammy Bell/AllTrails
…to a mostly rocky shoreline and a small beach sure to take your breath away. While you won’t find bathrooms, showers, or lifeguards at the remote Honolua Bay, it’s worth a visit to soak in its natural beauty alone.
Richard “Dick” Morgan Follow/Flickr
An overlook on the bluffs to the east side of the bay is the perfect spot to pull up and take in the scenery or watch experienced surfers take on Honolua’s waves in the winter.
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
Whether you are seeking adventure or respite, you will find it on Maui’s northern shore at Honolua Bay. If you haven’t visited this dreamy destination, you absolutely must add it to your Hawaii beach bucket list. Just don’t forget your snorkel gear and a camera.
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
What more could you ask for? It’s not often you come across a tropical beach this stunning that presents ideal conditions for both snorkeling during the summer and surfing in the winter months — not to mention the stunning trail that leads to it all.
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
The Honolua Bay Access Trail is located near Mile Marker No. 32 on Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI, 96761. So tell us, have you hiked this trail before, or plan to? Have you ever witnessed this beautiful slice of paradise for yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below – we love hearing from you!
Kris Nelson/Flickr
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
Keppet/Flickr
Tammy Bell/AllTrails
Richard “Dick” Morgan Follow/Flickr
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
Looking for more beautiful places to explore in the Aloha State (you don’t have to search too far!)? What about these 13 jaw-dropping bays?
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Address: Honolua Bay Access Trail, Hawaii 96761, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Honolua Bay Access Trail August 09, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other magical and enchanting places in Hawaii? Enchanting places abound in Hawaii, whether it’s a wondrous waterfall or verdant hiking trail. Or, as with the following magical destination, both! Located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids. Are there any other fairy tale forests to explore in Hawaii? There sure are! In addition to some lush and lovely jungles on the islands, the hidden Bamboo Forest is a place unlike any other on the planet. To access this wonder, you’ll head to the island of Maui and venture into the magical Haleakala National Park. Aptly named, the Bamboo Forest offers gorgeous greenery, plenty of bamboo, and just a touch of magic, which you’ll discover along the Pipiwai Trail. Along this gorgeous two-mile trek, hikers can expect to encounter scenic cascades, a gorgeous waterfall, and the most unusual attraction of all, a seemingly endless bamboo forest. Quickly after, the landscape gives way to a world of bamboo. Enter the forest and you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled to an entirely new landscape that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale! Looking for more dashingly divine and beautiful places in Hawaii? Here’s a good place to start!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Honolua Bay Access Trail
August 09, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other magical and enchanting places in Hawaii? Enchanting places abound in Hawaii, whether it’s a wondrous waterfall or verdant hiking trail. Or, as with the following magical destination, both! Located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids. Are there any other fairy tale forests to explore in Hawaii? There sure are! In addition to some lush and lovely jungles on the islands, the hidden Bamboo Forest is a place unlike any other on the planet. To access this wonder, you’ll head to the island of Maui and venture into the magical Haleakala National Park. Aptly named, the Bamboo Forest offers gorgeous greenery, plenty of bamboo, and just a touch of magic, which you’ll discover along the Pipiwai Trail. Along this gorgeous two-mile trek, hikers can expect to encounter scenic cascades, a gorgeous waterfall, and the most unusual attraction of all, a seemingly endless bamboo forest. Quickly after, the landscape gives way to a world of bamboo. Enter the forest and you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled to an entirely new landscape that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale! Looking for more dashingly divine and beautiful places in Hawaii? Here’s a good place to start!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Enchanting places abound in Hawaii, whether it’s a wondrous waterfall or verdant hiking trail. Or, as with the following magical destination, both! Located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids.
Are there any other fairy tale forests to explore in Hawaii?
There sure are! In addition to some lush and lovely jungles on the islands, the hidden Bamboo Forest is a place unlike any other on the planet. To access this wonder, you’ll head to the island of Maui and venture into the magical Haleakala National Park. Aptly named, the Bamboo Forest offers gorgeous greenery, plenty of bamboo, and just a touch of magic, which you’ll discover along the Pipiwai Trail. Along this gorgeous two-mile trek, hikers can expect to encounter scenic cascades, a gorgeous waterfall, and the most unusual attraction of all, a seemingly endless bamboo forest. Quickly after, the landscape gives way to a world of bamboo. Enter the forest and you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled to an entirely new landscape that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale! Looking for more dashingly divine and beautiful places in Hawaii? Here’s a good place to start!
