This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Hawaii Is The Most Unique Hike Around
By Megan Shute|Published April 23, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
You will not only find some of America’s most iconic landscapes across the Hawaiian Islands but some of the best hiking trails in the world as well. While you’ll find plenty of difficult hikes across Hawaii, not everyone who lives in or visits the Aloha State is an experienced hiker. Luckily, the islands are home to countless easy trails, like this beautiful boardwalk trail that parallels one of Maui’s best beaches. Easily one of the Aloha State’s most unique hiking trails, the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk must be added to your Hawaii hiking bucket list.
Located within the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, this 0.9-mile boardwalk trail is peaceful and picturesque.
This level, easy out and back boardwalk trail is perfect for the entire family — the fenced boardwalk is perfect for curious keiki who need to be contained, and the short distance makes it ideal for those with little time.
This coastal boardwalk has quite the history: it was originally created by the ancient Hawaiians as a fishpond with a series of dikes used to raise fish for consumption. It later was used as one of the first runways on the island of Maui, and in World War II, it was used as a U.S. Marine training area.
Don't forget your camera! This tranquil walkway and bid sanctuary features views of Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, and the photos opportunities are endless.
You won’t find any shade along this trail, so it is best to visit in the morning or evening. If you choose to visit during the day, please pack plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and a hat.
The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk can be found within the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, between Kihei and Māʻalaea on both sides of North Kihei Road, or Route 31. You can find exact directions here.