Hiking to The Red Sand Beach-Hana-Maui-Hawaii

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The view unveils as we turn the corner. We are momentarily stunned, unaware that so many shades of red existed. We descend the trail, giddy to be surrounded by this astounding hidden cove. Thrilled that we are hiking to the Red Sand Beach in Hana, Maui, Hawaii.

“The trail is a bit precarious,” warns the hotel staff. We don’t ask for elaboration. We will give the trail a chance. The worst case scenario is that it’s too difficult and we have to turn around.

Visiting Hana is part of a one-day road trip for most Maui tourists. After driving for hours and making multiple stops along the way, day trippers have little time to spend in the town of Hana. They squeeze in one or two quick attractions before turning around to head back to Paia or Kahului. Wanting to create an
enjoyable, unhurried Road to Hana trip, we planned a two-night stay in town. The extra time allowed us to partake in Hana’s activities.

The trail to Hana’s Kaihalulu Beach is located at the end of Uakea Road, near the Hana Ball Park and Community Center. The beginning of the trail is easy, but soon we find ourselves on a narrow path with a wall of red on our left and a drop to our right.

The path is composed of small gravel that slips underneath our hiking sandals. The gravel combined with the narrow path is what makes the hike feel a bit precarious. The incline is gradual. The climb is not physically taxing. There are trees, roots, and rocks we hold onto to keep our steps steady and help reduce slipping on the loose gravel.

Once we got a glimpse of the view, we had to experience the beach.

The red of the red sand beach is caused by the oxidation of iron from the lava rock. Bright green trees nestled in the rock, white driftwood, and dark lava rock add extra interest to the already spectacular landscape.

As we set foot on the beach, we observe a sleepy monk seal. We keep our distance to ensure the seal has a tranquil slumber.

The beach is small. It only takes a few minutes to walk from one end to the other.
The surrounding cliffs provide seclusion. The cove is quiet and peaceful. For a time it is us and the seal.

The sound of humans punctures the stillness. Looking up, we see a small group of young adults carefully making their way down to the beach. A band of pink sky materializes over the water. Bluish-purple clouds hover across the sunset. Our hiking to the Red Sand Beach goal was to see the red; we didn’t plan to be there at sunset.

The experience is already great, but the addition of a sunset makes it spectacular. After spending time oohing and aahing at the landscape, the friendly group of young adults approaches and proposes we trade photo taking. We happily agree. I’m grateful for the group helping us capture the moment.

Realizing that once the sunset ends, nighttime will engulf the trail, we make our way back. Hiking the trail in the dark will make the trail go from being a bit precarious to being quite precarious. Now familiar with the trail, it takes us less time to exit.

Hiking to the Red Sand Beach in Hana is a moderate to challenging hike. It is not for everyone. I would not recommend it if you have no hiking experience or have mobility issues. I also wouldn’t recommend the Kaihalulu Beach trail if hiking a narrow path with a cliff drop to one side will consume you with terror. The goal is to have a magical travel moment, not a miserable one.

If you visit Hana and want to see red sand minus the hiking, you can visit Koki Beach. There is parking at the beach, perfect for one-day road trippers. If you are hungry, you can grab a meal at the famous Huli Huli Chicken on-site stand.

Our Hawaii trip quest was to visit a black sand beach, a green sand beach, and a red sand beach. Hiking to the Red Sand Beach in Hana helped us achieve this goal. The hike was worth the effort. The scenery was amazing. The sunset was a bonus. It is a travel experience that we will remember forever.

Click here to read about our visit to Kehena Black Sand Beach

Click here to read about our visit to The Green Sand Beach