Kapalua Resort, Lahaina, Maui, has opened two hiking trails – the Village Walking Trail and Maunalei Arboretum Trail, offering welcome opportunities for communing with Hawaii’s incredible scenic beauty. These trails represent the first in a series of over 100 miles of planned walking and hiking trails throughout the resort’s 23,000 acres. Designed for all fitness levels, these trails are complimentary and open to visitors and local residents.
The Village Walking Trail follows the established system of cart paths and roadways located on Kapalua Resort’s former Village Course. These scenic trails offer guests and residents the opportunity to soak in the majestic landscape of the West Maui mountainside (Mauna Kahalawai) at a relaxed pace. Stunning panoramic views of the neighboring islands and a hidden lake with ducks awaits those that venture to the top of the course.
Addressing the lack of hiking resources island-wide, Maui Land & Pineapple Company’s vision for the 100-mile trail system is to give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Maui in a unique setting.
The more remote Maunalei Arboretum Trail begins above The Plantation Estates in a series of loops that meander three miles along Honolua Ridge to the top of Pu‘u Ka‘eo. On this newly opened trail, hikers will encounter Kapalua Resort’s unique arboretum. Created 80 years ago by D. T. Fleming, the visionary manager of Honolua Ranch, the arboretum boasts numerous plant and tree species collected from around the world. Known as an innovative thinker, Fleming diversified Honolua Ranch’s crops by introducing plantings such as pineapple, coffee, watermelon, mango, lychee, avocado, and aloe. In addition to unique plants from around the world, the Ridge Trail is home to many native plants.
There are three routes on the Maunalei Arboretum Trail: The Lower Arboretum Loop (one-half mile), the Banyan Loop (1 mile), and the Pu’u Ka‘eo Ridge Trail (1.25 miles one-way). These trails are perfect for hikers looking for a relaxing stroll in the woods or a more challenging trek up the mountain to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve.
Kapalua Resort offers a complimentary shuttle service for hikers to the Maunalei Arboretum trailhead. The shuttle departs in front of the Kukui Room at the Honolua Village Center daily at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. For more information, please call the concierge at 808-665-5454. For hikers interested in the Village Trail system, check in at the Kapalua Logo Shop for this self-guided experience.
Courtesy of Kapalua Resort
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