Red Sand Beach - Kaihalulu Beach
Red Sand Beach - Kaihalulu Beach
4.5
About
This hidden cove in Kauiki Head is known for its unusually red sand, hence the name, caused by the oxidization of iron from the surrounding lava rock. Bordered by steep cliffs, the bay itself is protected by jagged black lava rock, sharply contrasting against the vivid blue of the ocean beyond. The trail to the beach, however, passes through private property and navigating the narrow unpaved path to the cove along the cliff edge can be dangerous—so it's best to view this wonder from afar. Don't forget to wear proper hiking shoes and only visit when the weather is good. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
793 reviews
Excellent
572
Very good
146
Average
44
Poor
16
Terrible
15
NorthBeachTraveler
Hana, HI25 contributions
Mar 2021
Kaihalulu Beach is beautiful, but the access trail crosses private property and is downright dangerous. Every year tourists are injured or killed there, and honestly my wife and I have avoided that fate only because of good luck. You will find that ethical local residents will NOT give tourists directions to Kaihalulu. Go to Koki or Hamoa beach instead, or enjoy Waianapanapa State Park (reservation required).
Written 8 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe P
Estes Park, CO294 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The descriptions I read definitely put the Red Sand Beach on my radar. However, comments on the route to the beach had me concerned. Yes, parking can be very tight, but I found plenty of room half a block away instead of trying to squeeze into the dead end of Uakea street leading to the trail access. Pass the yellow gate bordering a grassy area, crossing the field heading along the right side towards a light pole. The trail starts down there, past the hand painted “no trespassing” sign, past the “the trail is dangerous” signs, and down to where it bears left above the water. I read the reviews about how dangerous it was, but I found it quite easy to negotiate. I did wait a couple times in a convenient location to let oncoming traffic pass, but overall the route was easy to follow and to walk. About 10 minutes brought me to my first view of the beach cut into a pretty cove of red rock. Go slow and pay attention, and enjoy a beautiful, secluded beach. The rock formations guarding the beach are impressive. Oh, and you will not be alone !!!
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aditi
8 contributions
Apr 2021
It's a stunning beach that's only accessible from a hidden trail. We almost missed the entrance if it weren't for a helpful local lady. The entrance to the trailhead is to the left of the community center sliding door. There is a lawn area, and the trailhead starts from bushes. The trail can be slippery in patches, and thanks to other reviews, we went prepared with hiking shoes. The beach pretty much looks same as photos. Red "pebbles" sand is so pretty, the view is best in the morning without harsh sun rays.
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kauai Tai Chi
Kapaa, HI225 contributions
July 2020 • Couples
Turn around and Go home... that’s what the large sign painted on a piece ply board on the street. People here are sick of tourists. They don’t want people coming around in their territory. It is clear that outsiders are not welcome. We saw the sign and decided to honor the request and continued on our day. There are so many other amazing places to visit on Maui why go where you are not wanted?
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve Murphy
Denver, CO2 contributions
June 2022 • Friends
This beach is something else entirely. However, think about the perspective of the locals. They deal with non stop rental car traffic and still they operate throughout their day to day with a smile and nod. However, when a sign says do not trespass, it means do not trespass. It’s insulting to both Hawaiian and Hawaiian culture to disrespect their wishes here. No amount of instagram likes isn’t going to shake the dirty feeling of trespassing.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trisha
Fair Lawn, NJ649 contributions
May 2022
This is a Isolated beach accessed via a steep hiking trail which goes next to a private property. Clear warning is posted at the beginning of the trail being dangerous and to hike at your own risk. This is a place mostly locals are aware and not crowded by ignorance. Which probably a good thing to preserve the nature at it's best form. The contrast between the red and turquoise water makes it out of this world scene. During the high tide or heavy rainfall water level must rise up which is evident from the water marks on the side of the cliff. I was the only person in the beach when I was able to navigate down via the steep and narrowed trail since my partner wanted to stay back up on the cliff to take a video (posted in instagram). It was a little scary to be all alone in the cove surrounded by the mesmerizing red cliffs. But it worth every second. Don't venture out here after the sunset. It get's dark here quickly.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drbsick
Maple Grove, MN138 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
It was a bit of a pain to get to and a little scary, but a highlight of our road to Hana trip. Make sure to park in designated areas. A policeman was writing tickets for others when we left. When the trail splits uphill or to the rocky beach, go uphill. You can't get there just walking along the beach. It is dangerous as many signs will point out, but we saw people at the beach of all sorts - older couples, families with young kids, young adults. It was cool to see the sand but the swimming was only mediocre - shallow and small waves (probably good for young kids but the trip there is not).
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoeieWitte
Madeira, OH864 contributions
Oct 2019
It took us some searching to find the access to this secluded beach. be prepared for a little adventure hike along a ridge and cliff to access the beach.
The beach is small and secluded, with a rock barrier dampening the crashing waves.
The beach is small and secluded, with a rock barrier dampening the crashing waves.
Written 22 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
North Salt Lake, UT57 contributions
Sept 2020
A lot of reviews on this place claim it’s super dangerous and hard to get to. Is probably about a five minute walk that might only be treacherous for a 75 year old disabled person. The beach itself is very pretty but not fun to walk on as the sand is actually tiny pebbles. The cove is sheltered by a rock wall sticking out of the ocean so it’s a great place to swim. Snorkeling is as pretty decent as well. Not worth the drive if you’re only driving to see the beach but if you’re doing the entire road to Hana that day it’s a must do.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jumpoutofaplane
San Diego, CA13 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
I’ve hiked this trail many times before but this might be my last, as I watched a tourist fall head first off a 15 foot cliff this weekend onto the rocky shoreline below. Luckily, he was conscious when I called 911, but sustained a mighty gash on his head and may have even fractured his skull. Wearing slippers and carrying a styrofoam container full of food when he slipped. I pray he’s okay but he wiped out more of the already slim section of the trail with his fall. If you choose to do this trail be prepared, wear proper footing, go slow, and please pay attention. The beach is truly a one of a kind natural beauty but its not worth ruining your vacation or even losing your life. Never bring young children on this trail!
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the beach open all day? Is it ok enter in the late morning or is it prefer arrive in the early morning?
Written 4 November 2019
Access is by trespassing. The trail is on a cliff and is eroding . The crumbling trail has caused many serious injuries. We hope this info is helpful
Written 10 September 2024
Is there any place where you can view the beach without having to navigate the difficult trail? I would love to see it, but I'm not confident in my ability to get down to it safely.
Written 8 June 2019
There is only the one trail. I'm not sure what your ability is, so I can't say for sure how difficult itwould be for you. Its hard packed dirt, but is a little narrow. The main problem I would say is there are some roots from trees you need to be aware of so you don't trip. There is some moderate grades up and down, but not horrible by any means. If there is more than one person I would say you can help each other at any difficult spots.
I can't judge for you, but even if you try and can't do the last bit (which is the area that has a little climb down) you still get a good view from above
If you search red sand beach maui, the elevated views are what you would see from there
Hope you can see it. Definitely one of my favorite beaches
Written 8 June 2019
Does anyone have a location of where to park?
Written 30 April 2019
You just need to park along the road or around the corner in the very small parking lot - but don't face your vehicle in the wrong direction or you'll get a ticket.
Written 7 May 2019
Is Red Sand Beach in Hana a clothing optional beach? When i was there 20 years ago it was.
Written 14 February 2019
Says it is...hit and miss. Rock says nude, most are clothed, but some strip down and get in for posterity.
Written 4 March 2019
No permit needed. Just find a parking spot near the community center and the trail begins in the field behind the community center. It doesn’t cost a thing. Enjoy!
Written 9 September 2018
We are an older couple but still very active. Are there any view points on the way to the beach to take a photo in the event we cant make it all the way?
Doug
Written 28 May 2017
From my recollection, you can't see the full beach until you go around a corner. There's a viewpoint right there if you don't want to go the last steep hundred yards. But you will have to walk a bit to get that far. It's really not bad, if you're reasonably fit!
Written 28 May 2017
I'll be in Hana for a couple of nights later this year and plan to do explore and hike as much as possible in my 3 days in the area. However, Red Sand Beach isn't on my to-do list as I understand it is accessed across private property, and locals don't appreciate tourists trespassing there. What do people see or hear when they get there that makes them think it is OK to do this hike?
Written 18 March 2017
Well I don't think you walk in people's property you walk past some maybe, everyone in the area knows where your going and what your doing if your headed that way. Most locals are nice if any have an issue they will definitely let you know! If you respect the land and don't damage anything on the way in or out you'll be fine. However we stayed at the Travaasa Resort and walked across the grass you the trail so if your worried go that way, however don't ask any Travaasa employees they will not tell you anything about the red sand beach because they won't be liable for the few dummies that do happen to visit. It is my paradise I've never seen a more beautiful beach. oh also it really isn't a big hike its more of a walk with a few bumps and steps nothing to extreme! takes 10 minutes if that! Just don't be one of the dummies that wants to go down one of the slopes to the water go straight to the beach and straight out for your own safety and the rescue teams that would have to save you!
FYI we only lasted 1 night in Hana its super remote we went to the red sand beach and hiked the Pipiwai Trail(So worth it). Then got out of there! 😂 Have fun!
Written 18 March 2017
Red sand beaches located behind the Hana school at the end of Hana Road which is a dead-end. I recommend you get an audio guided CD for your vehicle.
Written 18 January 2017
Do you think the trails to the beach would be safe for a child (9 yr old)? Thanks!
Written 28 February 2016
Actually, a nine-year old can probably navigate the trail a lot much easier and faster than an adult. Just hold your child's hand when you can, go slow and take your time. The trail used to be worse, but it collapsed at a most treacherous point a few years ago, actually making it easier now. This area will now require a short. very easy walk along a small rocky beach before reaching the trail again. Before, it was higher and crumbly which could mean a hurtful fall. Just take it easy. Also, be advised that since the beach is remote, there is some nudity at times...both partially and full nudity by both men and women.
Written 1 March 2016
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