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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
791 reviews
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smhr
Pickering, Canada277 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
This is a nice place however finding the place was a challenge. The place is in Hana and almost towards the end of the town. We asked a couple of locals and they had no idea about this place, so you better get the directions figured out BEFORE you embark on the trip. There is no parking lot there, so you will need to park on the side of the road. There is space available for about 10 or so cars. The parking is free
After parking your vehicle, you will need to walk towards the beach via a private property ie someone's lawn. I dont think they mind as there were no signs asking people to stay away but there were ample signs that you are taking the trail at your own risk. Once you get to the beach, you will need to walk on the trail along the sea. Be very careful because the trail is not very safe. Its very narrow and also slippery due to loose gravel
Once there , you will enjoy the red sand beach
After parking your vehicle, you will need to walk towards the beach via a private property ie someone's lawn. I dont think they mind as there were no signs asking people to stay away but there were ample signs that you are taking the trail at your own risk. Once you get to the beach, you will need to walk on the trail along the sea. Be very careful because the trail is not very safe. Its very narrow and also slippery due to loose gravel
Once there , you will enjoy the red sand beach
Written November 18, 2023
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.
getaways
Maui, HI2,737 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Saw the no trespassing signs and stopped.
Spoke to some residents that explained that the path to the beach is eroding and slippery.
There have been many accidents where adults and children have fallen down the slope into the rocks below.
We turned around and did not go .
Spoke to some residents that explained that the path to the beach is eroding and slippery.
There have been many accidents where adults and children have fallen down the slope into the rocks below.
We turned around and did not go .
Written October 17, 2023
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.
Ipututrisna D
3 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Solo
A very nice and hidden beach even though the road to get there is very dangerous but fun good for sunbathing and very beautiful evening views with red sand beaches and red cliffs
Written October 11, 2023
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, MN126 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 December 26, 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.
SmitcheQ
Waikoloa, Hawaii36 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
I debated this stop due to the warnings, but I am SO glad we chanced it. It was by far my favorite stop on our Hana trip. Yes, getting there is tricky. It is not for those uncomfortable with a narrow, sometimes slippery path uphill. However, if you are fit & careful it can be done. Once there, the absolute beauty of the cliff & water is breathtaking. The water was crystal clear & the rocks very manageable. Worth the risk!
Written October 9, 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.
AdventureSheSaid
Brisbane, Australia241 contributions
Sep. 2022
If you're doing the Hana drive - then this beach is a must! Very cool and surprisingly very easy to get to! Take care on the hike.
Written September 29, 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, NJ609 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 August 21, 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.
Karl
1 contribution
Jul. 2022
This is a great little hidden beach that is protected by perfectly placed rocks that break the waves. Great swimming destination.
Written July 23, 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.
Steve Murphy
Denver, CO2 contributions
Jun. 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 June 8, 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.
christine c
3 contributions
May 2022
Walked over to the red sand beach from our bungalow at the Hana-Maui. Like others have said, the beach is stunning. However, on our return a gentleman in his 70s just ahead of us fell 20 feet. Rescuers were able to get to him quickly. But, we have since learned the locals don't go to this beach because the trail crosses private property. It seems to be dissrepectful in general to visit this trail and beach. Falls happen at least 2 x per week according to the locals. We saw pregnant women on the trail, older folks, people carrying children and beach gear - all negotiating the trail without problem. However, it is very dangerous - one wobble or misstep and down you go. I wish the travel books would take this one off the visit list. Had I known how locals feel, I would not have gone.
Written May 22, 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.
Gianluca B
22 contributions
Is the beach open all day? Is it ok enter in the late morning or is it prefer arrive in the early morning?
PRECIOUS TRAVELS
Big Sky, MT179 contributions
I believe from the time the sun is up, the beach is open. We got there late morning and it was perfectly fine! Enjoy 😊
Leah M
3 contributions
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.
Albuquerquetacos
Albuquerque, NM6 contributions
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
Kathleen C
Bergenfield, NJ
Does anyone have a location of where to park?
clovelles
Kailua-Kona, HI45 contributions
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.
superbijoux
Fort Bragg, CA8 contributions
Is Red Sand Beach in Hana a clothing optional beach? When i was there 20 years ago it was.
Shannon A
Clovis, CA152 contributions
Says it is...hit and miss. Rock says nude, most are clothed, but some strip down and get in for posterity.
Do I need yo purchase a permit?
journey_in_wander
Homestead, FL323 contributions
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!
beefonweck338
Leesburg, FL9 contributions
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
FamilyAdventuresMN
Minneapolis, MN179 contributions
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!
CoNomad
Boulder, CO33 contributions
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?
Kari
Mentone, CA108 contributions
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!
What mile marker is this located near on the road to Hana
Antonio S
Boston, MA78 contributions
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.
Jenn_D808
Dallas, TX121 contributions
Do you think the trails to the beach would be safe for a child (9 yr old)? Thanks!
MauiSteve96713
Hana, HI162 contributions
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.
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Claim your listingRED SAND BEACH - KAIHALULU BEACH - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Sand Beach - Kaihalulu Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Red Sand Beach - Kaihalulu Beach:
- Shaka Guide Maui "Classic" Road to Hana Audio Driving Tour (From C$27.17)
- Maui "Loop" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour (From C$27.17)
- Maui "Reverse" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour (From C$27.17)
- Maui Circle Island-Private-Air Tour: up to 3: Waterfalls & Lava! (From C$614.24)
- VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up (From C$678.11)
- Hotels near Red Sand Beach - Kaihalulu Beach:
- (0.33 km) Luana Spa Retreat
- (0.59 km) Hana-Maui Resort
- (0.90 km) Hana Kai Maui
- (0.51 km) Aloha Cottages
- (0.94 km) Bamboo Inn on Hana Bay
- Restaurants near Red Sand Beach - Kaihalulu Beach:
- (0.33 km) Thai Food By Pranee
- (0.68 km) Shaka Pops
- (0.54 km) Ae's Thai Kitchen
- (0.63 km) Hāna Ranch Restaurant
- (0.50 km) Paniolo Lounge