One of my favorite activities in Maui is a morning walk near the ocean.

A gentle ocean breeze. Birds chirping. The sound of the waves crashing along the shore.

Oh – and lots of lots of people.

The Kaanapali Beach Walk is how I start my days in Maui after a light breakfast, at least one cup of coffee, and a quick read of the news on my iPad.

While I have enjoyed this pathway for several years – only recently did I stop to read the markers and signage along the way. It turns out that the Ka’anapali Beach Walk is part of a longer trail known as the Ka’anapali Historical Trail.

The trail follows along the coast line and goes in-between the developed hotels and resorts and the beach front. It is mostly on a boardwalk so that you are not trampling on the grass or walking over rocky areas.

No special hiking equipment is required for this trail besides a water bottle and wide brimmed hat. I did not bring hiking shoes – and was fine walking several miles in my Teva hiking sandals each morning.

Given the location of our condo we got to decide each morning “do we go north or go south?” Over the course of a week we did both – where one was a bit shorter than the other one.

Most days – we opted to go North on a longer route.

The pathway meanders through several developments and a golf course. There is appropriate signage along the way – and there is not really any way to get lost – no GPS required on this hike!

The markers along the path are all a bit different – and have been placed there at different times.

One of the interesting historical markers marks the location where the old Ka’anapali Airport (airport code – HKP) used to be – and is now a public park.

In addition to the historical markers – there are also signs that describe the geology of the area and other scientific facts that can be a nice part of an early morning stroll.

There is also a craft fair which sets up next to the pathway each week. Noel has never seen a craft fair she did not like – so we finished our walk one morning with a little shopping prior to starting our day in Maui.

So – the next time you find yourself in Maui – take a few minutes to enjoy a trail by the beach and to learn a bit more about the history and culture of the Ka’anapali area of Maui – all while getting some exercise at the same time.

Until next time –

Aloha!