Palauea Beach

The Mākena Road & Wailea Alanui Drive loop run offers a fantastic blend of Maui's coastal beauty and unique landscapes. You will jog along the scenic Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk, passing pristine crescent beaches and enjoying continuous ocean views, before transitioning to stretches alongside manicured golf courses and the dramatic, ancient lava fields of Makena. This moderate 4.4-mile (7.0 km) route, with its 195 feet (59 metres) of elevation gain, provides a varied experience over paved roads and boardwalks, making it a great way to see a lot in about 43 minutes.

For the best experience, plan your run for early in the morning. This helps you beat the heat and avoid the crowds, especially on the popular boardwalk sections, allowing for a more serene jog. While the loop itself is well-defined, you have the option to extend your run past Makena Landing Park towards Makena Cove, where a gravel shoulder offers a bit more distance. Just be mindful that the road narrows considerably further south.

What makes this route stand out is its incredible diversity, showcasing both the lush, developed beauty of Wailea and the rugged, windswept black lava fields of Makena, remnants of Maui's last eruption. It is a favorite among local running communities like the Valley Isle Road Runners, appreciated for its accessibility and the ever-changing scenery. This trail truly gives you a comprehensive tour of the area's natural and developed highlights.