Pu'upehe Trail

The Pu'upehe Trail is considered easy and beginner-friendly, making it suitable for a light jog or brisk walk. While there's a slight incline towards the end, it's not overly strenuous. The full route is approximately 2.5 kilometers long with minimal elevation gain.

The trail features a mix of surfaces. While some sections are mostly paved, other parts are rocky and uneven. For this reason, athletic or trail running footwear is recommended, especially for the final stretch to the cliff top.

The primary attraction is the iconic Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), an 80-foot triangular sea stack. You'll also enjoy stunning coastal vistas, views of the Lānaʻi coastline, and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, you might even see the neighboring islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe. The trail also passes by the Hulopoʻe Tide Pool, and you can observe native Hawaiian plants like ʻIlima and Alena. The overlook at the end offers exceptional photo opportunities, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

No, dogs are not permitted on this trail. The area is part of the Mānele-Hulopoʻe Marine Life Conservation District, and regulations are in place to protect local wildlife, including the ground nests of endangered native wedgetail shearwaters.

The trail is located within the Mānele-Hulopoʻe Marine Life Conservation District. While there isn't a specific permit required for public access to the trail itself, visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the conservation efforts in place. Always check local regulations before your visit, for example, on the Hawaii tourism website.

The trail offers beautiful scenery year-round. However, sunrises and sunsets are particularly renowned from this vantage point, providing dramatic views and awe-inspiring colors. Visiting during these times can enhance your experience.

Specific parking information for the Pu'upehe Trail is typically available near the Hulopoʻe Beach Park area, as the trail starts close to there. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for designated parking spots.

The area is rich in natural beauty. You can observe native Hawaiian plants like ʻIlima and Alena in the rocky landscape. The Mānele-Hulopoʻe Marine Life Conservation District is also home to endangered native wedgetail shearwaters, so please tread lightly to avoid disturbing their ground nests.

The Pu'upehe Trail is an out-and-back route. You will follow the same path to the viewpoint and then return the way you came.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Pu'upehe Trail, Manele-Kaupakua Trail, and Leinohaunui Pipi Chute Trail.