Ma'alaea & Mākena State Park via Pi'ilani Highway loop

No, this route is not a continuous, recognized road cycling loop, especially for traditional road bikes. While individual sections offer great cycling, there's a significant discontinuity in the road network between Mākena State Park and the Pi'ilani Highway. Parts of the Pi'ilani Highway also feature rough asphalt and gravel sections, which are not ideal for race bikes.

The terrain varies significantly. The Mākena State Park area and Kihei offer mostly paved, relatively flat sections, with some routes like the South Maui Greenway being very accessible. However, the Pi'ilani Highway (often called the 'backroad to Hana') is strenuous, with rolling hills, steep sections, and can include 'a few km's of bad asphalt and a few km's of gravel,' making it challenging for road bikes.

You can find parking in various locations depending on where you want to start your ride. In Ma'alaea, parking is available near Ma'alaea Harbor. For Kihei, there are public parking areas along the coast and near the South Maui Greenway. Near Mākena State Park, parking lots are available for beach access, which can serve as starting points for rides in the paved Mākena/Wailea area.

Yes, there are several scenic spots. The Pi'ilani Highway offers breathtaking coastal views. In Ma'alaea, you can see the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and Ma'alaea Harbor. The Mākena State Park area is known for its beautiful beaches, including Mākena Beach (Big Beach), and stunning ocean vistas.

The best time to cycle in South Maui is generally during the drier months, from late spring to early fall (April to October), when the weather is consistently warm and sunny. However, Maui's climate is pleasant year-round, so cycling is possible in any season. Be mindful of potential rain during the winter months (November to March), especially on the more remote Pi'ilani Highway.

The full 'loop' as described is not suitable for beginners due to the challenging terrain, varied road surfaces, and lack of continuity. However, specific sections are beginner-friendly. The Kihei area offers flatter, paved options like the South Maui Greenway, and some routes near Mākena State Park (e.g., via Polo Beach) are also easy and mostly paved.

Dogs are generally allowed on leash on public roads and many paved paths in Kihei and Ma'alaea. However, specific rules apply to parks and beaches. For instance, Mākena State Park has restrictions on where dogs are permitted, often limiting them to parking areas or specific trails, and usually requiring them to be on leash. Always check local signage.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on public roads in Maui. There are no entrance fees for cycling on the Pi'ilani Highway or most roads in Kihei and Ma'alaea. However, if you enter specific state or county parks for other activities, standard parking or entrance fees might apply to vehicles, but not typically for cyclists passing through.

Services are very limited on certain stretches of the Pi'ilani Highway. There are often no reliable water sources or stores between Ulupalakua Ranch and the very basic Kaupo General Store. If you plan to cycle this section, you must carry all necessary water, food, and repair supplies. The Kihei and Mākena areas have more amenities available.

If you choose to cycle the Pi'ilani Highway, it is generally recommended to ride it anti-clockwise. This keeps the ocean on your right side, offering clearer, unobstructed views and making it easier to stop for photos of the stunning coastal scenery.

While not a single continuous trail, sections of this route may intersect with or run parallel to local paths. For example, in the Kihei area, you might encounter parts of the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk or various Beach Access paths. These are often short segments designed for pedestrians or local access rather than long-distance cycling connections.

The term 'Khei trail' does not refer to a specific, named road cycling trail that forms part of a continuous loop. It likely refers to the general Kihei area's cycling infrastructure, which includes suitable options like the South Maui Greenway and separated bike paths along Veteran's Highway (Highway 311) that are excellent for road cycling.