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Volcanic Goats and Crashing Waves by The_Eagle The Hoapili Trail to Hanomanioa Light is on Maui's southern coast, and is an out-and-back hike showing the island's history, volcanic oceanfront ruggedness, and an intriguing inhabitant: its feral goat population.
On the drive in you start noticing the feral goats. We called them volcanic goats because they blended in so well with the volcanic rock. These are descendants of domestic goats brought to Maui by early settlers. These goats have adapted to their harsh environment, navigating the rocky landscape with agility.
As you hike along the rugged Hoapili Trail, you'll notice the stark, arid terrain characteristics of Maui's southern coast. The coast has been shaped by centuries of volcanic eruptions. If you are hiking early enough, looking to the north are the islands' tallest peaks in the Haleakala National Park can be seen. These rise more than 10,000'. Hiking later in the day, they will more than likely be obscured in cloud cover. At the trail's turnaround is the historic Hanomanioa Light. It was built in the late 19th century to guide ships through the dangerous southern coast. Views from this light offer stunning panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean. There is little shade and with all the rock, it can be warm. There are a few places along the way that allow you to take a dip in the ocean to cool off. Check out the Official Route and Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. |