Wailea and Makena — Wailea Beach Path

If you prefer to break away from traffic in the Wailea area, you can break off onto the Wailea Beach Path, a beautiful 1.5 mile boardwalk stretching along the sea in the premiere resort area of the island. It runs alongside no less than five crescent beaches, and in many cases you can descend to run in the sand. The Wailea Beach area is better for shore running, as the sand in Makena is a little softer. The boardwalk path is easy, yet one of the most beautiful running routes you’ll find on Maui. Just know you won’t be the only one who thinks so — at most hours of the day this walkway is crowded with vacationers taking a stroll from the nearby resorts. Your best bet is to go in the early morning, before it gets crowded, and before it gets too hot.

Add-On: You can continue for another 1.5 miles or so north toward Kamaole Beach Park. It’s a bit of a hodge-podge of sidewalks, trails, and beaches that is OK for running.