The Joy of Walking
Liza A Pierce of “A Maui Blog” | Photos: Liza Pierce
As the holiday season approaches (it’s already a BER month and we Filipinos know what that means), many of us are beginning to feel the rush of endless to-do lists, gatherings and commitments. While this season is filled with joy, it can also bring added stress.
So how do we handle stress? One of the simplest yet most effective ways is walking. Walking is not just exercise—it’s therapy for the soul. It clears the mind, lowers stress, and gives us a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Here on Maui, we are especially blessed. Walking isn’t limited to sidewalks and city streets. Our island offers some of the most breathtaking coastal walks in the world, where we can enjoy fresh air, scenic beauty and moments of peace by the ocean. Depending on where you live or work, at least one or two of these walks are just minutes away.
Wailea Coastal Walk
This two-mile path stretches in front of the Wailea resorts and is easy to access from Polo Beach, Wailea Beach or Ulua Beach. The paved walkway makes it perfect for all ages, with ocean views at every turn. If you’re lucky, you may even spot honu (sea turtles) or dolphins along the way. Don’t forget a small beach bag—ending your walk with a dip in the ocean is the ultimate reward.
Kā‘anapali and Lahaina Coastal Walk
At 1.4 miles, this is one of Maui’s most popular walkways. Beginning at the Sheraton in Kā‘anapali, it winds past some of West Maui’s most famous beaches. It can get crowded around midday and sunset, so going earlier in the day makes for a more peaceful stroll.
Kapalua Coastal Walk
This gentle two-mile trail offers stunning shoreline views and unique lava rock formations. The scenery is worth every step but bring sunscreen—shade is limited here.
Honolua Bay Footpath
For something different, try this short but enchanting walk through a lush old-growth forest. You’ll pass towering trees, moss, jungle vines and tropical plants before arriving at Honolua Bay, one of Maui’s most beautiful snorkeling spots.
Keālia Pond Coastal Boardwalk
Located along Keālia’s Sugar Beach, this flat wooden boardwalk is part of a wildlife refuge and offers a peaceful setting for birdwatching. Informative signs along the path explain the importance of this wetland sanctuary, home to endangered species and migratory birds from as far away as Asia and North America.
My suggestion? Don’t wait for stress to pile up before you start walking. Begin now. Make walking a habit. That way, when life feels busy and overwhelming this holiday season, you’ll already be used to stepping outside, breathing deeply and finding refreshment in the simple act of walking.
So, my friends, let’s remember sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is time to walk, breathe, and enjoy the beauty around us.
Liza Pierce of A Maui Blog is an Interactive Media enthusiast. She started blogging in 2006 and she loves talking story online and spreading aloha around the world. She’s been living on Maui since 1994 and considers Maui her home. A wife, a mother, a friend…and so much more. She loves Jesus, and is a Maui sunsets catcher; crazy about rainbows and an end Alzheimer’s advocate. Her life is full and exciting here on Maui.
Liza is currently the Digital Media Specialist with Hawai‘i Life Real Estate Brokers. She is the author of the book Maui 2021 and Beyond.