There is no shortage of great hiking trails on the island of Maui, and the Acid War Zone Trail is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the most unique (and awesome) hikes the island has to offer.
Hiking The Acid War Zone Trail To The Nakalele Blowhole And Heart-Shaped Rock (Maui, Hawaii)
What makes the Acid War Zone Trail so great? Well, the Acid War Zone for one. Beyond that, there are also amazing ocean views, several blowholes, an even a totally Instagram-worthy heart-shaped rock.
About The Acid War Zone Trail
The Acid War Zone Trail can be hiked clockwise, counter-clockwise, or out-and-back. I personally recommend the clock-wise route as it gets progressively more amazing – and ends with the heart-shaped rock as a finale.
Alternatively called the Nakalele Blowhole Trail, AllTrails.com lists this as .08 miles; when hiked in a loop I estimate this hike to be around 2 miles and take under 2 hours.
There are some short, unmarked sections of the trail, but the trail is still easily navigable if you keep heading in the right direction.
The Acid War Zone section involves hiking on sharp, uneven, jagged lava formations. What I’m saying is wear close-toed shoes and not flip-flops.
Location And Getting There
The Acid War Zone Trail is located on HWY 30/340 on the northern most tip of Maui, Nakalele Point, about 30 minutes from Lahaina.
Parking And The Trailhead
There are 2 parking lots [and trailheads], but the first is the one I recommend if you want to do the loop.
The first parking lot
You’ll find it before mile marker 38 in a little parking lot on the north side of the road (see the map below).
The Shortcut
If you just want to see the blowhole and heart-shaped rock, you can take a short-cut by using the second parking lot at mile marker 38 (on the map above where MamaLei’s Homemade Goodness is located).
Section 1: Parking Lot Through The Forest To The Cliff
As you leave the parking lot, head down the trail in the general direction toward the ocean.
Follow the trail toward the “forest” ahead.
As you near the forest, you’ll likely “lose the trail”. Don’t worry, pick a pathway, and head down the hill.
It gets a little steep heading into the forest, don’t worry, you’ll soon see the ocean again.
Section 2: Cliff To The Light House
As you exit the little forest section, you’ll come upon the trail again. This section of the trail follows a sea cliff. Be sure to take in the great views, but be careful and stay on the trail.
After following the trail around the cliff, the Nakalele Lighthouse marker will become visible.
The Nakalele Lighthouse marker
Section 3: The Acid War Zone
The next section will lead you away from the lighthouse and down a small hill where you will enter the Acid War Zone section of the trail.
Welcome to the Acid War Zone.
Strange, other-worldly lava formations abound
A hole in the rock, but this is not the hole you are looking for
Next, you’ll come upon a blowhole. This is not the Nakalele Blowhole, but merely an impostor.
More of the Acid War Zone. Enjoy.
A heart. Foreshadowing?
Section 4: Nakalele Blowhole To The Heart-Shaped Rock
Finally, you’ll come across the real Nakalele Blowhole. This one is big. And dangerous.
Many people have died here, so don’t get any crazy ideas about standing on top of the blowhole.
Told you. I wasn’t kidding about the whole “many people died here” thing
Leaving the Nakalele Blowhole, head back in the direction toward the hill. You’ll find the heart-shaped rock in this section.
Do you see the heart-shaped rock yet?
This one is going on Instagram
Section 5: The Hike Back To The Road And Then The Parking Lot
After you take all the required selfies and Instagram square shots til you heart’s content, you’ll need to head up the Anakaluahine Ravine back up the hill toward the second parking lot.
One last view of the Nakalele Blowhole
Once at the top of the hill, you’ll arrive at the second parking lot.
The second parking lot
Head to the street from the second parking lot and continue walking along it westward to return to the first parking lot.
Be careful on this stretch as you’ll have to walk in the road. There is a lot of high vegetation and blind curves, so keep your eyes and ears open.
The Bottom Line: Hiking The Acid War Zone Trail To The Nakalele Blowhole And Heart-Shaped Rock (Maui, Hawaii)
The Acid War Zone trail is an awesome hike that is not too strenuous but has a lot of amazing things to see. Hiking the whole loop will take you under 2 hours to complete.
Although not strenuous, it can be dangerous, so remember to keep on the trail, bring plenty of water, wear shoes, and don’t stand on any blowholes. Keep those things in mind and you’ll have an awesome time!
Cheers!
