Old Club Med Trail

The Old Club Med Trail is an easy walking path that descends to a grassy promontory standing over the east end of Hanalei Bay, with a small offshoot trail that descends down to Pu'u Poa Beach. The trail, alternatively known as the Hanalei Plantation Trail, descends through a scenic landscape standing above the Hanalei River. The area was a filming site in the movie South Pacific while it was the Hanalei Plantation. During the 1960's, it was developed into a resort that would be converted into Club Med Resort the following decade. After the Club Med closed down, a new resort was planned for the site, going so far as to have foundations poured and some walls and stairs built. This resort was never finished, and since then the path through the center of the resort has been open to people walking the grounds to the views across Hanalei Bay at the site of what would have become the lobby. Forking off from the trail is a path that descends through more dense growth to Pu'u Poa Beach - a rocky beach that is good for snorkeling and is shared with the neighboring Princeville Resort. The trail is on private property, with a group proposing a future development, which has been met with resistance by the community. In the meantime, the grounds are maintained, with signs granting access to walkers and hikers, but asking that they stay off of all ruins. Surfers often use the trail as a shortcut to get in the water and paddle over to Hanalei Beach rather than fighting traffic and parking at the popular spot. Those who make it to the end of the trail can catch views of those surfing through the trees. Hanalei Pier is also visible on the water below. In all, the walk is about 0.6 miles one-way to the viewpoint, and slightly further if you choose to head down to Pu'u Poa Beach. Parking is along Hanalei Plantation Road. Please make sure you're not parked on private property. There are no amenities of any kind at the hike or trailhead. Visitors can stop by the Nourish Hanalei fresh food stand that serves bowls and wraps right at the trailhead after their hike.