La Perouse Bay

Description

The ocean front hiking trail at La Perouse Bay is a rare look at the last lava flow on Maui.  Known as Keone'o'io in the Hawaiian language, La Perouse Bay is a black rock landscape that skirts along a beautiful aqua blue coastal bay. The hiking trail meanders through the lava fields and an old village with archeology sites eventually connecting to the "King's Highway" an ancient footpath laid out with crushed lava stones.  The wind swept and stark landscape of this area is unlike any you will see on Maui or any other of the Hawaiian Islands.

At a Glance:
Highlights: A great place to explore near the ocean, while hiking through some of the last lava flows on Maui.  Spectacular ocean views!
Location: South of Wailea at the end of Makena Road
Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous.
Warnings!:  Very sun exposed, bring drinking water and sun protection. Swimming here can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Equipment: Sturdy shoes, shade gear, water and food.
Reservations: None needed, Preserve hours: sunrise to sunset
Cost: None

Where to Start:
The hike begins along the last parking area in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, though the lot is rough and roadside parking near the La Perouse Monument is recommended as to not damage your rental. Walking along the ocean as you exit the last parking lot, head left through the big boulders and follow the path around the archeological sites. Do not walk on or near the walls in this area. They are cultural sites and protected.

Five minutes into the hike you will pass a small "blow hole" in the lava field, and the trail winds narrowly past, through jagged lava for about 200 yards. The trail then joins a fisherman's four-wheel drive road and winds along for over a mile eventually linking to a light beckon on the southern most point of the peninsula.

The trail takes you to some secluded beaches, and tide pools but the ocean access is rugged and can be hazardous to the inexperienced ocean swimmer. There is some shade along the hikes, but most of it is sun exposed. Proper sunscreen and lots of water for drinking is recommended.

Directions:
Take Makena Alanui Road until it passes Makena Beach and continue along entering the Ahihi-Kinau  Natural Area Reserve.  Drive several miles until it the road dead end's and find parking.

Map

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