General Geographic Area: West Maui

In a nutshell: West Maui is home to loads of beautiful beaches, and the towns of Lahaina and Ka’anapali. To the north of this region, Ka’anapali and Kapalua boast plenty of higher-end condos and resort hotels, plus four word-class golf courses. Lahaina, the most-visited spot on Maui, is midway around the head and where you’ll find lower and mid-range lodging options.
Minuses: Only one narrow two-lane road in and out makes for the most congested traffic in Maui.
Sound-bite: “Today: Golf lessons, shopping, then some beach time to rest up for party-time tonight in Lahaina!”

West Maui is a large area which has seen the majority of Maui’s hotel and resort development. Ka’anapali Beach Resort is Maui’s largest (and first) master-planned resort, boasting 11 hotels and condos. Lahaina, known as Maui’s old whaling, party and shopping town also boasts loads of history and is home to one of Maui’s two main recreational ports. West Maui has four world-class golf courses, including the world-renowned PGA championship Plantation Course at Kapalua.

West Maui has only one main thoroughfare: the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30.) The Honoapiilani Highway runs right along the scenic shoreline, and in some places, right up to the shorebreak. It makes for fantastically unique drive. The highway continues all the way around the scenic West Maui Mountains, finishing up along a precarious cliff-edge drive that emerges back on the other side of Central Maui from where you started.

Being the most densely populated tourist area, and having only one narrow road in and out makes for heavy traffic. When there is an accident, forget about it – the road can be closed off entirely, cutting off access in or out of this side of the island for many hours at a time.

There are many opportunities for shopping and dining and new condos, hotels, time-shares, shopping centers and strip malls continue to spring up year after year.

For more specific information on West Maui, browse the West Maui category.

You may also be interested in:

• Scotch Mist Sailing Charters
• Fish Market Maui
• Lahaina Coolers

Ocean walk in Lahaina Town.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: An oddly eclectic mix of history, restaurants, T-shirt shops, fine art galleries and gold-by-the-foot, Lahaina is the quintessential “old-time-sea-town-turned-tourism” with a uniquely Maui twist.
Minuses: It’s crowded!
Sound-bite: “Come talk to me about “fractional ownership!”

DETAILS:
The second most visited spot in Maui, Lahaina is compact and crowded. It is also the only full-featured, walkable “down-town” you’ll find on Maui. On the surface, Lahaina will be a place not dissimilar to a popular ocean town closer to home. But under the surface of bars and trinket shops, Lahaina reveals a uniqueness not duplicated anywhere else.

Stores, stores and more stores.

The number-one attraction in Lahaina is definitely “the buzz.” Great restaurants, hoppin’ night-life, swingin’ bars – and shops featuring wares ranging form “made-in-China” trinkets to exquisite local hand crafts; from cheap jewelery to masterpieces of fine art.

For those quick to point toward commercialism as causing a loss of authenticity in this historic area, the irony would be that they’re overlooking one important fact: shopping, eating, drinking and merriment have long been a central part of Lahaina Town. Love it or hate it, the frenzy of activity is aligned with history; Lahaina has been “buzzing” since well before tourism ever washed up on these shores.

One of the 40+ fine art galleries on Front Street

Art
While “the buzz” could fit into most any of your run-of-the-mill tourist towns, the over 40 fine art galleries in Lahaina are definitely a “uniquely Lahaina” touch. In fact, fine art anchors this town to a level of sophistication that would probably otherwise be lacking. While you’ll definitely find plenty of galleries that feature the works of local artists, and plenty of opportunities to view and purchase tropical and ocean genre-specific artwork, these are by no means the limit of the range of art offered. There are many well known galleries in Lahaina with branches in cosmopolitan locations across the world, and several world-renowned artists also have their own dedicated galleries on Front Street. With styles ranging from the marine life depictions of Wyland to the psychedelia of Peter Max – Lahaina is unquestionably a player on the world-stage when it comes to the exhibition and sale of fine art.

On Friday evenings between 7-10pm the galleries offer “Art Night.” Many galleries offer special events, including featuring artists in person. So if you have an interest in art – this is a great time to stroll and catch a chance to chat with some of the artists.

A view of the docking area in Lahaina.

Harbor
Lahaina is also home to the primary harbor in West Maui, and is where the majority of West Maui fishing, snorkeling and whale watching tours depart. Cruise ships ferry passengers for day-trips from their anchor further out in deeper water and this is also where the Moloka’i and Lana’i ferries depart. Note: If you aren’t staying in West Maui (or using one of the ferries), Ma’alaea Harbor (and Kihei Boat Ramp) are usually better choices.

Parking
Okay, I’m mystified with the overwhelming consensus of the commercial guidebooks on this topic: unless you’re obsessed with free parking, parking complaints are waaaaay exaggerated and overdone. In fact, I’m not exactly sure what planet these guys are from calling it difficult to park. The bottom line is, that unless you’re too cheap to pay $5-10 to put the car in a parking lot, your only parking difficulty will likely be in choosing which of the over fifteen lots in just a few square blocks to park in.

My advice is to not even bother to looking for a free parking spot. If you decide to attempt to scout out a free spot anyway, you can likely expect not to find one for a while (experiencing the joy of Lahaina congestion in the process.) When you find your coveted spot, you’ll discover there is a time limit – between 30-minutes and three hours. If you push it a nanosecond past the time limit, you’ll also discover how on-the-ball enforcement is, and that the parking ticket costs a whole lot more than the lot would have.

Now, if we want to start complaining, lets talk about driving to, through or around Lahaina. If there is an accident, or a big event, that, my friends, can be an absolute nightmare worthy of full-tilt road rage.

Historical Value
Under the already uniquely eclectic surface, Lahaina also has an equally rich and varied history. It is best known for its role as a significant Pacific whaling port. But whaling is only a small slice of Lahana’s history.

Lahaina has been central to key western-introduced industries such as whaling, pineapple and sugar. Lahaina has also been a place where immigrants landed; a place with ancient sacred grounds; a capital of a united Hawai’i; and a place where missionaries came to impose their ideals on a native people and visiting sailors with equal fervor. Lahaina has literally been everything from a place of battle, destruction and tragedy, to a place of royalty, celebration and pleasure.

Few visitors come to Lahaina for anything but what is right on the surface, and the majority of the cultural and historical value here has not yet been presented in a way that engages those not looking for it. The result is that unless you seek it out, the history here beyond building facades and plaques ends up being barely perceptible to most.

But that does not mean history and culture aren’t right there, waiting to be coaxed out – because they are. But what it does mean is that if experiencing these things is what you’re after, you’re likely going to have to set out to find them.

Click the image to view a closeup (that you can read!)

The easiest way for visitors to get a genuine balanced idea of what cultural richness lies below the bohemian surface is to contact Maui Nei and get in on one of their guided Lahana tours. These folks are also closely affiliated with the restoration of Moku’ula – one of the most important cultural sites in Hawaii, whose restoration has just begun. I believe once restored, Moku’ula will write another chapter in Lahaina history, and become a significant draw in its own right. (A good background video on Moku’ula can be watched at the Friends of Moku’ula site.) Maui Nei tours of Lahaina cost $39/Adults; $25/Kids 12-17 and proceeds go to the foundation. 808-661-9494.

If you’re the self-guided type, a photograph of the walking tour sign/map is next to this text (click through for highest resolution) and short descriptions of the most popular sites are included below. Many of these sites are little more than a footnote in history – so you may have a difficult time finding much information on them. If you have a strong interest in this kind of history, you can also stop the Lahaina Visitor Center in the Lahaina Courthouse (next to the Banyan Tree) and grab a similar map and a pamphlet titled Lahaina O Mo’olelo. (Also available at various kiosk locations around Lahaina – check the sign/map photo for kiosk locations as well.)

You can also visit the Lahaina Restoration Foundation “Historical Sites” page. I’ve linked appropriate items below – but as you’ll find out, they (quite unfortunately) present an inexcusably limited amount information on their website. The Friends of Moku’ula websitesite has a small set of archives available on specific sites as well.

1. Waine’e Ahupua’a
An Ahupua’a is a method of land division used by the pre-contact Hawaiians who were keenly aware of the interconnection and reliance of the various parts of the watershed. They divided land in pie-slice-like divisions from the top of the mountain to the sea, and each slice is called an Ahupua’a. The Waine’e Ahupua’a was historically the seat of the Ali’i (royalty) in Lahaina and contains important pre-contact cultural treasures, most notably Moku’ula.

2. Maui’s Royal Family
3. Sacred Land of Royalty
4. Sea of Riches
5. Armory Hall
6. Pa Halekamani
7. Lahaina Fire Station

8. Canal & Marketplace
Called Rotten Row for the shifty practices of the day, this place marks where one specific part of canal was built and a marketplace stood where trading was done between citizens and ships. It should be noted that dating from pre-contact times there were also a substantial canals inland which were both used to deliver water to the Lahana area, and also later used for transportation to the marketplace. The canal was filled in around the same time as Moku’ula.

9. Lele Window to the World
Lele was the Hawaiian pre-contact name for Lahaina. Lahaina was where Maui had contact with the outside world.

10. Command Post of Kamehameha
11. East-West Trading

Old Fort

12. Old Fort Ruins
This is the minimally reconstructed corner of the Old Fort which dominated Lahaina Town from 1832 to 1854. It was constructed of coral blocks and sand, and at one time had 47 canons (salvaged from sunken vessels) atop its walls. Its primary use was actually as a prison, but it was also used (more for show) to protect missionaries homes from ship canon fire. Another interesting tidbit is that it has been said to have been used at dusk where a Hawaiian sentinel would “beat a drum furiously” to alert all ashore that they must return to their ships.

13. Front Street – The King’s Road

14. Old Lahaina Court & Coustom House
Directly between the banyan tree and Lahaina Harbor, the Old Lahaina Courthouse was originally built in 1859 from salvaged materials taken from the palace of Kamehameha II. Current tenants include the Lahana Heritige Museum and the Lahaina Arts Society. There is also a visitor’s center and public restrooms.

Part of the giant Lahaina banyan tree, with the Old Courthouse in background.

15. Banyan Tree
Probably the most famous landmark in Lahaina – the Banyan Tree was planted in 1873 by the Sheriff to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Mission. The tree was brought from India, and was only 8′ high at the time of planting. It now has a dozen main trunks, and spreads over the better part of an acre.

16. Pioneer Inn & Theatre
Just North of the Banyan Tree this building was constructed in 1901 by George Freeland to house and entertain visiting sailors. It is now a Best Western and casual restaurant. The great grandson of George Freeland (who shares the same name) is also the president of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

17. Gilman Store, Custom & Meeting House
18. Spring House & Water Pump

19. The Richards House
Now just a marker, this indicates where William Richards’ house stood. Richards was the first Protestant missionary to Lahaina. After his missionary work, Richards left to work directly for King Kamehameha III as teacher, chaplain and translator. He later assisted in drawing up the constitution and traveled abroad as the King’s Envoy.

20. American Missionaries to Sandwich Islands

21. Baldwin House
Restored missionary era home which contains furniture, photos and artifacts of the time. Open 10-4. $3 adults/$2 seniors/$5 family. 808-661-3262. LRS web page description

22. Masters Reading Room
Arguably called the oldest standing structure in Maui, this was originally built to be used as a lounge and reading room for sea captains. This was actually the second Masters Reading Room, and was constructed just prior to the adjacent Baldwin Home. Visitors can not enter, and this is a site to view from the outside, however there is a Hawaiian craft store called Village Gifts & Fine Arts (808-661-5199) located on the ground floor. LRS web page description

23. Missionary Influence in Lahaina
24. Lahaina Kindergarten

25. King’s Taro Patch
Quite unfortunately filled in years ago, this is the site of where King Kamehameha’s taro patch once was. Kamehameha worked on the Taro patch himself to teach his subjects the dignity of labor. Hopefully one day part of this this will be restored.

26. Brick Palace of Kamehaheha I
Only remnants and a marker remain – this was a simple structure built of brick in 1802 by Kamehameha I to welcome sailors. It is said to be the first western-style structure in Hawaii.

27. Hauloa Stone
At the ocean in front of the Lahaina Library, this stone in the shape of a chair (look for the brass marker) and was believed to have healing properties by the ancient Hawaiians. Ali’i (royalty) are also said to have given birth on this stone.

28. Lahaina Ice Company
29. Midnite Inn
30. U.S. Pacific Fleet
31. The 1919 Fire/Bank Building
32. Liberty Restaurant/The Blue Max
33. The Lahaina Store
34. Yamamoto Store
35. World War II Rationing
36. Queen Theatre
37. Kidani Building
38. 1st Battalion, Maui Voulinteers
39. Seaside Inn
40. Fuji Service Station/Kimo’s
Many of these above (and other un-noted) sites center around the days of the Pioneer Mill and WWII, both of which permeate Lahana, and Maui. Plaques at each of these stops provide short bits of information on these less popular sites of historical value.

Wo Hing Temple

41. Chinese Wo Hing Temple
Restored temple dating form early 1900’s. Altar and artifacts throughout. The cookhouse adjacent to the temple shows old movies of Hawaii filmed by Thomas Edison. Open 10-4. $1 adults/children free. LRS web page description

42. Japanese Fish Markets
43. Pioneer Mill Hospital

44. Seaman’s House & Hospital
Originally built by King Kamehameha III as his old-school version of a “party house.” Later it was leased to the US State Dept. to care for sick and injured sailors. One interesting note is that there is actually a human skeleton built in to the northwest corner of the structure. In pre-contact Hawaii it was ritual that when a structure was built for the home of Ali’i, a commoner would be put to death and their remains buried under the northwest support of the building. The spirit of the sacrifice was said to be bound, and would become the ‘permanent guardian’ of the home. Even though this house was built well into the period where the Hawaiian people had supposedly abandoned such customs and embraced Christianity, this fact exposes the pervasive strength that Hawaiian ritual still played at the time. LRS web page description

45. Lahaina Jodo Mission
The buildings are not generally open to tourists (but grounds are.) If you can get inside, there are stunning Buddhist works of art adorning the walls and ceiling. The grounds are home to what is often claimed to be “the largest Buddha statue outside of Japan.” It is definitely impressive and beautiful (and big) – but biggest outside of Japan?!? I mean, come on – there are Buddhas in many parts of the world that would dwarf this – clearly some other qualifications were lost playing “whisper down the lane” on this one.

46. Hale Pa’i
the name means “house of printing” and was one of the earliest LRF projects. This is a replica of a Ramage Press used in the 1800’s to print newspapers, bibles, and educational materials. The museum has artifacts on display, including old newspapers under glass. Hours are not regular, so you need to call the LRF to find out when to visit at 808-661-3262. LRS web page description

47. Seamans Cemetery
The cousin of Herman Melleville rests here, as well as other seamen.

48. Maria Lanakila Catholic Church
Built in 1873 this stone church replaced an adobe building and grass hut chapels used previously by the congregation. This is an operating church and is open to visitors and local congregants alike. Church website

49. Episcopal Cemetery

50. Hale Aloha (Protestant Church)
The LRS web page description for this one says it all.

51. Buddhist Church of the Shingnon Sect
Behind the distinctive temple facade actually stands a standard plantation-style building. This is, just as the name suggests, a Buddhist temple of the (Japanese) Shingnon Sect.

52. Luakini St/Alanui Nahi’ena’ena

53. Hale Pa’ahao (Prison)
The name literally translated means “House of Forced Detention” (commonly translated by visitor information into “Stuck in Irons House”, while I’ll admit it is far more catchy, unfortunately it isn’t as accurate a literal translation.) Most frequently used a place for Missionaries to jail rowdy sailors, this coral-brick-walled prison is one of the most popular historic sites visited. Among the things to see here is a “speaking” wax replica of a prisoner, and a list of common infractions which include drunkenness, profanity, adultery, and “furious riding” (among many other Puritanical offenses.) LRS web page description

54. David Malo’s House
Born on the big Island in the ealy 1790’s, Malo is a renowned Hawaiian scholar and philosopher who relayed much of what we know today of old Hawaii, traditions and Hula. Malo spent only a small, but critical portion of his life in Lahaina. At around 30 years old, Malo came to Lahaina to be educated at the first school in Hawaii (Lahainaluna) and was also converted to Christianity (where he took the name “David’.) Malo then moved to East Maui for his remaining years. Lahainaluna school (claimed to be the oldest school west of the Rockies) still celebrates Malo every year.

55. Hongwanji Mission

56. Waiola Church
This church has a history of destruction and rebuilding that’ll make you wonder! The superstitious might have interpreted the events as a message, but the persevering congregants simply didn’t give up. Here are the Cliff’s Notes on the history: Originally called the Waine’e Church, built in 1823, the original building lasted only three years to be lost to strong winds. The church was rebuilt and completed in 1832, but then in 1894 it burned to the ground. The church was rebuilt again, lasted another 50 some-odd years and burned once again. Again the congregants rebuilt, and in 1951 (three years time, again) the church was destroyed by “Kaua’ula” winds (fierce winds, concentrated by the mountain valley, said to happen at the death of Ali’i.) In 1954 the church finally got a bit superstitious, and changed its name to Waiola Church. So far, so good! Church website

57. Waine’e (Waiola) Cemetery
I believe the LRS sign is incorrect, as I understand it (and according to the church) the name of the cemetery did not change with the name of the church. Several members of Hawaiian Ali’i are buried here, including King Kaumualii (the last king of Kauai), Queen Kekauonohi (Kamehameha II) and Princess Nahienaena (sister of Kamehameha II and III).

58. Moku’ula Island &
59. Mokuhina Pond
Once a sacred island inside an 11-acre pond, there is actually nothing to see here right now. However, this site is one of the most important pre-contact archeological finds and restorations in all of Hawaii. This site is currently in the long process of restoration, but when completed promises to be one of the keystone historical sights in Lahana. I am eagerly awaiting its restoration. The Friends of Moku’ula website has lots of great information, and every visitor should consider donating to the cause.

60. Hale Piula

61. Episcopal Church
A simple and beautiful structure, the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church was originally in another structure built in 1872. Rebuilt in 1927 diagonally across from its original site, the new building stands on royal grounds, where Hawai‘i’s last reigning monarch, Queen Lili‘uokalani, enjoyed holidays and vacations as a child. Church website

62. Lahaina Lighthouse
Just nine feet tall when it was originally built in 1840, the lighthouse now towers at a more respectable 55′. The LRF website does a fair job describing the many incarnations of this historic lighthouse over the years.

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #20-22 between Honoapi’ilani Hwy (aka Hwy 30) & the ocean.
GPS Coordinates: 20.871845,-156.677699
Facilities: Town.
Get directions

View Lahaina Town in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Scotch Mist Sailing Charters
• Fish Market Maui
• Trilogy Excursions

Olivine Pools later in the day

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: The Olivine Pools are several tidepools located on barren lava along the ocean’s edge on the back-side of West Maui.
Minuses: Terrain on the short hike is unforgiving to those who are not sure-footed.
Sound-bite: “Olivine?”

DETAILS:
Olivine pools is located on a stretch of remote area that has no sandy beaches or easy water access. Take a steady stream of rental cars passing through, along with ample parking, and this site became much more of an attraction of wide-appeal than it probably should be in its own right.

“Olivine Pools” was first popularized for the masses (and the name coined) about a decade ago by the mass-market guidebook “Maui Revealed.” Eco adventure hiking companies used to bring folks here as part of a special “off-the-beaten-path” hiking experience, but after MR found something that was actually not yet revealed (don’t get me started), they took significant poetic license in their description, gave it an exotic name, and quite literally “put it on the map.” Since the vast majority of tourists fresh off the plane use MR to tell them where to go sightseeing, that means this place would (and did) change overnight.

So, back to reality, what is actually special here is that it is a pretty side-trip to stop and frolic in tidepools in the serenity of the rugged natural West-Maui coastline. Unfortunately, once more than a couple of people show up (which is most of the time) Olivine Pools becomes more reminiscent of a “resort playground” and what can be genuinely so special about this site is quickly lost. If you show up early or late in the day, you might get lucky and have the place with just another couple or two – that said, it likely isn’t a destination worth planning the rest of your day around – that is unless you just flip for tidepools – in which case there are many tidepools (most on the North Shore) that also have the added luxury of sandy beaches, and ocean you can swim in.

There are several well established trails down the jagged lava, but don't trip!

The hike to get here is of moderate difficulty largely due to jagged and in some places fairly steep lava rock. There are several worn trails leading to the pools, making rough “steps” down much of the lava, so it isn’t exceedingly difficult. Those who are active should not have a problem hiking down the lava (unless they trip – this type of lava is like a combo of pumice stone and tiny serrated knives!) Children and older folks might have difficulty depending on how active and adventurous they are used to being.

It should also be noted that unsafe conditions can exist here when surf is up – if waves are crashing into the pools with any force at all, do not enter (no matter what everyone else is doing.) Also important to note is that the lava walls close to where the waves break are unsafe no matter how it looks – since this attraction was made popular, people have been severely injured and even died standing too close to the ocean here – don’t judge safe actions by what others are doing – virtually no one you will see visiting here knows more than you now do.

It is also important to note the parking area is a hot-spot for smash-and-grab thieves – bring valuables with you to the pools, and leave the car unlocked to avoid broken glass.

Key Info:
Location: 16 mile marker of Kahekili Hwy (Hwy 340)
GPS Coordinates: 21.007464,-156.55745
Facilities: None.
Get directions

View Olivine Pools in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Nakalele Blowhole
• West Maui – Quick Summary
• Scotch Mist Sailing Charters

Steep, narrow, cliff-edge driving.
Hint: The car and Jeep are on the same short stretch of road.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Rugged shoreline, scenic vistas, and cliff-edge driving you’ll never forget.
Minuses: If you’re not a confidant driver parts of this drive could be your worst nightmare.
Sound-bite: “what do you mean back up!?!“

Most visitors will travel in and out of West Maui along its West and South shores through Maalaea. This is definitely the commuter route, as the route along West Maui’s northern side is precarious and slow going. For those seeking adventure, this open-vista driving tour is a must-do.

The north shore of West Maui has been called “West Maui’s Road to Hana” – but that really is a generalization best left to those who just don’t get it. (If we’re going for broad generalizations here, the Back Side of Haleakala is the closest you’ll get to this.) If you have an adventuresome spirit, you owe it to yourself to drive both of these roads during your visit. By the same token, if winding narrow roads at the edges of cliffs make you nervous, or if you already did the Road to Hana and can’t figure out what all the fuss was about, you may want to give this journey a second-thought. (For the record, if you must pick one, it is no contest: pick Hana.)

For all but the most confident drivers, going clockwise is recommended as it puts you on the body-shop side of a miscalculation. If you do decide to go against this advice, be certain the person riding shotgun is equally as confident in your abilities.

Past Kapalua
As you leave Lahaina and Ka’anapali you start to see something you haven’t seen in a while: clouds! That is because you’re traveling from the dry leeward side of West Maui into the wet windward side. Clouds usually build as the day progresses.

After you’ve put Kapalua behind you, you’ll come to Honolua Bay. We’ve done a separate article on this beach and bay, so I’ll just say it is a protected cove with rocky beach that is usually a spectacular place to snorkel, dive or surf. For more info see the Honolua Bay article.

(33.3 mm) Lipoa Point
GPS Coordinates: 21.019269, -156.639426
A great vantage point for Honolua Bay, with dirt road and trail access to the shoreline for the explorer. There are many rough paths leading down to the shoreline tidepools, caves, surfing and snorkeling access. 106 acres of the point’s headlands are in conservation. This area was an ancient Hawaiian fishing ground and the headlands contain many archeological sites that have not yet been preserved, marked or maintained. Please be very respectful of the fact that this is an important cultural area deserving of respect – if you see rocks piled as a wall or foundation, look and imagine what they once were – but do not disturb them. Most of the trails down to the shoreline are rough (and some are downright dangerous) – so use your head before you decide to adventure down any of these.

Punalau Beach: raw and empty

(34.6 mm) Punalau Beach
GPS Coordinates: 21.022176,-156.625997
Punalau Beach is a rugged sand beach, the last sandy beach for quite a while, in fact. This isn’t the best place to lay out or go for a swim, but it is a spectacular place to take a quiet and secluded walk. When the surf is up in the winter months it may become crowded as surfers use this beach to access the popular “Windmills” surf break offshore.

Look for a turnout with some parking. Be sure not to block the 4WD road, and don’t drive down it even if you have 4WD and the gate is open.

(36 mm) Honokohau Bay
GPS Coordinates: 21.022161,-156.60992
Honokohau Bay has a rocky beach and is used for kayak launching and is another surf spot during winter months. The small village of Honokohau is also just uphill, but is not a place for tourism. Please respect their privacy and right to quiet country life by avoiding a spontaneous drive up their dead-end country road.

(38-38.5 mm) Nakalele Point
GPS Coordinates (light beacon): 21.028951,-156.590506
Most frequently visitors come here to see the blowhole (below.) There is also a short hike past tidepools and interesting rock formations caused by the effect of countless years of the corrosive effects of the blowhole’s salt spray. Part of this area is called the fantastic name of “acid war zone” by more than one popular guidebook. For those interested in geology, it is definitely a sight you won’t want to miss and is all covered in detail in the dedicated article on the blowhole.

A "shortie" from the Nakalele Blowhole.

(38.5 mm) Nakalele Blowhole
GPS Coordinates: 21.027013,-156.588559
The prime attraction of the Nakalele Point is the blowhole. A blowhole’s effect is much like that of a geyser, a hole in the ground with a jet of water shooting periodically into the air. This blowhole has a manhole sized opening and can be very impressive during high tide and high surf. (tide forecast) Some jets can approach 50+ feet and literally shake the ground beneath your feet. Nakalele Blowhole Page

(16 mm) Olivine Pools
GPS Coordinates: 21.009933,-156.556061
I covered the Olivine Pools in its own article since it is such a popular place. They are a handful of nice tidepools at the end of rugged lava jutting into the ocean. Pretty spectacular when you have them to yourself, these days they’re sometimes pretty crowded. Olivine Pools Page

Kahakuloa Hawaiian Congregational Church

(14.6 mm) Kahakuloa
GPS Coordinates: 20.997022,-156.550991
Kahakuloa is a small isolated village nestled along the shoreline. Called the most isolated village on Maui, most of the folks who live here work here, too. The old and simple missionary founded church (1892) is the subject of many paintings and photographs because it is idyllically situated against both mountain and ocean backdrops. Taro Lo'i and modest homes dot the tiny village inside this scenic cove.

There are a couple of roadside stands here – one inside the village, and one on the main road. Both have plenty of Aloha and great treats and fruits and are definitely worth a stop.

There is also an art gallery called Kaukini Gallery as you ascend out of the valley – they have some very high quality pieces by Hawaiian artists (with price tags to match) plus jewelery as well.

Kahakuloa Head from a distance

(13.6 mm) Kahakuloa Head (Pu‘u Koa‘e & Pu’u Kahuli’anapa)
GPS Coordinates: 21.000909,-156.54552
Kahakuloa Head is visible from quite a distance, distinctive twin hills Pu‘u Koa‘e at over 636′ and Pu’u Kahuli’anapa at just under 550′. King Kahekili, father of the better known King Kamehameha lived in this area for part of the year. Legend has it that he would climb to a ledge around 200′ from the ocean, leap in, then climb back up for his morning routine. Kahekili was defeated by his son (who did not know of his relation) Kamehameha who unified the Hawaiian Islands.

There are a few patchy trails, one that leads between the two hills, another that leads off-and-on to the top of Pu’u Kahuli’anapa, and for very experienced hikers there is a trail (and I use that word loosely) you can climb to the top of Pu‘u Koa‘e. I’m going to leave all these routes unmarked; attempts to reach the summit of Pu‘u Koa‘e would be a life-threatening endeavor for most.

Waihee Valley from the ridge.

(6.9 mm) Waihe’e Ridge Trail
GPS Coordinates: 20.953104,-156.532334
This is a wonderful steep hike along a mountain ridge. Spectacular views of the Waihe’e Valley and coastline, plenty of birds, and you can get a good cardio workout going up the steep incline. I wrote a dedicated article about this hike here: Waihe’e Ridge Trail

(1m mauka 4.8 mm – see map) Swinging Bridges
GPS Coordinates: 20.942322,-156.526895
Don’t believe the other guidebooks that say you need to hire a tour guide because it is difficult to secure access to this valley. This is a less steep hike than Waihe’e Ridge, into the Waihe’e Valley. This is the valley that you see so spectacularly from the ridge hike above. It is a 1 mile hike on a wide defined path to the bridges, and an additional mile along a narrowing path to the end of the trai. There is a small entrance fee ($6 last time I checked) and you must sign a waiver when paying the fee since the land belongs to Wailuku Agribusiness. (Another incarnation of A&B’s water stranglehold on Maui – see EMI.) This is a good hike for little ones. The two swinging bridges are mellow, and you can usually walk under them if they (or you!) are scared.

Key Info:
Mile Marker Span: #32 (Honoapi’ilani Hwy aka Hwy 30) to #0 (Kahekili Hwy aka Hwy 340)