Home Destinations USA Hawaii Maui Sights Ahihi-Kinau (La Pérouse Bay)

Ahihi-Kinau (La Perouse Bay) Review

Read our Maui sights reviews. Or post your own.

All Hawaii National Parks

Ahihi-Kinau (La Pérouse Bay)

Map It

Category: Bodies of Water
Location: The South Shore

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

Beyond Makena Beach, the road fades away into a vast territory of black-lava flows, the result of Haleakala's last eruption. Also known as La Pérouse Bay, this is where Maui received its first official visit by a European explorer—the French admiral Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de La Pérouse, in 1786. Before it ends, the road passes through the Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve, an excellent place for morning snorkel adventures. However, visitors should note that until August 2010 at the earliest, most of the area will be closed to the public, including unofficial trails to Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa (popularly known as "the Aquarium"), and Mokuha (also known as "the Fishbowl"). Access to northern portions of the reserve most used by the public will remain open during visiting hours. Some of these open areas are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along Ahihi Bay including the "Dumps" surf break. This is also the start of the Hoapili Trail, or "the King's Trail," where you can hike through the remains of one of Maui's ancient villages. For more information, you can visit the State Department of Land and Resources Web site at hawaii.gov/dlnr. Bring water and a hat, as there are no public facilities and little shade, and tread carefully over this culturally important landscape.

Find more sights in Maui »