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This is one of the most peaceful places on the island. You travel down a long narrow road until you reach the water and you have arrived. The road is very narrow. Two cars passing is a tight squeeze, but it is well worth it. You will probably also see some goats roaming the streets and trails there. I got there at sunrise and there were not many people there and I went on a nice hike. Saw lava rocks for miles. Had me thinking about my grill. But this place is very peaceful. The power of the waves crashing along the shore is soothing. You will come across some rock formations, definitely some goats, and some make-shift memorials along the trail. I hiked for about an hour and it was very refreshing. A great way to start my day. I wish I would have brought some water and was very glad that I had on comfortable shoes. The trail can get rough in spots. So I highly recommend stopping by here. It is a great alternative to the road to Hana activities and in the complete opposite side of the island. Just remember: comfortable shoes, narrow road, bring water, and beat the heat. It will get very hot out there. Also keep in mind that this is a historical landmark and it is not only bad luck to take anything from the park, it is also illegal.
Definitely worth the bumpy drive! You can come here to hike or snorkel. The scenery was awesome. Nothing like what you'd see on the mainland. Parking can be a challenge when it's crowded but people seemed to be in and out while we were there. So glad we made the drive out and definitely recommend checking out the lava fields!
On our drive down after visiting the beautiful beaches of Kihei, we decided to pay a visit to the Lava Fields at La Perouse Bay. A scenic drive down the scenic Hwy 31, we passed a lot of walled off, beautiful and spacious looking private homes for the rich (and presumably famous?). Arriving at the Kinau Natural Area Reserve, the roads are pretty narrow and despite being intended for two way traffic, was really only wide enough for 1 way traffic. The actual parking area of the reserve is pretty rough and either unpaved, or in desperate need of repaving, so expect a rough drive in when you arrive. Parking is both free and fairly abundant however which is always a plus. The walk itself down the lava fields is quite a site. You start off in the actual lava fields where you will see signs prohibiting entry. Aside from safety issues, the fields themselves are considered historic and sacred to the indigenous people and removing souvenirs from these fields is not only considered bad luck, but is also illegal. Walking down the path, it's pretty cool to see where the lava flow reaches the ocean and hardens into jagged rock formations. Along the way, we saw various small fishes in shallow tide pools. And at one point, even picked up a beautiful little shell that had a hermit crab in it. The trail itself will have plenty of evidence of goat droppings, of which you will occasionally find hanging around off to the sides. Like much of the beaches in Maui, there are plenty of dead coral around. While sad to see so much coral dying possibly as a result of human interference, I've never actually seen coral before at beaches so it was pretty cool to see such beautiful "rocks" all along the beach. A few we found even had impressions from seashells and other sea creatures that had at one point imprinted themselves along the surface as the coral gradually formed around them. The trails can be a little rough, so wear footwear appropriately. Be careful along the edges as we saw multiple spots with crosses and pictures of victims who appear to have unwittingly fallen or had been washes out to sea. Despite the potential dangers mentioned above, this sanctuary of nature is extremely beautiful. We went on a typically amazing Hawaiian day, so the weather was not only amazing, but the sea was nice and calm. Truly a real postcard moment. While the Road to Hana is the go to for most tourists visiting Maui, I highly recommend taking a detour down Kinau Reserves to check out these amazing lava fields!
What a fun hike. It was very flat and had a great view of oceans, dry forests and olivine pools. It took around two hours and then some since we stopped at the end of the trail to enjoy the ocean view. I read earlier that it was possible to snorkel at the end of this hike but looking at the waves and the sharp lava rocks and I can't imagine it is safe. Definitely bring good footwear. The rocks aren't hard to walk on, but it's sharp lava rocks most of the way, and flip flops are not recommended
Really interesting drive on really narrow and really bumpy road. Basically, you drive slowly on a paved road that is really rough and bumpy with fields of cooled lava rocks on both sides of your car. It's kind of like being on a different planet. Be prepared to stop and share the narrow road with other vehicles also slowly sight seeing. There is one official parking lot you can pull into, but don't plan on hiking around. (Also, the road to get there is very narrow (one-car at times) and windy right along side lovely ocean coves)
The lava flats of Maui are simply spectacular to witness. One day I was driving to Big Beach in McKenna however I kept driving following the this tiny road and discovered this amazing drive through the lava flats. Both sides of the road were dwarfed by these gargantuan fields of lava formations, it that looked like some alternative planet where life did not exist. But then I see 4 goats standing on these rock formations and I knew it was all good. I traveled this road for a few miles till it ended arriving at a semi parking area. At this point you can hike along the coastal area through sandy beach sections and lava formations. Now this lava rock is sharp so keep on the path way. I encountered some blow holes amongst the rocks with blasts of sea water blasting through them .... makes great photos but don't fall in cause life is about over at that point. I kept hiking until a new path with trees & beach line where if you brought a towel you lay out if you can find sand piece of real estate. Again don't be fooled by the tranquil setting cause the rocks are sharp. Also along the pathway at this point you'll encounter steaming piles of horse manure from nature lovers on horseback. Please note theses things when heading to flats: 1: Bring Good Shoes 2: Bring Water Bottle full 3: Don't be stupid be safe And the last thing don't drive that rental car in cause if you crash it , you own it. Insurance plan ultimate bought is void in these areas of island. That fine print come into play bawahahaha but I know you won't listen. Enjoy gods molten lava flows that are probably a million years old, it's truly spectacular.....
Located all the way at the end of Makena Road is this rocky beach that's a great hidden gem filled with sea creatures and archeological sites. The final mile of road has a lot of hills and dips with zero visibility so sole down but once you get there there is ample parking in one of 2 gravel parking lots. Keep hiking suth and there are a few small blow holes you'll see at high tide. Or if visiting at low tide you can spot crabs and shellfish in the remaining tide pools. About a half mile down a rocky trail are two small private sandy beaches to enjoy.
Unique landscape Maui isn't all palm trees and beaches. If you have time and wanna see a different side, then you should head down to the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. The paved road soon becomes a dirt road....meaning you're on the right way! One of the best spots is La Perouse Bay. Volcano outbreaks shaped this landscape here, which feels a bit lunar. It's a very rocky, rugged area with its own charm and with little visitors. We came here on a rainy day....and the area looked even more like a different world than it would on a sunny day. The clouds sticking to the mountains in the back. But even so, the views are nice and for a while you forget you're in Maui. There are some animals to watch in some seasons (like dolphins), but we didn't see any that day. After taking in the nice views and landscape you shouldn't stop here. The dirt road continues a while more south....until the road really ends. There are even less people there and the road is pretty much one-lane only. But worth to check out if you really want to enjoy the area for yourself.
If you enjoy hiking, this is a great spot! It's an easy hike, just over lava and sand so be sure you wear good shoes! Do NOT go barefoot or in flip flops. Be careful taking your car, go slow. It's not nearly as bad as all the reviews make it out to be. If you go slow, you should be fine. We did it in a Ford Fusion. Watch the road. Use the turnouts when passing other cars. The last two miles are on a road where the pavement is not maintained any longer. The last 500 feet to the parking lot are not paved and very bumpy, but go slow. Be mindful of all the insurance waivers, blah blah blah. It was a great hike with the family! From the parking lot, it was 1.25 miles to the open lava fields. There's PLENTY of gorgeous spots with beach to lay out on, lava to walk over, tide pools to see, blowholes to marvel at, and crystal clear gorgeous ocean water to admire. I guess you could swim, but it's pretty rocky and I wouldn't. You could lay out easily enough, though. There divers out there. I wouldn't go diving or snorkeling unless you know what you're doing. I don't, so I didn't. Kids had a good time. Mom and Dad were in better shape than they were, lol. It's a bumpy road getting there, but don't turn around and don't avoid it, go, you won't be sorry.
GET SOME NATURAL AND MAN-MADE HISTORY IN THIS UNIQUE AREA OF MAUI The lava fields are like a moonscape and reminiscent of the Big Island of Hawaii, the newest island with the active volcano of Kilauea. These lava fields are the result of Maui's last volcanic eruption around 1790 from Mount Haleakela. Kinda creepy looking, but interesting to see. To get there you head east past Wailea, then Makena, then Big Beach and just keep on going to the end of Makena Alanui Road. There's a new mansion on the left with a perimeter view fence looking across a cove directly at Lanai. I heard it belongs to Oprah. We noted the hoard of construction workers finishing it about four years ago. Must be nice to be rich. My mansion on Maui is still in the hoping stage. The road ends at La Pérouse Bay, or Keone'o'io to the Hawaiians, named after French explorer La Pérouse, who surveyed and mapped the area in 1786. La Perouse explored the Pacific around the same time as Captain James Cook, and even made it over to Australia like Cook did. This is a pretty cool place to swim and snorkle. The King's Trail starts at the parking lot and follows the shoreline past several coves that provide good snorkeling with a wide variety of fish. This trail was built in the late 1500's during the reign of Pi'ilani, and once circumnavigated the entire island during the Golden Age of Maui (1500's-1700's). The very revered Piilani was the 15th Mo'i, or sovereign king of the island of Maui. This trail was the only island-encircling road in all of the Hawaiian islands. You can see the remains of old Hawaiian settlements constructed of lava rock. Go in the morning before the wind picks up the waves and before the heat rises off the black lava rocks. Wear sturdy shoes so you don't cut your feet on the jagged lava rocks. Don't be tempted to take Hawaiian lava rocks home with you because the gods will curse you with bad luck. No kidding. Bring your own drinks. There is a taco truck back at Big Beach. Moose McGillycuddy is always waiting for you in Kihei with some hot wings and a powerful long island iced tea with your name on it - a few of those and you will agree that the Moose is loose. The park closes around sunset, which is probably a good thing because it is said that Night Marchers, or restless Hawaiian spirits, roam La Pérouse Bay at night looking for mischief. Leave before dark before you are the target of something bad. For starters you don't want to stumble or fall on those lava rocks in the dark. Enjoy the magical island of Maui, which has been voted the best vacation island in the world.
Wow. We were staying in Waleia and had been to the beaches of Makena, Polo, and about 5 others in the area. My cousin who has lives here for 38 years said we needed to go to the lava fields at La Perouse Bay which was not far from where we were staying at The Palms. She warned us to take water, a snack and good shoes to hike in. We started our adventure by finding a parking spot which is not easy and we got there early. We knew it was a 3 mile hike to the top of the point which most people don't make it that far, they give up about mile 1. It isn't a steep incline but a gradual one. It it super rocky and if you don't have the right shows you will cut your feet or roll an ankle. It took us about an hour and a half to make it to the top. We kept stopping for photos and walking down offshoot travels trying to find a way down to the sandy beach. You walk through sand for about the first mile, then a hobbit like forest for the next mile which has some nice trees and non-sacramental rocks to sit on. Do not get off the trail into the lava field itself, it is sacred. This area is known to be haunted by spirits at night. It was beautiful and creepy. The last mile is the gradual incline. This last mile is all lava rock you have to walk on. It is stable in places and loose in others. Be careful where you place your feet. I stumbled a couple of times. It does get hot and super windy. We drank an entire liter of water. On the round trip 6 mile hike. Well worth the effort and beautiful. Take the time and make the entire hike, don't stop and the 1st cove; make it all the way to the end you will not regret it.
Super fun hike!! Fair warning though, it is HOT!! Mostly entirely level but with a mixture of lava rock and the occasional beach on the way. The salt and pepper beach at the end is worth the trip. Pack plenty of water and go early, or just accept it will be hot. Parking can be a challenge with all the folks that come down, but we were fortunate to find a spot right near the water.
We decided to head south all the way down to the bottom of the island - La Perouse Bay -because my aunt had told my mom that there was a really cool lava field down there. We drove past the swanky areas - Wailea and Makena - and ended up on a windy road right next to the rocks and sand barely big enough to fit 2 cars on. We took this for 15 minutes or so and were suddenly in the middle of a huge lava field. It was beautiful because to one side you had the ocean, to the other lava rocks with the green hills in the background. At the end of the road is La Perouse Bay - apparently the first place outsiders landed on Maui - which is basically a lava rock and coral strewn beach. It was pretty, but not overly interesting.
5 months ago
Lava Fields is more of a scenic beach walk than a traditional hike, and it's such a beautiful way to spend time outdoors. You're walking alongside the water with nonstop ocean views, and the contrast of the lava rock and blue water is stunning the entire way. What's great about this walk is how flexible it is. You can go for miles or turn around whenever you want, which makes it accessible for all levels. It's very close to Wailea and some gorgeous beaches, so it's easy to fit into your day. Be sure to wear good footwear since the lava rock can be uneven and unstable in areas. Seeing the wild goats along the way was an added bonus and made the experience feel extra special. Peaceful, scenic, and a must-do if you're in the area. read more
1 year ago
Once you come to the Bay you can walk an established trail along the lava fields. There are remnants of lava rock houses from long ago. Now you see wild goats. read more
3 years ago
We came here on our last day in Maui as it was just 20 minutes away from where we were staying in Wailea. While there are definitely worse roads on the island, the one to the lava fields was not the best. After passing the Makena State Park, the road gets narrow and there is barely enough room for two cars to pass. Follow Makena Road for a few miles before you hit the last mile which is completely unpaved. It's a rocky and bumpy ride from here. You'll know you're getting close to the entrance when you start seeing a ton of red lava rock on both sides of the road. There are a few parking spaces right at the entrance and more as you drive further in. There is no shade at all, so be sure to wear lots of sunscreen, bring sun gear and lots of water if you plan to do any hiking nearby. Even though it's along the water, I would not consider this a comfortable beach for laying out or relaxing. The terrain is pretty rough and it was super windy. As we walked towards the water, I loved seeing the variation of white, gray and black rocks. We also walked on the field of black lava rock which contrasted beautifully against the deep blue water and sky. It's pretty uneven and slippery here, so watch your step. For those looking for a hike, there's the 2-mile Hoapili trail, but a sign posted at the beginning warns hikers to enter at their own risk. Cell phone service is very weak out here, so it warns that you should be prepared for your own self-rescue out in the barren landscape. We definitely weren't equipped for that, so we just spent about 20 minutes admiring the lava rock and looking out at the water before heading back to the car. I'm glad we were able to enjoy this scenic view on our last evening on the island. read more
1 year ago
This is one of the most peaceful places on the island. You travel down a long narrow road until you reach the water and you have arrived. The road is very narrow. Two cars passing is a tight squeeze, but it is well worth it. You will probably also see some goats roaming the streets and trails there. I got there at sunrise and there were not many people there and I went on a nice hike. Saw lava rocks for miles. Had me thinking about my grill. But this place is very peaceful. The power of the waves crashing along the shore is soothing. You will come across some rock formations, definitely some goats, and some make-shift memorials along the trail. I hiked for about an hour and it was very refreshing. A great way to start my day. I wish I would have brought some water and was very glad that I had on comfortable shoes. The trail can get rough in spots. So I highly recommend stopping by here. It is a great alternative to the road to Hana activities and in the complete opposite side of the island. Just remember: comfortable shoes, narrow road, bring water, and beat the heat. It will get very hot out there. Also keep in mind that this is a historical landmark and it is not only bad luck to take anything from the park, it is also illegal. read more
Definitely worth the bumpy drive! You can come here to hike or snorkel. The scenery was awesome. Nothing like what you'd see on the mainland. Parking can be a challenge when it's crowded but people seemed to be in and out while we were there. So glad we made the drive out and definitely recommend checking out the lava fields! read more
On our drive down after visiting the beautiful beaches of Kihei, we decided to pay a visit to the Lava Fields at La Perouse Bay. A scenic drive down the scenic Hwy 31, we passed a lot of walled off, beautiful and spacious looking private homes for the rich (and presumably famous?). Arriving at the Kinau Natural Area Reserve, the roads are pretty narrow and despite being intended for two way traffic, was really only wide enough for 1 way traffic. The actual parking area of the reserve is pretty rough and either unpaved, or in desperate need of repaving, so expect a rough drive in when you arrive. Parking is both free and fairly abundant however which is always a plus. The walk itself down the lava fields is quite a site. You start off in the actual lava fields where you will see signs prohibiting entry. Aside from safety issues, the fields themselves are considered historic and sacred to the indigenous people and removing souvenirs from these fields is not only considered bad luck, but is also illegal. Walking down the path, it's pretty cool to see where the lava flow reaches the ocean and hardens into jagged rock formations. Along the way, we saw various small fishes in shallow tide pools. And at one point, even picked up a beautiful little shell that had a hermit crab in it. The trail itself will have plenty of evidence of goat droppings, of which you will occasionally find hanging around off to the sides. Like much of the beaches in Maui, there are plenty of dead coral around. While sad to see so much coral dying possibly as a result of human interference, I've never actually seen coral before at beaches so it was pretty cool to see such beautiful "rocks" all along the beach. A few we found even had impressions from seashells and other sea creatures that had at one point imprinted themselves along the surface as the coral gradually formed around them. The trails can be a little rough, so wear footwear appropriately. Be careful along the edges as we saw multiple spots with crosses and pictures of victims who appear to have unwittingly fallen or had been washes out to sea. Despite the potential dangers mentioned above, this sanctuary of nature is extremely beautiful. We went on a typically amazing Hawaiian day, so the weather was not only amazing, but the sea was nice and calm. Truly a real postcard moment. While the Road to Hana is the go to for most tourists visiting Maui, I highly recommend taking a detour down Kinau Reserves to check out these amazing lava fields! read more
What a fun hike. It was very flat and had a great view of oceans, dry forests and olivine pools. It took around two hours and then some since we stopped at the end of the trail to enjoy the ocean view. I read earlier that it was possible to snorkel at the end of this hike but looking at the waves and the sharp lava rocks and I can't imagine it is safe. Definitely bring good footwear. The rocks aren't hard to walk on, but it's sharp lava rocks most of the way, and flip flops are not recommended read more
5 years ago
Really interesting drive on really narrow and really bumpy road. Basically, you drive slowly on a paved road that is really rough and bumpy with fields of cooled lava rocks on both sides of your car. It's kind of like being on a different planet. Be prepared to stop and share the narrow road with other vehicles also slowly sight seeing. There is one official parking lot you can pull into, but don't plan on hiking around. (Also, the road to get there is very narrow (one-car at times) and windy right along side lovely ocean coves) read more
3 years ago
The lava flats of Maui are simply spectacular to witness. One day I was driving to Big Beach in McKenna however I kept driving following the this tiny road and discovered this amazing drive through the lava flats. Both sides of the road were dwarfed by these gargantuan fields of lava formations, it that looked like some alternative planet where life did not exist. But then I see 4 goats standing on these rock formations and I knew it was all good. I traveled this road for a few miles till it ended arriving at a semi parking area. At this point you can hike along the coastal area through sandy beach sections and lava formations. Now this lava rock is sharp so keep on the path way. I encountered some blow holes amongst the rocks with blasts of sea water blasting through them .... makes great photos but don't fall in cause life is about over at that point. I kept hiking until a new path with trees & beach line where if you brought a towel you lay out if you can find sand piece of real estate. Again don't be fooled by the tranquil setting cause the rocks are sharp. Also along the pathway at this point you'll encounter steaming piles of horse manure from nature lovers on horseback. Please note theses things when heading to flats: 1: Bring Good Shoes 2: Bring Water Bottle full 3: Don't be stupid be safe And the last thing don't drive that rental car in cause if you crash it , you own it. Insurance plan ultimate bought is void in these areas of island. That fine print come into play bawahahaha but I know you won't listen. Enjoy gods molten lava flows that are probably a million years old, it's truly spectacular..... read more
4 years ago
Located all the way at the end of Makena Road is this rocky beach that's a great hidden gem filled with sea creatures and archeological sites. The final mile of road has a lot of hills and dips with zero visibility so sole down but once you get there there is ample parking in one of 2 gravel parking lots. Keep hiking suth and there are a few small blow holes you'll see at high tide. Or if visiting at low tide you can spot crabs and shellfish in the remaining tide pools. About a half mile down a rocky trail are two small private sandy beaches to enjoy. read more
11 years ago
Unique landscape Maui isn't all palm trees and beaches. If you have time and wanna see a different side, then you should head down to the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. The paved road soon becomes a dirt road....meaning you're on the right way! One of the best spots is La Perouse Bay. Volcano outbreaks shaped this landscape here, which feels a bit lunar. It's a very rocky, rugged area with its own charm and with little visitors. We came here on a rainy day....and the area looked even more like a different world than it would on a sunny day. The clouds sticking to the mountains in the back. But even so, the views are nice and for a while you forget you're in Maui. There are some animals to watch in some seasons (like dolphins), but we didn't see any that day. After taking in the nice views and landscape you shouldn't stop here. The dirt road continues a while more south....until the road really ends. There are even less people there and the road is pretty much one-lane only. But worth to check out if you really want to enjoy the area for yourself. read more
4 years ago
9 years ago
If you enjoy hiking, this is a great spot! It's an easy hike, just over lava and sand so be sure you wear good shoes! Do NOT go barefoot or in flip flops. Be careful taking your car, go slow. It's not nearly as bad as all the reviews make it out to be. If you go slow, you should be fine. We did it in a Ford Fusion. Watch the road. Use the turnouts when passing other cars. The last two miles are on a road where the pavement is not maintained any longer. The last 500 feet to the parking lot are not paved and very bumpy, but go slow. Be mindful of all the insurance waivers, blah blah blah. It was a great hike with the family! From the parking lot, it was 1.25 miles to the open lava fields. There's PLENTY of gorgeous spots with beach to lay out on, lava to walk over, tide pools to see, blowholes to marvel at, and crystal clear gorgeous ocean water to admire. I guess you could swim, but it's pretty rocky and I wouldn't. You could lay out easily enough, though. There divers out there. I wouldn't go diving or snorkeling unless you know what you're doing. I don't, so I didn't. Kids had a good time. Mom and Dad were in better shape than they were, lol. It's a bumpy road getting there, but don't turn around and don't avoid it, go, you won't be sorry. read more
13 years ago
GET SOME NATURAL AND MAN-MADE HISTORY IN THIS UNIQUE AREA OF MAUI The lava fields are like a moonscape and reminiscent of the Big Island of Hawaii, the newest island with the active volcano of Kilauea. These lava fields are the result of Maui's last volcanic eruption around 1790 from Mount Haleakela. Kinda creepy looking, but interesting to see. To get there you head east past Wailea, then Makena, then Big Beach and just keep on going to the end of Makena Alanui Road. There's a new mansion on the left with a perimeter view fence looking across a cove directly at Lanai. I heard it belongs to Oprah. We noted the hoard of construction workers finishing it about four years ago. Must be nice to be rich. My mansion on Maui is still in the hoping stage. The road ends at La Pérouse Bay, or Keone'o'io to the Hawaiians, named after French explorer La Pérouse, who surveyed and mapped the area in 1786. La Perouse explored the Pacific around the same time as Captain James Cook, and even made it over to Australia like Cook did. This is a pretty cool place to swim and snorkle. The King's Trail starts at the parking lot and follows the shoreline past several coves that provide good snorkeling with a wide variety of fish. This trail was built in the late 1500's during the reign of Pi'ilani, and once circumnavigated the entire island during the Golden Age of Maui (1500's-1700's). The very revered Piilani was the 15th Mo'i, or sovereign king of the island of Maui. This trail was the only island-encircling road in all of the Hawaiian islands. You can see the remains of old Hawaiian settlements constructed of lava rock. Go in the morning before the wind picks up the waves and before the heat rises off the black lava rocks. Wear sturdy shoes so you don't cut your feet on the jagged lava rocks. Don't be tempted to take Hawaiian lava rocks home with you because the gods will curse you with bad luck. No kidding. Bring your own drinks. There is a taco truck back at Big Beach. Moose McGillycuddy is always waiting for you in Kihei with some hot wings and a powerful long island iced tea with your name on it - a few of those and you will agree that the Moose is loose. The park closes around sunset, which is probably a good thing because it is said that Night Marchers, or restless Hawaiian spirits, roam La Pérouse Bay at night looking for mischief. Leave before dark before you are the target of something bad. For starters you don't want to stumble or fall on those lava rocks in the dark. Enjoy the magical island of Maui, which has been voted the best vacation island in the world. read more
Wow. We were staying in Waleia and had been to the beaches of Makena, Polo, and about 5 others in the area. My cousin who has lives here for 38 years said we needed to go to the lava fields at La Perouse Bay which was not far from where we were staying at The Palms. She warned us to take water, a snack and good shoes to hike in. We started our adventure by finding a parking spot which is not easy and we got there early. We knew it was a 3 mile hike to the top of the point which most people don't make it that far, they give up about mile 1. It isn't a steep incline but a gradual one. It it super rocky and if you don't have the right shows you will cut your feet or roll an ankle. It took us about an hour and a half to make it to the top. We kept stopping for photos and walking down offshoot travels trying to find a way down to the sandy beach. You walk through sand for about the first mile, then a hobbit like forest for the next mile which has some nice trees and non-sacramental rocks to sit on. Do not get off the trail into the lava field itself, it is sacred. This area is known to be haunted by spirits at night. It was beautiful and creepy. The last mile is the gradual incline. This last mile is all lava rock you have to walk on. It is stable in places and loose in others. Be careful where you place your feet. I stumbled a couple of times. It does get hot and super windy. We drank an entire liter of water. On the round trip 6 mile hike. Well worth the effort and beautiful. Take the time and make the entire hike, don't stop and the 1st cove; make it all the way to the end you will not regret it. read more
7 years ago
Super fun hike!! Fair warning though, it is HOT!! Mostly entirely level but with a mixture of lava rock and the occasional beach on the way. The salt and pepper beach at the end is worth the trip. Pack plenty of water and go early, or just accept it will be hot. Parking can be a challenge with all the folks that come down, but we were fortunate to find a spot right near the water. read more
8 years ago
We decided to head south all the way down to the bottom of the island - La Perouse Bay -because my aunt had told my mom that there was a really cool lava field down there. We drove past the swanky areas - Wailea and Makena - and ended up on a windy road right next to the rocks and sand barely big enough to fit 2 cars on. We took this for 15 minutes or so and were suddenly in the middle of a huge lava field. It was beautiful because to one side you had the ocean, to the other lava rocks with the green hills in the background. At the end of the road is La Perouse Bay - apparently the first place outsiders landed on Maui - which is basically a lava rock and coral strewn beach. It was pretty, but not overly interesting. read more
Such a pretty view and so cool to see the lava rock up close and personal. If you walk down and steer off to the right you are able to get closer to the water and see some sea life, and also some colorful fish in the water! read more
10 years ago
Drive south past beautiful and swanky Wailea and Makena and you will get to see some pretty neat sights in Maui. The lava fields at La Perouse Bay aren't flashy or busy tourist destinations, but I do think that out of all of the natural landscapes I ventured to in Maui, this was the one that I would have been most sad to miss. The other reviews aren't kidding; you will drive a pretty unattended road, and just when you think you should turn back, keep driving until you reach a parking lot. There were so many times we thought we were in the wrong place, but we kept driving along and looking at the vast mounds of lava. Once at the parking lot, you have the option of venturing along the coast and exploring the trail amongst the lava. Taking it all in made for a pretty peaceful experience. Because of all the rock, you will need something sturdy to walk in (not flip-flops, for the love of God, or you will break your ankle or have incredibly sore feet). Also, if you plan to walk and explore for a while, ensure you have some water or snacks. It gets very very hot along the trail. On the way out, feel free to stop at one of the beaches along the way (between the Lava Fields and Big Beach) and you may be lucky enough to see some goats. They are even hidden amongst the lava if you look carefully. They are everywhere! read more
9 years ago
A must-see for hikers of all levels! Go here to explore a different side of Maui- walk along a mix of lava rocks and beautiful coral pieces, in and out of small secluded beaches, and through a dark creepy trail complete with wild goats!!! The trail is mostly sand and rocks so wear hiking shoes, and sunscreen is a must because it gets a lot of sun here. We went in the later afternoon around 4 and watched the sun set from the cliffs which was spectacular, then we walked back in the dark with our headlamps for some extra adventure! read more
6 years ago
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10 years ago
Ok so this is down a dirt windy road not far from Wailea. It's totally worth the 20 min drive considering every where in Maui is at least 1 hour away otherwise. read more
10 years ago
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More info about Lava Fields
La Perouse Bay
Kihei, HI 96753
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Lava Fields - hiking - Updated May 2026
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