Our last adventure during our February 2014 visit to Maui was to drive south from Kihei to the end of Makena Road at La Perouse Bay. Compared to the Hana or Honoapiilani Highways, this was much shorter and much tamer. There are no seaside cliffs nor any blind curves along this route. However, we saw some amazing sights just like on our other drives. Our first stop was at Big Beach in Mākena State Park. At over ½ mile long and over 60 yards wide, this is one of the longest and widest sandy beaches in Maui. Mongooses seem to thrive in the park, but were far to fast for me to photograph. Portable toilets are located near the parking areas.
Molokini |
Big Beach and the West Maui Mountains |
Seven miles across the ʻAlalākeiki Channel is Kaho'olawe |
Natural windbreak behind Big Beach |
Looking south toward Nukuele Point |
The park also contains a coastal forest |
Clouds roll down from Haleakalā |
After leaving the park, the road narrows and passes through a small community. Most of the properties have stone walls facing the road that create very few opportunities for meeting another vehicle. South of there, the road hugs the coast and provides access to tide pools in the lava rock.
Very small waves break on the lava shore |
A tide pool with Kaho'olawe on the horizon |
Trees provide some shade on the sand |
Turquoise water turns purple on the horizon |
Kaho'olawe stands over some of the newest land in Maui |
Lava field with Molokini and the West Maui Mountains |
Ahihi Bay and Nukuele Point |
Tidal pool on Ahihi Bay |
Tidal pool with Kaho'olawe and Molokini |
Reserve sign with surface routed water main |
Lava field below Haleakalā |
Cinder cones and more lava |
The road ends just beyond the stables at a ranch gate south of the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve. A short gravel drive leads to a large parking area at La Perouse Bay. Portable toilets are positioned at the edge of the parking area.
Gravel drive at end of Makena Road |
View from the parking area |
La Perouse Bay |
Cape Hanamanioa |
1766 foot Pimoe cinder cone |
There is no website for Makena Road. There is no admission fee to enter Mākena State Park. The park website is http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/index.cfm?park_id=38.
No comments:
Post a Comment