Makena Road - Maui

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

Continuing down the road, we drove through the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve.  This 2,000 acre reserve (40% ocean) was established in 1973.  It includes a lava field from the last volcanic eruption on Maui as well as many cultural and geologic sites.  It is also the habitat for several rare and endangered species.  In order to preserve the fragile habitat and delay the introduction of non-native species to the area, large areas of the reserve are closed to the public.

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.