La Perouse Bay

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Phone (808) 984-8100
Address End of Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
 
Neat place to see black lava up close. Not much of a beach. Snorkeling here can be excellent.

Features
• Type: Protected From Open Ocean • Sand Type: Regular • Parking: Good / Plenty • Good For: Snorkeling

La Perouse Bay is about as far as your rental car will be going in south Maui so simply take Makena Road south. Enjoy the bumpy road as it turns into a skinny one lane road and keep going until the road ends and you're forced to the right and you are here.


This isn't really much of a beach so don't expect a lot of sand here, though there are some tiny pockets of it. Most people see white in the distance (south) and think it's sand but it's all coral down there.


Still, take a walk because it's a neat and very simple and short hike. Keep in mind that it can get really hot out here so bring water as you walk along the lava fields.


That's right, lava, in it's black rock form (not the flowing kind). You passed a lot of it on the way here but this is one of the best places to get out and see it up close and take some pictures.


Along the way you'll see some areas where you can enter the water and you'll probably see people snorkeling around here in the various little coves and around the rocks and in the bay itself.


This can be a great place to snorkel when things are calm but make sure you know what you're doing as there are no lifeguards here. On that note, other than a couple of porta-potties there are no facilities out here.


For those looking for a hike, the Hoapili Trail starts here. Make sure you're well prepared and go early because it gets very hot out here. Ready up on the Hoapili Trail before you go if you plan to hike.