Exploring Maui La Perouse Bay - Map, Photos, and Information

La Perouse Bay

La Perouse Bay is located south of the of Wailea, at the southern  end of Mākena Road . The Hawaiian name is Keoneʻōʻio. It was later named for the French explorer Captain Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse. La Pérouse mapped the area near the southern cape of Maui opposite the island of Kahoʻolawe. Maui's most recent volcanic activity is from this area. The area that takes up the northern half of the bay and extends up the coast a short distance was formed about 900,000 years ago by avolcanic eruption from Mt Haleakala. A small string of cinder cones extending inland to the northeast is great for more advanced swimmers. The best spot is north in the lagoon which is cut off by private property (the only property in Maui with it's own beach). This is worth the trip just for the scenery and hiking. Follow the shore south and keep an eye out to wilf goats and bottlenose dolphin.

You will know you are heading in the right direction when you reach the lava fields.this area always makes me feel like I am on a different planet. Like most of Maui the roads are narrow so drive slowly while exploring Maui and honk your horn on blind curves.

For more information use the map and photo slide show link

• Directions (from Kihei)
  Head south on Piilani Hwy. Turn Right onto Wailea Ike Rd.. (Piilani Hwy Dead ends here). Turn left at Wailea Alanui (1 mile). Continue Makena Alanui for 2.6 miles. Slight left onto Makena Rd. Head south for about 5 miles until road dead ends.
• Parking
  After the lava field you will come to a small parking lot turn right for a larger lot closer to the bay. This is a dirt and rock parking lot wear your sneakers. It is private property to the right of the barrier. You may see people tanning there, but the ranger will be by soon to kick them out.
• Rest Rooms
  There are 2 portable toilets in the parking lot.
• Other
  This is a protected resting spot for dolphins.

•  Click Here for La Perouse Bay Snorkel Information