Photos that show off Maui’s amazing Lava Fields
Did you know that in Maui, you can walk on an extinct lava field? Volcanoes often come to mind when people think about the Hawaiian islands. Unbeknownst to many, while the Hawaiian islands are volcanic, the only island on which active volcanoes can be found is the Big Island. Home to Volcanoes National Park.
All the other islands outside of Big Island have extinct volcanoes and remnants of previous volcanic activity. Every island in the Hawaiian archipelago has traces of volcanic activity, and Maui offers some of the most drastic examples of such. Leaving places like Maui’s Lava Fields available for you to visit.
When most people plan a trip to Maui, they think of snorkeling, beaches, and the Road to Hana, and rightfully so. Yet the Lava Fields remain a hidden gem.
Located in the southernmost spot in Maui, after the resort area of Kihei/Wailea, and past Makena Beach, stay till the end of Makena Road. You’ll make it to a dirt road(a reason for having a Jeep or any 4×4 vehicle) on barren land. But keep going. Eventually, you’ll make it to the area that looks like a dead end. That’s because it is; you arrived at the parking lot. From this point on, you are on foot.
Out of the parking lot.
You will see an area with ocean views on the opposite end. That is La Perouse Bay, a region famous for dolphins. However, this isn’t the magical dolphin encounter you see in Florida or elsewhere. These are wild dolphins, and signs everywhere warn you to keep your distance.
There is a decently long hiking trail called the Hoapili Trail, which starts at the parking lot and takes you through the lava fields; past the beach, you’ll reach a fork in the road, and to the right, you’ll end up at Hanomanioa Light, or if you take the other path, you’ll make it to an area called Kanaio Beach.
Both endpoints mark the end of the trial, and you must turn around. The land beyond that is government property and dangerous to trespass on.
Key things to know
Due to the area’s isolation from the rest of Maui, I suggest you do the following:
- No swimming anywhere here. THIS IS NOT A SWIMMING BEACH!!! The coastline is full of rock and ditches, with strong water currents. Even the best swimmer can be easily swept away here.
- Bring plenty of water, the most important thing you can do.
- The same goes for snacks. Hiking wears you down. Remember to clean up after yourself and don’t litter the land.
- Wear proper footwear. This is not the place for flip-flops.
- Carry a first aid kit; the rocks here can be slippery, and the ground is uneven throughout.
- A camera for picture taking great photos from this area.
- Bring a friend with you; you are away from everything, including medical services.
- This place is secluded and away from the hotels. There is very little to no cell service here. As a precaution, ensure you tell someone at the hotel you made it here.
- Don’t take any rocks, sand, or natural resources with you. It’s considered bad luck.
- And, of course, read and listen to the warning signs.
Photo time
I hope you can make it out here; this landscape is truly fascinating. It is the only place outside of the Big Island where you can walk over lava. (To my knowledge). I loved the contrast from this side of the island: barren, desolate, almost alien-like environment compared to other sides of the island, which are alive and full of green.
Maui is a magical place, sorry, Tahiti(for those of you who watched that show). Enjoy the following photos, and feel free to comment.
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