DK Travel : Maui : Places of interest

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Kaunolū

Located on the southwest shore of Lāna’i, this deserted precontact Hawaiian village was once a vigorous fishing community. There are stone foundations of more than 100 homes, storerooms, garden walls, and burial sites, as well as the stone platform of the Halulu Heiau temple, the ruins of a canoe hale (house), a large fishing shrine, and a platform of the cliff-side home of Kamehameha Nui (I). Signs are dotted around with information about the sites and ruins.
Kau’iki Hill

This large cinder cone, which in ancient Hawai’i provided fortification against invaders, today guards Hāna Bay. The hill and its beach are deep red in color due to the iron-rich lava that forms the cone. A cave at its base was the birthplace of Queen Ka’ahumanu (see Kau’iki Hill).
Ka’ahumanu Church

A Wailuku landmark, the Ka’ahumanu Church was designed in New-England style by Edward Bailey, a Protestant missionary who lived in the house next door. The church was built in 1876 to honor Queen Ka’ahumanu, the powerful ali’i (monarch) whose influence was instrumental in establishing Christianity in the Hawaiian islands. Sunday services are conducted in the Hawaiian language.
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

One of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian islands, these 691 acres are often referred to locally – and not particularly correctly – as the “mud flats.” Located along the coast just north of Kīhei, the refuge shelters endangered birds such as Hawaiian stilts (ae’o) and Hawaiian coots (’alaeke’oke’o) and protects the coastal sand dunes, which provide nesting habitat for endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Pinklegged stilts are easily seen from the road.

Whale-watching beach near Kīhei
Keawala’i Congregational Church

This lovely little church, built in 1832, sits in a shady palm grove at the edge of the sea. Prayers and hymns are offered in the Hawaiian language during services held each Sunday morning. In typical local style, visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering. Many hundreds of Mauians, as well as a fair few visitors, have been married at Keawala’i.
Keka’a

Keka’a is a lele (a jumping off point for spirits going to the next world). This particular one is a high bluff of black lava rock from which ancient Hawaiians believed their spirits sprung forth. It is directly in front of the Sheraton Maui on Kā’anapali Beach. Also known – some would say disrespectfully – as Black Rock, this area is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. It’s easily accessible from the beach and teems with marine life.
Kepaniwai Park Gardens

This peaceful park is a tribute to Maui’s ethnic diversity. A leisurely stroll here reveals a replica of a traditional piece of architecture and a garden from each of the major contributors to Hawai’i’s cultural mix: a Japanese tea house; a Chinese pagoda; a Portuguese villa; a Flipino abode; and a New England frame house. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian grass hale (house) recently succumbed to fire. Picnic areas with barbecue pits are set in the shade of trees by ’Īao Stream. (see ’Īao Valley and Kepaniwai)
La Pérouse Bay

French explorer La Pérouse sailed into this bay in 1786, noting that the people “hastened alongside in their canoes, bringing as articles of commerce, hogs, potatoes, bananas, taro with cloth and some other curiosities.” Named after this first westerner to land on Maui’s shores, the bay is a great snorkeling and diving spot. (see La Pérouse Memorial and; Moments iin History).
Luahiwa Petroglyph Field

One of the most exciting and fascinating collections of petroglyphs in Hawai’i, Luahiwa is hard to find but, once there, easily viewed. Covering numerous boulders on the hillside, these well-preserved drawings, carved by early Hawaiians, represent men and women, family units, pets, canoes, and, possibly, a surfer.
Makawao Town

Reminiscent of a western movie set, Makawao’s big day comes on the 4th of July, when cowboys, cowgirls, and their horses, along with a bevy of unusual floats, parade through town as a prelude to the annual rodeo. The rest of the year, the adventure lies in the boutiques, art galleries, and New Age shops that crowd the sidewalks. Not to be missed is Komoda’s, a familyowned bakery that’s been delighting customers with yummy cream puffs for 60 years.

Polli’s restaurant, Makawao