Landmark· Maui· Hawaii
Kanaio Coast
20° 34.5′ N · 156° 21.0′ W · approximate
Twelve miles of barren, wild lava coast east of Cape Hanamanioa, below the red cones of Puu Pimoe and Hokukano, with sea caves and arches that charter boats visit on calm mornings and no habitation in sight.
Practical
Approx: a point about 0.5 nm off the coast midway between Cape Hanamanioa and Pohakueaea Point, plotted from the Coast Pilot description. Coast Pilot: from Nuu Landing west to Pohakueaea Point the coast is barren with deep water close-to; dangers are close to the bluffs; there are no suitable anchorages between Nuu Landing and Cape Hanamanioa. A pinnacle with less than 12 ft is reported within 0.5 mile of shore somewhere between Pohakueaea Point and La Perouse Bay. Wind and swell wrap around from the Alenuihaha in the afternoon; visit early and keep a good offing. Ashore, the Hoapili Trail reaches Kanaio Beach.
Best for
A dramatic morning coast run with sea caves
Season
Calm mornings; trades build by midday
Nearby
- Hanamanioa Point Light3.5 NM away
- Hoapili Trail (King's Highway)3.7 NM away
- La Perouse Bay Anchorage4 NM away
- La Perouse Bay Spinner Dolphins4.1 NM away
- Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve5.1 NM away
- Big Beach (Makena State Park)6.4 NM away
- Puu Olai Cinder Cone Hike6.7 NM away
- Keawalai Congregational Church (Makena)6.8 NM away