Landmark· Maui· Hawaii
Kaupo and Kipahulu Coast
20° 38.1′ N · 156° 6.0′ W · approximate
East of the Kanaio lava the south face of Haleakala turns green: waterfalls drop to the sea east of Kaupo Gap, and the coast of Kipahulu, Kaupo and Nuu is old Hawaii, ranches and stone churches, best appreciated from a boat a mile off.
Practical
Approx: offshore point between Kaupo and Kipahulu, plotted from OpenStreetMap hamlet positions. Coast Pilot: the 10-fathom curve lies within 0.2 mile of shore; dangers lie off Alau Island, Ahole Rock and between Pohakueaea Point and Cape Hanamanioa; landings can be made in trade-wind weather in the coves between Muolea Point and Nuu Landing. The trades divide at Kauiki Head, one part following this south coast, so expect a fresh following breeze heading west and a hard beat heading east. Ashore, Piilani Highway (Route 31) is narrow, largely one lane and partly unpaved (roughly mile markers 33 to 38 per one guide); some rental-car contracts prohibit it. Kaupo General Store near mile marker 35 (listed Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in a 2017 listing; verify locally) and the 1859 Huialoha Church are the landmarks.
Best for
A spectacular passage along Haleakala's flank
Season
Trades; heavy south swell in summer
Nearby
- Mamalu Bay Anchorage (Kaupo)1.1 NM away
- Kaapahu Bay (Kipahulu)1.3 NM away
- Kaupo General Store1.7 NM away
- Lindbergh Grave (Palapala Hoomau Church)2.7 NM away
- Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls3.3 NM away
- Kipahulu (Pools of Oheo, Haleakala National Park)3.7 NM away
- Nuu Landing Anchorage4.5 NM away
- Wailua Falls (Hana Highway)4.9 NM away