Kanaio Beach


Remote beach near old lava flows along the Hoapili Trail.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. La Pérouse Monument

2.09 MILES

A lava rock monument honoring French explorer Jean Francois de Galaup La Pérouse marks the entrance to La Perouse Bay. La Perouse, who arrived in 1786,…

3. ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu Natural Area Reserve

3.6 MILES

Although scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact date, Maui’s last lava flow probably spilled down to the sea here between 1480 and 1600 CE,…

4. Lava Flow

4.33 MILES

This field of black ʻaʻa (rough, jagged lava) dates from the last volcanic eruption on the island, 400 to 500 years ago. The flow drops down the southeast…

5. Secret Cove

4.44 MILES

This lovely, postcard-size swath of sand, with a straight-on view of Kahoʻolawe island, is worth a peek – although it’s no longer much of a secret. The…

6. Makena State Park

4.77 MILES

Makena State Park should be high on every traveler’s itinerary. Its crowning glory, Big Beach, is the scene that people conjure up when they dream of a…

7. Big Beach

4.79 MILES

The crowning glory of Makena State Park, this untouched beach is arguably the finest on Maui. In Hawaiian it’s called Oneloa, literally ‘Long Sand.’ And…

8. Auwahi Wind Farm

5.2 MILES

You can't miss the eight towering turbines rotating gracefully between the highway and the sea near mile marker 22. The turbines are a joint venture…