Makena Landing is an excellent launch point for touring Turtle Town where you can meet this fellow's relatives.

Kayak to Turtle Town
Turn right at the sign for Makena Landing and right again to reach home base for Makena Kayaks, Maui's oldest kayak company run by life-time Makena family residents, Dino and Tammy Ventura.They will treat you to the safest, most knowledgeable and most memorable kayak trip on Maui. You'll view beautiful fish, sea turtles and occasionally dolphins on a kayak/snorkel tour to secluded coral heads, coves and Turtle Town. Experience real Hawaii aloha with Makena Kayaks. 808 879-9426

Keawala'i Church on Old Makena Road is a favorite wedding spot.

Hawaiian History
From Makena Kayaks, follow Old Makena Road in the opposite direction to visit a Makena landmark, the old Keawala'i Church, a favorite place for weddings.

Couples come from all over the world to marry here in a truly Hawaiian ceremony. And the beach is just steps away for wedding photos.

Last Resort for Golf
Back on Makena Alanui, you'll find two of Maui's best golf courses, Makena North and Makena South, on the left, just after the Maui Prince Resort. Makena Tennis Club has four courts and available intruction.

The 16th hole at Makena South plays 525 yards along the beach. From the green looking back to the tee is the cinder cone Pu'u Olai. There's a small park next to this green, and some picnickers practice their chipping and putting between foursomes.

The Makena North Course plays up the mountain and is a bit more challenging. Part of the challenge, we think, are the panoramic ocean views that can distract you from your game.

The Makena South Course has two holes along the ocean, the signature par 3 15th and the 525 foot par 5 16th. On both courses you'll see walls built by the ancient Hawaiians that have been incorporated into the course layout.

Down Lava Lane Along the way to La Perouse Bay you'll pass several food stands selling fruits, drinks and local dishes by the side of the road. There are no restaurants out here, and the food is good, so feel free to sample their wares. Big Beach, Little Beach You'll find Big Beach by following the crowds. This long wide stretch of sand draws swimmers and boogie boarders from all over Maui. Weekends, it's hard to find a parking spot. This is a remote area with volunteer police who patrol the parking lot, but even so, don't leave your valuables in the car. Leave them home or bring them to the beach with you. The theives target brand new cars as they're usually rentals of the "rich touristes." Another ploy to thwart them, is to rent a somewhat older car. See Kihei Rent A Car.
		This little roadside stand specializes in local dishes like this broiled ahi platter.

This couple brought along a hammock to enjoy the seclusion of Ahihi Bay.

At the far north end of Big Beach, reached by a little trail up Pu'u Olai, is Little Beach, Maui's nude beach, where you can bathe au naturale with other sun worshippers. Nudity is illegal on Hawaiian beaches, so do so at your own risk.

Secret Snorkel Spots
Now the road narrows and the estates grow even larger. You will find some of the most colorful snorkel spots along the way, just pull over where you see a number of cars parked beside the road. There are no private beaches in Hawaii. This whole area is the protected and non-commerical Ahihi Bay Marine Reserve.

Ride the High Ground
Patrick & Helaine Borge's Makena Stables just before La Perouse. They offer small, friendly guided tours on 22,000 acres of Ulupalakua Ranch overlooking La Perouse Bay. 879-0244. More on Makena Stables

The Road Gets Rougher
After Makena Stables, the lava increases and buildings decrease. Here you can find beaches with not a soul on them if you can work your way over the lava fields.

After Makena, the lava fields begin and continue past La Perouse Bay.

At La Perouse Bay, it's the end of the road. Take a right and drive toward the beach over lava rock to the unpaved "parking lot." You might want to hike the King's Trail to the La Perouse Lighthouse, but wear sturdy and comfortable shoes with thick soles. To get there, continue on the path you left. Hundreds of years old, this trail was used by the Hawaiians to travel to Hana, but after the last eruption of Haleakala in 1790, it was too lava strewn.

The road ends at LaPerouse Bay, part of the non-commercial Ahihi Bay Marine Preserve. Recently this quiet protected preserve has been overrun by kayak operators, who are damaging the delicate coral reefs, soliciting trips and taking funds on the beach. There is also a strong current that can be very dangerous for even experienced kayakers unfamiliar with area's changing nature. Makena Landing is a closer and safer locale with plenty of spectacular sealife and sea turtles too.

We hope you enjoyed your Maui Guide tour of South Maui.

Maui No Ka Oi.
Aloha

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