Highway 340, West Maui

This large volcanic rock sitting on the side of the road has an unusual capability - it sounds like a bell when struck in the right spot. There are several such stones throughout the islands, due to the chemical composition of the lava. If you strike this rock on the right side (mountain side) you will hear a metallic clank.

Ka'anapali Beach, Highway 340, West Maui

Black Rock is the site where ancient Hawaiians believed that their spirits "jumped off" or left this world. Each island has such a spot. It was believed that a spirit left this world to join its ancestors. If there were no ancestors to greet the spirit, it would wander the earth causing mischief.

Black Rock divides the beautiful beaches of Ka'anapali and Kahekili. Resorts line the coast but there are several public beach accesses available. This area is the site of one of the last volcanic eruptions on Maui. Snorkeling and scuba diving are especially good in this area when the ocean is calm, as Black Rock forms a great reef wall. Locals are often seen diving into the deep waters around the rock.

Useful Information: FREE Parking is available at the parking garage between the Sheraton and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. However, only a few spaces are free, and they fill up quickly. Pay parking is available at Whalers Village Shopping Center.

A paved walking path stretches the entire length of Ka'anapali Beach, fronting the hotels. A variety of restaurants, snack bars, and gift shops are located at the resorts lining the beaches. Public access pathways are located between many of the hotels.

Directions: Take Highway 30 from Napili toward Ka'anapali. Turn right onto Ka'anapali Parkway. Black Rock is located at the end of Ka'anapali Beach, fronting the Sheraton.

Makalua-puna Point, Kapalua, West Maui

Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava here is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui - it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion.

The jagged points of this formation look like dragon's teeth, thus the name. Hundreds of years of salt spray have whitened the lava and eroded holes in some areas.

Useful Information: FREE paved parking is located off Office Road. The hike to the point is approximately 5 minutes along the edge of the golf course. Honokahua Preservation Site is halfway to the point on the right side of the path.

Wear sturdy shoes when walking on the lava point, as the area is rocky and uneven. Windy area - no facilities or water available. Good view of Oneloa Bay from the left side of the point.

Kapalua, West Maui

This is the most significant historical site at Kapalua. The site was unearthed when excavation began for the building of The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. When the importance of the discovery was realized, the hotel was moved inland. The area contains over 900 ancient Hawaiian burial sites dating between 610 and 1800 and has been recognized as a sacred site.

Hawaiians believe that from such a place ancestor spirits continue to lovingly watch over the land and its people. The area is now carpeted with lush grass and bordered by native naupaka bushes. Also at the site is a portion of the 16th century Alaloa or "King's Trail," a footpath that once encircled the island.

Useful Information: Weekly "Sense of Place" tours are offered to visitors by employees of The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. View the area but DO NOT enter the actual burial grounds. Please show respect, as this is a religious site.

Directions: From Napili Kai, take Lower Honoapiilani Road to the end where it becomes Office Road. There is a small parking lot here. Park and walk along the edge of the golf course toward the ocean and Makalua-puna Point. The Preservation Site will be on your right. It is well marked with informational signs.

"Cruel Sun," Highway 30, West Maui

Lahaina may, at first glance, seem like just another sleepy port town. But this lovely and picturesque city is full of life and brimming with history! Day or night, Lahaina is a site not to be missed. Parking can be a problem in the town; however, there are several public lots that are conveniently located.

Lahaina started as an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Then Westerners and their tall ships began sailing to the islands, and Lahaina became a popular town due to its natural harbor. Several of the buildings and much of the history of the area revolves around those early years of the 1800s.

Sunrise Crater Tour: "HOUSE OF THE SUN"

A trip to Maui is never complete without viewing a magnificent sunrise from the top of Haleakala, Maui's sleeping volcano. Travel to the 10,023 foot summit with and experience the dawn of creation. Panoramic views, nature in the raw, and the wonders of Haleakala National Park will leave you breathless!