The One Place In Hawaii That Must Be Seen To Be Believed
By Megan Shute|Published February 14, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are full of incredible wonders – both natural and man-made – just waiting to be explored. The island of Maui is home to countless spectacular gems, including a bizarre lava formation that will undoubtedly make you feel as though you’ve entered another world.
Located at the edge of the Ritz-Carlton Maui’s golf course on the peninsula between Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay is Makaluapuna Point, a place full of absolute wonder.
The sharp, gray rock formations are the result of one of Maui’s last lava flows and jut into the air. They are often described as bizarre, awe-inspiring, and just plain awesome.
Also known as Maui’s Dragon Teeth, the jagged, gray rocks were formed hundreds of years ago when wind gusts from the ocean forced lava to harden towards the sky - and now resemble jagged teeth jutting out from the jaw of a dragon.
The lava rock found here is lighter, more dense, and finer-grained than that found elsewhere on Maui, most likely being the reason the fierce wind and wild waves were able to sweep the lava in an upward fashion.
Throughout the years, salty ocean spray has whitened the lava formations and even created holes in some areas, though you will still find tufts of volcanic trachyte rock that reach up to five feet tall.
Though the exact purpose is unknown, the layout follows that of a prayer labyrinth. Prayer labyrinths have been used by numerous religions and cultures for at least 3,500 years, though this particular labyrinth has only existed for the last several decades.
The lawn in front of Makaluapuna Point is also home to a sacred burial ground, and it is recommended that you avoid this area. The ancient Hawaiian burial ground - called Honokahua - is said to be the site of nearly 1,000 human burials, some dating back to A.D. 610.
You can find this magical landscape on Lower Honoapiilani Road in Lahaina. If you’re not on Maui, but are looking for an equally incredible rock formation to check out, consider stopping by the breathtaking Lanai Lookout, a magical wonder hiding on Oahu’s southeastern shore.
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