If you want to experience Kauai's natural history for the last five million years, you cannot miss the lithified cliffs of Maha'ulepu. It is the last undeveloped coastline on southeast Kauai easily accessed by hikers and visitors. Its future is uncertain because developers are planning to build another golf resort in the area. It's too bad because there are burial remains in the sand dunes and the caves. There are also petroglyphs carved into the limestone ledges on the shoreline. It has been said that Captain Cook's official ship journals mentioned this part of the island during his exploration days. The cliff formations were formed over centuries.
It's an easy hike with little elevation change and once you get to the highest point, you will be rewarded with an ocean breeze. It's a very peaceful retreat and a great getaway from the crowds. When you come before summer, everything that surrounds you is green. We missed that but we still had beautiful photographs because the red cliffs showed beautifully in our prints. The waves violently crash against the cliffs and the height gets disorienting at times so be careful when you step on those sharp rocks. If you want to enjoy the water, you can always swim on Kawailoa Bay after your hike.
Maha'ulepu Lithified Cliffs
off Poipu Road
Poipu, HI |
