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All the United States Hawaii Wailea-Makena Kanaio Coast
AO Edited

Kanaio Coast

A cooled lava flow from the Haleakalā volcano formed these surreal-looking columnar basalt structures.

Wailea-Makena, Hawaii

Added By
John Meszaros
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Columnar basalt along the Kanaio Coast.   Johnmeszaros / Atlas Obscura User
Columnar basalt along the Kanaio Coast.   Johnmeszaros / Atlas Obscura User
Pink and red crustose algae along the water’s edge.   Johnmeszaros / Atlas Obscura User
A sea cave and vivid turquoise water.   Johnmeszaros / Atlas Obscura User
Contorted columnar basalt.   Johnmeszaros / Atlas Obscura User
Basalt cliffs.   Johnmeszaros / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The majestic Haleakalā, meaning "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, dominates the eastern side of the island of Maui. Though partially dormant today, Haleakalā was until recently (geologically speaking at least), a highly active volcano. Its massive outpourings of lava is responsible for creating the land of eastern Maui. 

The last lava flow from Haleakalā occurred in the 18th-century and poured down its southern flank all the way to the ocean. Where molten rock touched water, it cooled slowly enough for its constituent minerals to crystallize into a surreal, almost artificial-looking landscape of gigantic hexagonal pillars known as columnar basalt.

Numerous bays and sea caves cut into this rugged coast, providing habitats for an abundance of marine life including schools of fish, sea turtles, sharks and spinner dolphins. 

At least a third of the landward side of the Kanaio Coast is in the protected Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Being so young, the lava field has not yet acquired a layer of soil and plants and remains an open, moon-like plain of sharp, black stone.

Related Tags

Martian Landscapes Geology Geological Oddities Volcanoes Ecosystems

Know Before You Go

The waves near the columnar basalt formations can be treacherous. To see them safely it's best to charter a boating trip or kayak tour in one of the nearby towns such as Kihei.

Community Contributors

Added By

Johnmeszaros

Edited By

crux101

  • crux101

Published

August 30, 2019

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Sources
  • https://www.alohavisitorguides.com/maui-articles/mauis-kanaio-coast/
  • https://traveltips.usatoday.com/snorkeling-sea-caves-kanaio-coast-110762.html
  • https://bluewaterrafting.com/bwr/tours/kanaio-coast/
Kanaio Coast
Makena Road
Wailea-Makena, Hawaii
United States
20.602232, -156.44134
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

Kula, Hawaii

miles away

Kaho'olawe

Maui County, Hawaii

miles away

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Kahului, Hawaii

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Hawaii

Hawaii

United States

Places 78
Stories 32

Nearby Places

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

Kula, Hawaii

miles away

Kaho'olawe

Maui County, Hawaii

miles away

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Kahului, Hawaii

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Hawaii

Hawaii

United States

Places 78
Stories 32

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