Lava

A protected natural area on Maui south shore with excellent snorkeling in calm, clear water over lava rock reef. The reserve sits on the last lava flow on Maui and the underwater landscape of lava formations covered in coral is fascinating. Fish, turtles, and eels are common. The entry is over lava rock so water shoes are essential. There are no facilities and no lifeguards so this is for families comfortable with independent ocean swimming. The marine life here is abundant because the area is well protected.

A short walk across a windswept point to a formation of sharp, jagged lava rock teeth jutting upward from the coastline that looks like a dragon rising from the earth. The rock formations were created by lava meeting the ocean and are unlike anything else on Maui. Kids are fascinated by the shapes and the crashing waves around the point add drama. An ancient Hawaiian labyrinth made of stones sits nearby. The walk is short and flat but the terrain is uneven lava so watch footing. Great whale watching spot in winter.

A 4-mile loop that descends through lush rainforest into a volcanic crater and crosses the hardened lava lake floor. Walking across the crater floor is an otherworldly experience with steam rising from cracks in the rock and the crater walls towering above. Kids can see where the lava lake was hundreds of feet deep during the 1959 eruption. The contrast between the lush forest rim and the barren crater floor is striking. This is widely considered one of the best hikes in Hawaii and gives families a visceral connection to volcanic forces.

The site of Maui last volcanic eruption (around 1790) with a dramatic landscape of black lava flows meeting the ocean. The Hoapili Trail crosses the lava field along the coast with views of tide pools, ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, and distant Molokini crater. Dolphins are frequently spotted in the bay. The terrain is rough and exposed so good shoes and sun protection are essential. Walking on the a-a lava fields is a unique experience that helps kids understand volcanic geology in a tangible way.

A short loop trail through a forest of eerie lava molds left behind when a lava flow swept through a forest of ohia trees in 1790. The trees burned away but the hardened lava preserved their shapes, creating hollow pillars and ghostly tree-shaped columns. Kids think the formations look like petrified forest creatures. The 0.7-mile paved loop is easy and shaded. It is a quick stop that vividly demonstrates the power of volcanic activity in a way kids can see and touch. The surrounding forest has regrown around the formations creating a beautiful contrast.

A natural blowhole on the rugged northwest coast of Maui that shoots ocean water up to 100 feet in the air when the surf is up. The short hike down from the road (about 0.6 miles) crosses rocky lava terrain to a dramatic coastline. Kids are thrilled by the eruptions of water from the blowhole. The surrounding lava formations and tide pools are fascinating. Stay well back from the blowhole and cliff edges as it is genuinely dangerous up close. The heart-shaped rock formation nearby is another fun find for kids.

Natural lava rock tide pools on the coast below the Makapu u Lighthouse Trail that fill with ocean water and create natural swimming holes. The pools range from shallow wading depth to deeper plunge pools. Kids love exploring the marine life in the shallows and swimming in the protected pools. Access requires a scramble over rocky lava terrain so this is best for sure-footed older kids. Waves can wash over the rocks so always check conditions and keep an eye on the ocean. When conditions are right, these pools are magical.