Keanae Peninsula

Immediately after leaving Ke‘anae Arboretum look for and turn onto the road that splits off the Hana Highway makai with a sign labeled “Ke‘anae Peninsula.”

The peninsula is surrounded by dark jagged lava that serves as a vivid reminder of the ancient flows from Haleakala that formed this place. Hala trees along the shore are the only plant that can get a grip on this gnarled coastline. Down the road about 3/4 of a mile there is a large dirt parking lot across from the church and ball field.

The views along the coastline here are incredible. The huge waves and the surf around the peninsula should be more than enough reason to compel you to stay out of the water. Off to your right you will see Pauwalu Point in the distance. Just off shore is Moku Mana island, a seabird sanctuary (visible in photo above). A pristine stream runs along the back cliff of the peninsula, but the accompanying pools and falls border private property and should be avoided. Further up the stream is Ching’s Pond, our next stop.

Life here is tranquil, but this has not always been the case. On April 1, 1946, life on the peninsula changed forever when a devastating tsunami hit this side of the island. It completely washed over the peninsula, killing 20 children and 4 teachers. The only building that survived was ‘Ihi‘ihio Iehowa o na Kaua Church (Ke‘anae Congregational Church). The church is still standing in the town today, a somber reminder of what has happened here in the past, and likely will again in the future.

Location: Keanae Peninsula is located in the Northeast Maui Region

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