Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach (Pt 5 of 5) – January 2012

[Part 1] [Part2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

Not only did we visit streams and waterfalls on our East Maui camping trip, but also saw some amazing coastal sites as well. After visiting the Waioka Pond, we drove down the Hana Bay area to look for Tako Poke at the Hana Ranch Store (on Mill Pl.)… rumor has it they got some bomb ingrediments. lol. With the next great adventures only a couple minutes drive away, we jumped in the back of the truck to the Hana coastline.

Just south of Hana Bay is an unusual geologic feature, well at least for sandy beaches in Hawaii…

Black sand? Chh-yeah… seen that a dozen times in the islands.

NO FOO’, it’s a RED sand beach!!!

Yup, the red sand is created from the natural erosion of a large, red cinder cone just behind the beach. Look at that contrast of red shoreline and crystal blue water!!! Such an AMAZING place to relax or swim…

NOTE: Exercise caution on the trail to Kaihalulu, as the ground is extremely loose and shifty. Several portions of the “short” trail are eroded and are actually “absent.” You should be able to contour below these sections on the cobble beach (above), so DO NOT attempt to jump over the gaps. Swimming just off of the Kaihalulu beach should be safe, but the surf and current outside of the rock barriers and cobble beach (near start of trail) can be highly variable. If venturing to the areas with stronger surf/current, make sure to have fins and/or snorkeling gear. Have fun and stay safe!!!

Keep in mind this is a 5 part series (see top of page), including camping, waterfall hikes and other adventures… For more photos the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!