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If you take your Maui adventure to the northwest shore, you’ll find Makāluapuna Point, home to a natural attraction with a fiery past. Formed by lava from the now extinct West Maui Volcano, the hardened rock formations resemble jagged teeth. It’s only fitting this natural marvel has earned the nickname, Dragon’s Teeth.
But Dragon’s Teeth is more than a postcard-worthy view. This Maui attraction allows you as our visitor to interact with the rich natural history of the island and experience one of Maui’s many beauties. The short and easy hike along Makāluapuna Point is an easy way to explore and spend a day in Maui.
The Formation of Dragon’s Teeth
The way Dragon’s Teeth formed is an amazing display of power between flowing lava and the ocean that surrounds our beautiful island. It’s reported that Dragon’s Teeth formed thousands of years ago after an eruption by the West Maui Volcano. The lava flowed quickly towards the coastline, but was met with resistance from strong winds and powerful waves. The result was solidified lava in an upwards direction, hardening into sharp, jagged points. Over time, the ocean further sculpted the rock, etching away at some parts and creating unique patterns along others.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Like many natural marvels on Maui, Dragon’s Teeth holds cultural significance as a wahi pana, a sacred place for Native Hawaiians. The area surrounding Dragon’s Teeth is said to be a final resting place for many people, highlighting the deep connection Native Hawaiians have with the land and the reverence for their ancestors.
As for historical significance, studying the Dragon’s Teeth helps geologists understand the interplay between lava flows and the ocean, providing evidence and furthering our knowledge of volcanic activity and coastal formations.
Activities on Dragon’s Teeth
Dragon’s Teeth offers the opportunity to explore a wonderful natural marvel on our island. Hiking is the most popular activity, but many people love to sit and snap photos of the amazing view. You may get lucky and see whales during whale watching season, or spot honu (green sea turtles) gliding through the water.
Dragon’s Teeth Hike Maui
The 0.7-mile Dragon’s Teeth hike is a relatively easy, out-and-back trail, perfect for casual hikers and families. While the distance might be short, the terrain itself is a bit rugged. The trail consists of a dirt path that leads you down to a point, and then to the actually hardened rock lava formations. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction.
You may encounter green sea turtles, so please respect their habitat and keep your distance. Remember the cultural significance of the area and stay on designated trails. This helps protect the surrounding sacred burial grounds and ensures a sustainable future for this unique natural wonder.
Location and Accessibility
Here’s everything you need to know about Dragon’s Teeth:
Location: Northwestern coast of Maui
Directions: Head northwest from Lāhainā on Honoapiʻilani Hwy (Highway 30). Turn left onto Office Road just past mile marker 30 and follow Office Road until it dead-ends into Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. Turn right and look for a small parking lot on your left.
Landmarks: Keep an eye out for the five-star resort, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, as you approach the area.
Parking: The small parking lot for the Dragon’s Teeth hike is located near the intersection of Office Road and Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. The number of available spaces is limited, so be prepared for some competition, especially during mornings and weekends. If the designated lot is full, there aren’t many nearby options. Street parking along the surrounding roads is generally discouraged as it disrupts residents and potentially violates local laws. You may consider ride-sharing services if you get a late start, or if you don’t want to deal with parking at all.
Amenities: Dragon’s Teeth isn’t a developed park. There are no restrooms available at the Dragon’s Teeth trailhead or anywhere along the short hike. There are also no concession stands, restaurants, picnic tables, showers, or changing rooms.
What to Bring: Some essentials to bring on your adventure include water, snacks, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and of course, a camera. Surprisingly, there aren’t any trash cans readily available so please be accountable for your trash to keep this wonderful space clean.
By knowing where to go, what to expect, and what to bring, you can have a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable adventure at Dragon’s Teeth on Maui. And once you’ve spent a great day in the sun, come see us at Maui Ocean Center and continue to explore the amazing marine life we have on our island.
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
