Drive south from Makena Surf and the road ends at La Perouse Bay, in a field of rough black lava. Beyond it, the Kanaio Coast runs for miles along the southern flank of Haleakalā. There are no towns or beaches out there, and from the land almost no way in.
From the water it's a different place. Where the lava flowed into the sea, it left arches, grottos and caves along the shoreline. Some of them are big enough to nose a small boat into.
Seeing it by raft
Small raft tours leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp, about fifteen minutes from the condo. They run down the coast past Makena and La Perouse to the caves and arches, with snorkel stops along the way. Many add a stop at Molokini Crater on the way back. Rafts sit low and move fast, so expect to get splashed. A raft can get much closer to the cliffs than a big catamaran.
Go in the morning, when the ocean is calmest. The afternoon wind picks up on this side of the island, and the ride back gets bumpy.
Spinner dolphins: watch from 50 yards
La Perouse Bay is a resting place for Hawaiian spinner dolphins. They feed offshore at night and come into the shallows to sleep during the day. Since 2021, federal rules require everyone to stay at least 50 yards away, whether you're on a boat, a kayak, a paddleboard or swimming. NOAA's page has the details. Good tour captains follow the rule. When the dolphins decide to come over and ride the bow wave on their own, it's even better.
Closer to home
You don't need a boat to see this lava. Drive to the end of the road, walk out on the old flow at La Perouse, and you'll see where the coast begins. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water. There's no shade out there.
Cindy first wrote about the sea caves in 2018. We've updated it for 2026.