Punalau Beach


Manicured golf courses and ritzy enclaves drop away and the scenery gets wilder as you drive toward Maui’s northernmost point. Ironwood-lined Punalau Beach, 0.7 miles after the 34-mile marker on Honoapiʻilani Hwy, makes a worthy stop if you’re up for a solitary stroll. Swimming is a no-go though, as a rocky shelf creates unfavorable conditions for water activities. Don't attempt the drive down the rough dirt beach road unless you've got 4WD and know what you're doing. Park by the highway.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Honolua Bay

1.01 MILES

Honolua Bay is an advanced surfer’s dream. It faces northwest and when it catches the winter swells it has some of the gnarliest surfing in the world.

2. Mokuleʻia Beach

1.3 MILES

Also known as Slaughterhouse Beach, this cove is excellent for snorkeling, and is a top-rated bodysurfing spot during the summer. Its attractive white…

3. DT Fleming Beach Park

2.01 MILES

Surrounded by ironwood trees and backed by an old one-room schoolhouse, this sandy crescent looks like an outpost from another era. In keeping with its…

4. Makaluapuna Point

2.18 MILES

Razor-sharp spikes crown rocky Makaluapuna Point, known informally by the nickname Dragon’s Teeth. The formation does look uncannily like the mouth of an…

5. Honokahua Burial Site

2.18 MILES

This site is of cultural significance to Native Hawaiians and is off-limits to the general public.There are an estimated 2000 Hawaiians laid to rest here,…

6. Nakalele Point Light Station

2.33 MILES

Dating back to 1908, the light station started out as wooden structure with a temporary light on top, then became a watch shelter. It wasn't until 1922…

7. Nakalele Blowhole

2.41 MILES

The best things in life are free – that certainly applies to West Maui's magical blowhole, which spurts water up to 100 feet in the air, like a geyser. If…

8. Oneloa Beach

2.45 MILES

Also known as Ironwoods Beach, this white-sand jewel is fringed by low sand dunes covered in beach morning glory. It's a picturesque place to soak up the…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "usa/hawaii/kahekili-highway/attractions/punalau-beach/a/poi-sig/1538551/1333419",
      "position": "superzone"
    }