Unique Maui Destination for Your Vacation Part II

We hope you enjoyed last week's blog on Wai'anapanapa because now you can read about the rest of the features of this unique spot that make it a special place to visit. If you're going to drive all the way across the island from one of our West Maui vacation rentals, you might as well be completely sold on checking the place out!

Now where were we? Oh yes, we'd described the cave on the beach that opens up to another amazing view of the ocean. While we're talking about what makes the beach interesting, we might as well discuss an exciting little geological oddity you might not be familiar with.

Near the shoreline, you may see spouts of white water shooting up into the air. This is another fun feature you'll find in select places on Maui that you won't see on most other shores in the world. These spouts are called 'blow holes' and are formed by ocean water surging into lava tubes which have an opening in the top. It's similar to a geyser, but only visually, since the force behind the water is the ocean. You absolutely must keep your distance as these surges can be extremely powerful, but again, it's a fascinating thing to see and a great photo op.

Wai'anapanapa does have one of these blow holes, and it's just one of the many qualities that make the place interesting to see. There are fascinating lava rock formations, gnarled and twisted exotic foliage, and there is even a sea arch. But the lava tubes, such as the one with the blow hole, is probably what makes the area most exciting.

At Wai'anapanapa, there are a few wet caves and lava tubes up higher than the level of the ocean. There are places where these caves form a maze, exploring too much is not recommended. In some places, you can only get from one cave to another by swimming underwater, which is an activity reserved for the braver explorers who are extremely familiar with these eerie caverns. Also, the water is extremely cold, which serves as a deterrent for most.

Lastly, there is generally a wide variety of seabirds to be found along the shore at Wai'anapanapa. From here, you could hike all the way to Hana town, if you know the way, but a nearer destination is the Ohala Heiau which lies on a trail from Wai'anapanapa and is situated about a mile away. There is another blow hole along this route.

If you plan to stay put and don't feel like hiking, there are restrooms and picnic tables available for your convenience and comfort.

And that's it for Wai'anapanapa! We hope you've found it interesting and that you enjoy yourself and get plenty of great pictures should you choose to visit it.

If you are still looking for a Maui vacation rental condo or home rental, we can help you there. Mahalo for reading and we'll see you next time!