Stop 1 Mahai`ula Beach
The drive to the beach was over an unimproved paved road so we had to drive slowly to avoid potholes, but it was quite bumpy nonetheless. The road passed over a lava field and we were able to see what an area covered with hardened lava looked like. When we got to the end of the road, we parked the vans and walked along the rocky path to Mahai`ula beach. It was beautiful white sand, with some trees with their white, sun-bleached roots growing on the shore providing shade. There were some large black rocks in the water, which was teal blue and a very nice way to spend our first full day on the island.
Farther down the shore stood an abandoned, run-down red building. Most of houses in the area were swept away by a tsunami in 1946. As we explored the area we found other relics, including an abandoned water tower and large broken pieces of piping. |
At the north end of the beach there was a small cove with palm trees. Past this there was a trail leading over the lava field. Far off in the distance could be seen an oasis. Three members of the group, unwilling to head back and get shoes, braved the path barefoot. It was composed of loosely packed a`a lava rocks. A`a lava contains holes and sharp edges from where the lava interacted with gases during cooling. As such, anyone walking this path is strongly recommended to wear shoes. The 30 minute hike leads to Makalawena Beach, one of the most pristine beaches on the island and totally worth it. The water was crystal clear and free of rocks, stretching along the crescent-shaped coast.
|
Banner photo by xxx