Makaluapuna Point (Dragon’s Teeth)

Short walk to jagged lava spires and booming surf views

InsideWest Maui Scenic Drive

Overview

At the tip of Kapalua’s coast, Dragon’s Teeth delivers a quick payoff: jagged lava fins erupting from the shoreline with waves detonating below. The path skirts the edge of a golf course and reaches the point in just a few minutes, making this an easy scenic stop on the West Maui drive.

Geology in Plain Sight

These “teeth” formed when one of the last West Maui Volcano flows met strong wind and pounding surf, forcing molten rock upward into vertical, tooth-like spires. Sun and salt have lightened the rock over time, so the fins read almost bone-white against the blue ocean.

Cultural Respect

Makaluapuna Point adjoins the Honokahua burial site, a sacred Hawaiian area (wahi pana). Stay on the established path and outside the signed hedgerow boundary. Treat the place with quiet respect.

Getting There

From HI-30 near mile 30, turn onto Office Road, continue to the end, then right on Lower Honoapiʻilani Road to a small parking lot on the left. The footpath runs along the right edge of the golf course to the point.

Parking and Amenities

Parking is free but very limited and turns over quickly. When the lot is full, many visitors use Kapalua pay lots (recent 2025 day-pass reports around $29–$34; subject to change). There are no restrooms, water, concessions, or trash cans here. The nearest full facilities are at D.T. Fleming Beach Park; Oneloa (Ironwoods) has outdoor showers.

What You’ll See

Surf-sculpted lava spires with sweeping ocean views.
Sea turtles cruising the coves year-round.
Humpback whales offshore in season (roughly December–April, peaking midwinter).
A stone labyrinth near the point for a quiet, meditative stroll.

Safety Notes

The lava is sharp and uneven, the point is windy, and rogue waves happen. Keep well back from wet or wave-washed rock and avoid the edges during high surf. Closed-toe shoes beat flip-flops here.

Best Time to Visit

Go early morning for easier parking and soft light, or late afternoon for dramatic waves and warm tones. The short path is open year-round; skip the edge on big-swell days.

Nearby Pairings

Link this stop with D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach, or sections of the Kapalua Coastal Trail. If you’re chasing rugged scenery farther north, Nakalele Blowhole is a classic add-on.

Pros

Short, easy walk to dramatic lava "teeth" and big surf
Frequent turtle sightings; winter whale watching from shore

Cons

Tiny free lot fills fast; overflow relies on paid Kapalua lots
No restrooms, water, or trash cans on-site

Tips

From Office Road, hug the right edge of the golf course to reach the point.
Arrive early or late; the tiny free lot fills quickly.
If the lot is full, Kapalua’s Parklinq day-pass lots are a common backup.
Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes and water; the lava is sharp and there’s no shade.
In whale season, carry binoculars and scan from well back from the edge.