Red Sand Beach. This beach on the ocean side of Kauiki Hill, just south of Hana Bay, is truly a sight to see. It’s in a wild, natural setting on a pocket cove, where the volcanic cinder cone lost its seaward wall to erosion and spilled red cinders everywhere, creating the red sands. But before you put on your bathing suit, there are three things to know about this beach: You have to trespass to get here (which is against the law); it can be extremely dangerous due to heavy rains (there have been several serious injuries on the muddy, slippery terrain); and nudity (also illegal in Hawaii) is common here. If you are determined to go, ask for permission at the Hotel Hana-Maui. Also inquire about conditions on the trail (which drops several stories down to the ocean rocks). To reach the beach, put on solid walking shoes (no flip-flops) and walk south on Uakea Road, past Haoli Street and the Hotel Hana- Maui, to the parking lot for the hotel’s Sea Ranch Cottages. Turn left and cross the open field next to the Hana Community Center. Look for the dirt trail and follow it to the huge ironwood tree, where you turn right (do not go ahead to the old Japanese cemetery). Use the ironwood trees to maintain your balance as you follow the ever-eroding cinder footpath a short distance along the shoreline, down the narrow cliff trail (do not attempt this if it’s wet). The trail suddenly turns a corner, and into view comes the burnt-red beach, set off by the turquoise waters, black lava, and vivid green ironwood trees. The lava outcropping protects the bay and makes it safe for swimming. Snorkeling is excellent, and there’s a natural whirlpool area on the Hana Bay side of the cove. Stay away from the surge area where the ocean enters the cove. pbase/thesmokingcamera/image/107251269/original
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 19:07:57 +0000
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