Hawaii Cliffs
Hawaii Cliffs: The Grand Side of Maui
When people think of Maui, they tend to see golden beaches, dense rainforests, and volcanic features. But forget that the island is its Hawaii Cliffs also. These dramatic rock formations come out of the ocean, and in turn, present some of the best views in the Pacific. Maui is an ideal gateway to the natural splendor of Hawaii cliffs, which present their rugged variety right on the island, plus the famous Molokai sea cliffs. From a hiking trail, a scenic pullout, or a helicopter ride, the cliffs that surround Maui will leave you breathless.
Molokai Sea Cliffs from Maui
Just a short distance from Maui is the island of Molokai, which in turn is home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world. What we call the Molokai sea cliffs are, in actuality, massive walls that rise 3,900 feet out of the Pacific. Although these cliffs are on Molokai’s land, many visitors experience them as part of a Maui adventure. Helicopter tours out of Maui will fly by these cliffs, which give the passengers a bird’s-eye view of their vertical drop, the waterfalls that cascade down them, and the green valleys in between.
Boat trips out of Maui’s Lahaina and Ma’alaea Harbor also travel the length of Molokai’s north shore, which in turn gives you a different point of view of the Hawaii cliffs from sea level. We see great walls of ocean spray, high rock faces, and unmarred wilderness, which we present to you as a very dramatic coastal experience near Maui.
Hawaii Cliffs in Maui
While Molokai has the tall cliffs, it is on Maui that you will find amazing cliff formations, which are a part of the greater Hawaii cliffs picture. Along the famous Hana Highway, as you drive, you encounter a rough coastline, which is a sight of waves breaking against sharp cliffs and dense greenery falling to the sea. These pull-off points are great for seeing the wild beauty of Maui’s north shore.
Nakalale Point at the island’s north west coast is a must-see. There, the cliffs are rough and wind-swept, and what you see is a natural blowhole which shoots seawater high into the air. At this site, you will see the power of the sea and the island’s volcanic rock, which is very resilient. In West Maui, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is a great place for scenic walks, which present to you beautiful cliff areas that, though perhaps not as large as those of Molokai, still have that wild and unique character that is the mark of Hawaii’s cliffs. Also in this area, you will find turquoise waters that come together at rocky headlands.
The Value of Hawaii’s Cliffs on Maui
Hawaiian cliffs that are very much a part of what Maui is — they are an integral piece of our culture. Many a cliff has a story in the Hawaiian legends and history, which present them as sacred sites and homes to the tales that have been handed down for generations. Also, the steep terrain that forms these cliffs is home to unique ecosystems, from those of sea bird nurseries to rare coastal plants.
On Molokai, we have valleys in very remote locations that are only accessible by boat or helicopter, which in turn helps to preserve the natural environment in its purest form. Also in Maui, we see coastal cliffs that serve as a sanctuary for marine life and seabirds, which in turn is a very important element of the island’s biodiversity.
Experiencing Hawaii Cliffs from Maui
If you are in Maui and wish to see the beauty of Hawaii’s cliffs, we have a few options for you. Helicopter rides experience Molokai’s sea cliffs and Maui’s rough coastlines from the air. Boat Tours Set out into the water for a first-hand look at great rock formations. Scenic Routes Drive the Hana Highway and West Maui for drop-dead gorgeous cliff views. Hiking on the coast, try out the Kapalua Coastal Trail for great views of the cliffs.
Conclusion
Maui is home to some of the most amazing Hawaii cliffs in the world. From the islands’ rough coastlines to the record-breaking Molokai sea cliffs, the scenery is second to none. Before these cliffs — whether you are on the land, at sea, or in the air, you feel Hawaii’s raw and untamed spirit. By looking at and valuing these natural wonders, we play a role in the protection of Hawaii cliffs beauty, and culture for years to come. On Maui, you don’t just visit a tropical paradise; you take a seat and witness some of nature’s most powerful and unforgettable landscapes.