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French Admiral Jean-Francois Galaup Comte de la Perouse was the first European navigator known to land on Maui. Commanding two frigates, La Boussole and Lastrolabe, he sailed into the bay that now bears his name on May 30, 1786. This area, known as Keone’ō’io, was well populated at the time, but La Perouse’s monument now stands alone in a lava field at the edge of the bay.

Hawai’i’s only natural preserve to include a marine component, this coastal area is a mix of marine life habitats, archaeological sites, and geological features, such as lava tide pools, coastal lava tubes, and fields of ’a’ā (roughlava).

Two hundred years ago, this was a bustling region, with four fishing villages and a heiau (religious temple). The remains of these coastal settlements (consisting mostly of walled and terraced platforms) are visible among the lava flows.

Throughout Āhihi-Kina’u preserve, there are islands of untouched ground (kīpuka) within the lava fields, caused when lava flows around raised areas of the landscape.

Haleakalā last erupted in 1790. La Perouse’s first landing preceded the eruption, and when he returned in 1790 he found that the large settlement of Keone’ō’io had been destroyed, and the bay bisected by the large finger of lava that can be seen today.

Volcanic rock may not seem like a good medium for plant growth, but hardened lava and loose cinders are rich in nutrients, and many native species thrive in this environment.

This trail follows the remnants of the stone-paved Hoapili (King’s) Highway, which once encircled the entire island of Maui. Ancient house platforms, heiau , and other archaeological sites are visible along the trail that winds from the sea, up the mountain, and back down along the coastline.

This coneshaped hill, formed in Haleakalā’s last lava flow, separates Mākena’s most popular beaches, Oneloa and “Little Beach.” Folklore has it that Pu’uōla’i is the tail of a mo’o , or lizard, who angered the fire goddess Pele.

This crescent-shaped, submerged volcanic crater off the south shore is one of the county’s most popular snorkeling and scuba spots (see Molokini). Numerous charter boats visit daily, bringing visitors to experience the clear waters and abundant sea life. The steep crater walls are thronged with chattering sea birds.

Rising from the sea off the Mākena coast is Kaho’olawe. Uninhabited since its days as a practice missile target, it was once a thriving community, as the dozens of heiau (temples) attest (see Kaho’olawe’s Sovereignty).