Biking to La Perouse Bay, Maui

We borrow bicycles from our hotel and head south along the coast, away from Wailea in the opposite direction from Kihei.  We transition from the lush landscape of Wailea to beautiful rugged beaches.

 Wailea streets

 Fabulous beaches

The road winds through fields of volcanic ash deposited during Haleakala's volcanic eruption in 1790 and the road ends at La Perouse Bay, where a walking trail begins that will lead several miles through the ash to the southern coast of Maui (we walk a short way on the trail, but will have to come back another time to go the full length).  La Perouse Bay is a natural wildlife preserve, much of which is closed to people.

 Fields of volcanic ash

 La Perouse Bay

The Hoapili Trail leads from the end of the road at La Perouse Bay to Kanaio Beach on the southern coast of Maui.  The trail sign warns us to bring water, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a first aid kit.  The trail heads through the volcanic ash and the sign also warns that the area was used for bombing practice in World War II and that if we find an unexploded bomb, we should not touch or move it and should call the authorities (Recognize, Retreat, Report).

 Hoapili Trail

Warning sign

Not finding any unexploded ordnance, we hop on our bikes and return through the fields of ash to the road along the beautiful beaches, stopping at a taco truck for lunch of fish tacos with mango salsa.

 Back along the beaches

 Lunch along the road

Soon we are back in the lush, tropical plantings of Wailea, close to, but very far from, the fields of volcanic ash.

Back in Wailea