'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve

Lonely Planet review

This 818-hectare (2045-acre) reserve is a distinctive marine life habitat with unique geological features, including anchialine pools and kipuka (mounds of earth encircled by lava from Maui's last flow in 1790). The remains of a coastal Hawaiian village - its old sites marked by walled and terraced platforms - sit between lava flows at 'Ahihi Bay. Snorkellers at 'Ahihi Cove are treated to dazzling coral, parrotfish and sea turtles.

Between August 2008 and August 2010, much of the reserve will be closed off to the public, in an attempt to protect and repair its fragile natural resources, which have taken a beating from increased numbers of visitors to the site. Northern areas of the reserve most popular with the public - such as Waiala cove and the 'Dumps' surf break - will remain open during visiting hours.