Sharp vertical rocks beaten by the waves of the Pacific
1167851846
makaluapuna point, dragons teeth

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Makaluapuna Point


Razor-sharp spikes crown rocky Makaluapuna Point, known informally by the nickname Dragon’s Teeth. The formation does look uncannily like the mouth of an imaginary dragon. The 3ft-high spikes are the work of pounding winter waves that have ripped into the lava rock point, leaving the pointy ‘teeth’ behind. The point is also potentially hazardous. It is subject to powerful waves, particularly the northern winter swells, and covered by uneven, sometimes sharp rocks.

Signage states that the outcropping is sacred to Native Hawaiians. Although the public is allowed access to the ocean by law, visitors are strongly discouraged from walking onto the formation, out of respect for native customs. The adjacent Honokahua burial site is off-limits to the general public. Both sites are of cultural significance to Native Hawaiians and should not be inspected up close. Respect the signage.

For a view of Makaluapuna Point, you can stand beside the plaque detailing the burial site. The plaque sits along the Coastal Trail beside the parking area and above the the 13-acre burial site. Don’t enter areas marked ‘Please Kokua,’ which are easily visible islets of stones bordering the Ritz’s manicured golf greens. Do not walk across the greens.

Get here by driving north to the very end of Lower Honoapiʻilani Rd, where you’ll find parking, beside the northern edge of the Kapalua Bay Golf Course.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Honokahua Burial Site

0.1 MILES

This site is of cultural significance to Native Hawaiians and is off-limits to the general public.There are an estimated 2000 Hawaiians laid to rest here,…

2. Oneloa Beach

0.27 MILES

Also known as Ironwoods Beach, this white-sand jewel is fringed by low sand dunes covered in beach morning glory. It's a picturesque place to soak up the…

3. DT Fleming Beach Park

0.3 MILES

Surrounded by ironwood trees and backed by an old one-room schoolhouse, this sandy crescent looks like an outpost from another era. In keeping with its…

4. Kapalua Beach

0.87 MILES

For a long day on the beach, it’s hard to beat this crescent-shaped strip at the southwestern tip of Kapalua. Snorkel in the morning, grab lunch at the…

5. Mokuleʻia Beach

0.9 MILES

Also known as Slaughterhouse Beach, this cove is excellent for snorkeling, and is a top-rated bodysurfing spot during the summer. Its attractive white…

6. Napili Beach

0.98 MILES

The deep golden sands and gentle curves of Napili Beach offer good beachcombing at any time and excellent swimming and snorkeling when it’s calm. Look for…

7. Honolua Bay

1.19 MILES

Honolua Bay is an advanced surfer’s dream. It faces northwest and when it catches the winter swells it has some of the gnarliest surfing in the world.

8. Punalau Beach

2.18 MILES

Manicured golf courses and ritzy enclaves drop away and the scenery gets wilder as you drive toward Maui’s northernmost point. Ironwood-lined Punalau…