Driving south from Wailea, you pass three excellent local beaches, Polo Beach - near the Kea Lani Resort, Palauea Beach and finally Po'olenalena Beach which is located on the south side of Haloa Point.

Palauea Beach
Photo by John Fischer

For the most parts these beaches are quite private unlike many of the more popular beaches of Maui.

As you leave the Wailea area heading south you enter Makena. The Makena area of Maui offers an amazingly diverse geology.

Makena's Big Beach
Photo by John Fischer

At the northern end of Makena you will find several wonderful beaches including Makena's Big Beach.

As you travel south from Big Beach in Makena you will begin to notice the topography changing. You are approaching the area of Maui where Haleakala last erupted, in 1790. The highway takes you into and through most of the `Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Reserve.

`Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Reserve
Photo by John Fischer

You will see lava flows on both sides of the highway as well as along the slopes of Haleakala on your left. When the paved roadway ends it is time to turn around and head back.

The drive on the Kihei Coast will take about a half day, depending on how long you spend at the various stops along the way.

Tomorrow we're off to Haleakala and Upcountry Maui, one of the highlights of any visit to the Valley Isle.

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