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Location
Kahakaloa is Located north past Kapalua, about a 40-60
minute drive.
Information & History
Kahakaloa is a small
isolated village at the end of a valley. The village is home
to about 100 people and their homes, two lovely churches,
and several roadside stands including the Panini Pua Kea
fruit stand and Ululani by the Bay, a pink cart with sodas
and snacks run by Ululani Ho'opi'i, wife of recording artist
Richard Ho'opi'i of the Ho'opi'i Brothers. You won't find a
gas station or restaurant here, but you will find very
friendly people.
After you climb the hill on the other side of the village,
keep your eye out for the Kaukini Gallery and Gift Shop on
the right hand side of the road. Maui artist Karen Lei
Noland started the gallery on the ranch that once belonged
to her grandparents. Here you'll find selections of Noland's
original paintings and prints. The Gallery exhibits the
hand-made works of over 100 local artists from Maui and the
other Islands of Hawai. In the Kaukini Gallery Collection
you will find paintings, ceramics, jewelry, koa woodwork and
prints. It's a great place to shop for that special souvenir
or gift from Maui.
The views back into the valley from the parking area are
spectacular. You're likely to see some cattle grazing on a
distant hillside. Looking towards the ocean you'll see
Kahakuloa Head. The view of it here, however, is less
spectacular than those you get as you approach from the
other side of Kahakuloa Village.
Kahakuloa Head is 636 feet high and is best known historically for King
Kahekili's Leap. In the mid-1700's Maui's last independent
rule, King Kahekili, the chief rival of Kamehameha I. spent
time in this area. Legend says that in the early morning,
the King would climb up the hill and "leap" into the ocean
below from about the 200 foot height.
There is a trail leading to the top of Kahakuloa Head, but
it is very narrow and dangerous to traverse.
Links:
Maui Map
West Maui Museums & Landmarks
West Maui Beaches
West Maui Hiking & Camping
West Maui Snorkeling & Scuba
Diving
West Maui Watersports
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