Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve is a vast stretch of unspoiled rocky coastline that stretches south of Big Beach to La Perouse Bay. The road follows the coast from a distance and crosses a flow of lava; Maui’s most recent, dating back to 1790.

The hollowed crater from which the lava flowed is easy to make out, since the flow is lined by brushwood. Despite its rather hostile environment, the coast is known for its snorkelling. A small, sheltered bay near the last few houses at the end of Makena is a good spot to go, as is the pebble beach that is reached via a short trail.

The road ends across from La Perouse Bay, where the famous French explorer of the same name landed on May 30, 1786, making him the first Westerner to set foot on the island.