La Pérouse Bay sits at the southern end of Kihei, beyond the end of the paved road, in a landscape of raw black lava flows from the most recent eruption on this part of Maui (around 1790). The lava field is rough and dramatic, the vegetation sparse, and the bay itself — accessed by a dirt track — is calm, clear, and almost always uncrowded. The Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve covers this coastline and protects one of the best remaining coral reef systems on Maui.
Access has been managed with timed entry permits during peak season due to the fragility of the reef. Check the Hawaii DLNR website for current permit requirements before visiting. The bay is also used as a spinner dolphin resting area in the mornings — boats are asked not to approach the pods during their rest period. If you are there early enough, you may see the dolphins from the shore.