Ke'anae Peninsula

Keanae Peninsula is a Road to Hana coastal stop with black lava rocks, taro patches, wave views, a historic church and dramatic east Maui scenery.

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Keanae Peninsula, Maui

The Keanae Peninsula is located off of Maui’s famous Road to Hana. It’s a nice spot to visit on your way to Hana (or on your way back). The scenery is gorgeous. There’s an old Hawaiian village, taro patches and a church that was built in 1856. The shoreline on this peninsula is rocky.

Even though there’s no sandy beach, the waves slashing against the rocks and lava pinnacles provide some great picture-taking opportunities. In 1946, the Keanae Peninsula was almost completely destroyed by a tsunami. The only building that was left standing was the old stone church.

Key Features

Road to Hana coastal peninsula on Maui's northeast shore
Side road leads down from Hana Highway to the peninsula
Known for black lava-rock shoreline and strong wave views
Taro fields are part of the Keanae landscape
Keanae Congregational Church is a historic landmark on the peninsula
Not a swimming area because the shoreline is rocky and exposed
Parking is limited and should stay clear of homes, driveways and local access
Good stop for photos, coastal scenery and a slower look at east Maui
Respect the small community, farms and residential areas
Keanae Peninsula is known for lava-rock coastline, taro fields, wave views, historic church scenery and Road to Hana character

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Keanae Peninsula different from other Road to Hana stops?

The peninsula has a mix of black lava shoreline, taro fields, ocean spray and a small rural community, so it feels more lived-in than a simple roadside viewpoint.

Can you swim at Keanae Peninsula?

No. The shoreline is rocky and exposed, with waves breaking against lava rock. Keanae is better for scenery and photos than entering the ocean.

Why are there taro fields in Keanae?

The wet east Maui setting and freshwater flow support taro cultivation, which has long been part of daily life and food traditions in Hawaiian communities.

What is the historic church on the peninsula?

Keanae Congregational Church is a stone church on the peninsula and one of the community's most recognized landmarks.

Why should visitors drive carefully here?

The peninsula road passes homes, farms and local access areas. Slow driving and careful parking help keep the visit respectful for people who live and work there.