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All the United States Hawaii Koloa Lithified Sand Dunes

Lithified Sand Dunes

A prehistoric landscape hidden in the cliffs of Maha'ulepu.

Koloa, Hawaii

Added By
Jersey Hiker
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Eroded Dune   Garden State Hiker
Eroded Dune   Garden State Hiker
Eroded Dune   Garden State Hiker
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail   mhansen721 / Atlas Obscura User
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail   mhansen721 / Atlas Obscura User
Makauwahi Cave   mhansen721 / Atlas Obscura User
Striations in the sand   Garden State Hiker
The end of the trail   Garden State Hiker
Eroded Dune   Garden State Hiker
Lithified Sand Dunes   Garden State Hiker
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About

Along the southern shore of Kaua'i is a short, secluded hike along seacliffs overhanging the ocean.

These are sand dunes that have slowly been lithified (turned to stone) over time, and are now slowly being eroded away by the ocean. The bright yellow hue of the rock contrasts amazingly with the deep blue of the very rough nearby ocean that is popular with windsurfers.

The trail starts at Kawailoa Bay, which is gentle enough for some wading and ends at another bay-type area that looks absolutely prehistoric and barely touched. It's not hard to imagine dinosaurs roaming around the area, and it is truly a sight to behold.

Related Tags

Natural Wonders Martian Landscapes Ecosystems Nature

Know Before You Go

Head South on the Island to the town of Po'ipu, and drive East, away from the Spouting Horn. The road is essentially straight for this part as you drive past the numerous resorts and hotels. Eventually, it'll end, and you'll turn onto a dirt road through what is, for all intents and purposes, a desert. It pays to have 4WD at this point. Drive down this road for approximately 10 minutes and follow the signs to Kawailoa Bay. You'll soon hit a dead end with ample parking. Inside, there is a hidden road to another area that has parking for the Kawailoa bay beach. Park your car and walk east to Kawailoa bay, and you'll see footpath along a ridge overhanging the coast. These are lithified sand dunes.

Community Contributors

Added By

gardenstatehiker

Edited By

placesiam, hrnick, Osage, mochamimi77...

  • placesiam
  • hrnick
  • Osage
  • mochamimi77
  • mhansen721

Published

October 14, 2013

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Lithified Sand Dunes
Unnamed Road
Koloa, Hawaii, 96756
United States
21.892472, -159.4108
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Nearby Places

Spouting Horn

Koloa, Hawaii

miles away

McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery

Eleele, Hawaii

miles away

Kauai Glass Beach

Eleele, Hawaii

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Koloa

Koloa

Hawaii

Places 2

Nearby Places

Spouting Horn

Koloa, Hawaii

miles away

McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery

Eleele, Hawaii

miles away

Kauai Glass Beach

Eleele, Hawaii

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Koloa

Koloa

Hawaii

Places 2

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