The Best Guide for Visitors to Dragon's Teeth Maui

Maui is an island with beautiful natural scenery, from its rainforests to its sunny beaches. But if you go to the northwestern coast, near the Kapalua Resort, you’ll find a landscape so different that it feels like you’re on another planet. This is Makaluapuna Point, also known as Dragon’s Teeth. The coastline here has been shaped into a series of jagged, tooth-like shapes by the raw power of the earth.

This guide has everything you need to know about visiting this amazing place. We’ll talk about how these formations got here, how to get there, what to do, and how to stay safe. You’ll also learn about the area’s cultural importance and get tips on how to take great pictures. By the end, you’ll be ready to see the wild, raw beauty of Dragon’s Teeth for yourself.

The Fiery Beginning of Dragon’s Teeth

What is it about Dragon’s Teeth that makes them so special? The answer can be found in a huge volcanic eruption that happened hundreds of thousands of years ago. These formations are not like regular lava rock; they are a special type of igneous rock that tells a story of fire, wind, and water.

An Elemental Clash

The last lava flow from the West Maui Volcano was very strong and fluid. As this molten rock river moved toward the ocean, it was hit by strong winds and waves from the ocean. The lava cooled and hardened very quickly after this crash.

The lava here didn’t cool into the smooth, ropy pahoehoe lava or the rough, clinkery ‘a’a lava that is common in Hawaii. Instead, it was pushed up as it cooled. The sharp, fin-like projections that look like the teeth of a giant dragon were caused by a lot of pressure and quick cooling.

Geologists call these formations serrated rock, and this is one of the best places in the world to see them.

The Hand of Time that Shapes

The rock has been shaped by the wind and saltwater spray for hundreds of years. The salt has a special chemical effect that slowly wears away the rock and sharpens its edges, giving it the strange, fossilized look it has now. When you walk among these formations, you’re walking on a work of art made by some of nature’s strongest forces.

Where it is and how to get there

It’s not hard to find Dragon’s Teeth because it’s on the beautiful grounds of the Kapalua Resort. It’s an easy adventure that doesn’t require a lot of work, so most people should stop by.

How to Get to Dragons Teeth Maui

The northwestern coast of Maui is home to Dragon’s Teeth, which is at Makaluapuna Point in Kapalua. Here are the steps:

Go to Kapalua: Take Honoapi’ilani Highway (Hwy 30) north from Lahaina or Ka’anapali.
Welcome to Kapalua Resort: The main entrance to the Kapalua Resort area is on Office Road, which you should turn left onto.
To park, keep going down Office Road. Just before the road ends at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, you will see a small public parking lot on your right. The lot is for getting to the beach and the trails.

Parking at Dragons Teeth Maui

The hardest part about going is finding a place to park. The designated lot is small, with only 10 to 12 spots available for the public.

Arrive Early: If you want to find a spot, your best bet is to get there early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or late in the afternoon. The busiest time is around noon.
Do Not Park Illegally: If you park in the Ritz-Carlton’s private lots or along the road, you could get your car towed. There are strict rules about parking in this area.
Other Parking: If the lot is full, you can park at D.TWithin walking distance of the hotel is Fleming Beach. You can get to the Kapalua Coastal Trail from there and walk south to get to Dragon’s Teeth.

After you park, walk to the end of Office Road. To the left of the golf course maintenance building, you’ll see a public path. This path will take you right to the amazing sight of Dragon’s Teeth.

Going beyond the Dragons Teeth Trail

The jagged rock formations are the main attraction, but there is a lot more to see and do in this beautiful area. The point of the experience is to get lost in the wild, coastal landscape.

Take a walk on the Dragons Teeth Trail

The trail to and around Dragon’s Teeth is a short, easy walk, suitable for all ages. It’s more of a walk with a view than a hike. The path goes through a golf course before it opens up to the beautiful coastline. The landscape changes as you get closer to the point, and the sharp, gray “teeth” come up from the ground. Take your time looking at the different formations and taking in the wide views of the ocean.

Taking pictures

For photographers, Makaluapuna Point is a dream come true. The dark, jagged rocks, the deep blue ocean, and the lush green of the golf course make for beautiful pictures. For the best photos, try visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset when the light casts long, dramatic shadows across the formations.

Exploring Tide Pools

When the tide is low, small pools form between the rocks, making tiny ecosystems full of life. You can find small fish, crabs, and other sea creatures in these tide pools. It’s a great thing for families and anyone who is interested in marine biology to do. To keep the fragile animals safe, remember to look with your eyes and not your hands.

Watching whales (in season)

From December to April, the waters off the coast of Maui are the best place to see humpback whales. Dragon’s Teeth gives you a great, clear view. If you find a nice spot on the rocks, you might be able to see whales breaching and spouting in the distance.

Is it safe to jump off the Dragons Teeth Maui Cliff?

You might see videos or hear stories about cliff jumping at Dragons Teeth Maui, but it’s very dangerous and not recommended. This is why:

Rocks that are sharp and jagged: The rocks are incredibly sharp and unforgiving. A mistake or slip could cause serious harm.
Unpredictable Ocean Conditions: The waves and currents in this area can be strong and hard to predict. Rogue waves can show up out of nowhere, even on a calm day.
Shallow Waters: The water around the cliffs is not always as deep as it looks.

There are no lifeguards on duty, and it would be hard for emergency services to get to the area. Please don’t try to jump off the cliffs; instead, admire them from a distance.

Things to Do to Stay Safe on Your Visit

Dragon’s Teeth is a pretty safe place to visit, but the wild, natural setting needs to be treated with care and respect.
Wear sturdy shoes because the volcanic rock is rough and very sharp. You shouldn’t wear flip-flops. To keep your feet safe, wear sturdy shoes with closed toes or hiking sandals.

Be aware of ocean swells: You should never turn your back on the ocean. Big waves that come out of nowhere can crash over the rocks, especially when the surf is high. Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.
Stay on the Path: There is a golf course and private property nearby. Please be polite and stay on the paths that are open to the public.
There is no shade at Dragon’s Teeth, so protect yourself from the sun. To stay safe from the strong Hawaiian sun, wear a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Bring some water: Drink enough water, especially if you want to explore for a while.

The Kapalua Labyrinth and Its Cultural Importance

There is a big, round maze made of stones on the ground next to the Dragon’s Teeth formations. This maze was built in 2005 and is a good place to think and meditate. The labyrinth is a peaceful place to walk, and it gives you a moment of calm in the middle of the dramatic landscape.

The whole area of Kapalua, including Makaluapuna Point, is very important to the culture. This land was part of a bigger agricultural and spiritual landscape in ancient Hawaii. People think that the point itself is a holy place. When you go, do so with respect and reverence for the land and its history. Mālama ʻāina means “caring for the land.” You can do this by leaving no trace of your visit.

When is the best time to go to Dragon’s Teeth?

You can visit Dragon’s Teeth all year, but some times are better than others.

Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal. The lighting is better for pictures, the weather is cooler, and it’s easier to find a parking spot. Sun set from this spot is particularly breathtaking.
When of the year: The weather in Maui is nice all year long. If you want to see whales, though, you should go between December and April. It can be hotter in the summer, so make sure to bring extra water.

Things to do nearby

To get the most out of your trip to Kapalua, check out these other nearby attractions:

The Dragon’s Teeth part of the Kapalua Coastal Trail is a beautiful 1.76-mile path that runs along the coast and connects Kapalua Bay, Namalu Bay, Oneloa Bay, and D.T. Fleming Beach. It’s a great way to see more of the beautiful coast.
Kapalua Bay is always rated as one of the best beaches in the world. It’s a calm, protected cove that’s great for swimming and snorkeling.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a classic sandy beach with lifeguards, bathrooms, and picnic tables. When the waves are high, it’s great for boogie boarding.
The Marine Life Conservation District for Honolua-Mokulēʻia Bay: This bay is a short drive north and has some of the best snorkeling and diving on Maui in the summer when the water is calm.

Make plans for your trip to Maui

Dragon’s Teeth shows how powerful and creative nature can be. It makes us think about the powerful forces that have shaped the Hawaiian Islands and fills us with awe. It is a must-see place on any Maui itinerary because of its otherworldly beauty, cultural significance, and easy access. Makaluapuna Point will not let you down, whether you are a geology fan, a photographer, or just a traveler looking for unique landscapes.

Are you ready to see the amazing things Maui has to offer? We at Hawaii Guide Hub are experts at making unique, memorable experiences. We can help you plan the perfect trip, from finding hidden gems like Dragon’s Teeth to setting up the best tours and activities. Book with us to make sure your trip to Hawaii is everything you hoped for and more.

Teeth of the Dragon Maui: A Coastal Wonder from Another World