Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The sweeping Keʻanae Valley starts way up at the Koʻolau Gap in the rim of Haleak-
alā Crater and stretches clear down to the coast. The land radiates green, thanks to the
150in of rainfall that drenches it each year.
At the foot of the valley lies Keʻanae Peninsula, created by a late eruption of Haleak-
alā that sent lava gushing all the way down Keʻanae Valley and into the sea. Unlike its
rugged surroundings, the volcanic peninsula is perfectly flat, like a leaf floating on the
water.
You'll want to see Keʻanae up close. But keep an eye peeled, as sights come up in
quick succession. After passing the YMCA camp 0.5 miles past mile marker 16, the ar-
boretum pops up on the right and the road to Keʻanae Peninsula heads off to the left
around the next bend.
Sights & Activities
Keʻanae Arboretum
HIKING
A short walk offers big rewards inside the Keʻanae Arboretum, 0.6 miles past mile
marker 16. The 0.6-mile trail, which is fairly level, follows the Piʻinaʻau Stream past an
array of shady trees. Most eye-catching are the painted eucalyptus trees and the golden-
stemmed bamboo, whose green stripes look like the strokes of a Japanese
shodo
(calli-
graphy) artist.
The 6-acre arboretum is divided into two sections, with exotic timber and ornamental
trees in one area and Hawaiian food and medicinal plants in the upper section.
The path, which starts on a paved road and then turns to dirt, takes about 30 minutes to
walk. Expect some mosquitoes on the way.
Keʻanae Peninsula
VILLAGE
MAP
A jagged, wave-pounded coastline embraces a village so quiet you can hear the grass
grow. This rare slice of ʻOld Hawaii' is reached by taking the unmarked Keʻanae Rd on
the
makai
side of the highway just beyond Keʻanae Arboretum. Here, families who have
had roots to the land for generations still tend stream-fed taro patches.
Marking the heart of the village is
Lanakila ʻIhiʻihi o Iehova Ona Kaua (Keʻanae
Congregational Church)
, built in 1860. This is one church made of lava rocks and coral
mortar whose exterior hasn't been covered over with layers of whitewash. It's a welcom-
ing place with open doors and a guest book to sign. You can get a feel for the community
