About Dragon’s Teeth
At Makāluapuna Point on Maui, a line of lava formations rises from the coast like the teeth of an enormous buried creature. Their sharp points, pale surfaces, and irregular spacing inspired the nickname Dragon’s Teeth. The formations sit above crashing waves in a landscape that feels more like a fantasy set than a resort shoreline.
The teeth began when lava from the West Maui volcano reached the ocean. Strong wind and surf pushed portions of the cooling lava back toward the land, folding and hardening it into vertical fins. Centuries of salt spray, sun, and weathering lightened the rock and sharpened the visual contrast among stone, sea, and grass.
Reaching the formations requires a short walk from a small public parking area near Office Road and Lower Honoapiilani Road. The route skirts the edge of a golf course before continuing toward the coast. Visitors should follow the established path, remain alert around active golf areas, and avoid crossing greens or private resort property.
The lava itself is rough, uneven, and unforgiving. Sturdy closed-toe footwear is a better choice than beach sandals, and stepping onto exposed points demands care. Waves can send spray across the rocks, while strong wind can affect balance. There are no facilities at the formations, and the limited parking fills quickly.
The nearby landscape includes an ancient Hawaiian burial area that must be treated with respect. Rock stacks and rearranged stones do not improve the site and can disturb natural or cultural features. Visitors should leave the formations, surrounding stones, and vegetation exactly as they find them.
Dragon’s Teeth is a vivid example of a natural feature earning a perfect popular nickname. Once the resemblance is noticed, the coast becomes a gigantic jaw aimed at the Pacific. The formation’s appeal comes from both the dramatic illusion and the volcanic forces that produced it without any sculptor’s plan.