Red Sand Beach, Maui

Kaihalulu Bay, also known as Red Sand Beach, is one of the most unusual and interesting beaches in Hawaii, but also one of the most dangerous beaches on Maui. The beach has been formed at the side of a steep cinder cone. Lava rocks create a natural pool and provide some protection against the otherwise dangerous ocean. The deep blue water of the ocean contrast beautifully with the red shades of iron-rich sand and soil.
Unfortunately, accessing the beach is deceptively dangerous as access is via an unstable path on the side of the cinder cone hill. Loose sand, erosion, wind, and rain create ever changing conditions on the path.

The danger with the path is that it looks manageable, and once you've reached the point where you have to make a decision on whether or not to proceed, the lure of being so close to the beach will compel you to continue despite the fact that you're suddenly taking a risk that you never really intended to take. As of this writing (April 2025), the most perilous section gives you 20 inches of space to navigate a 3 ft long section of path. The temptation to make the "simple" crossing is irresitible. But one small slip here results in a bone crushing 15ft drop. A simple misstep in the very loose sand, a gust of wind, unexpected heavy rain on your return journey, or a slight panic as you take the step, and your vacation turns into a catastrophe. Since 2012 there have been at least a dozen documented serious injuries from falls here, most requiring evacuation to Maui Memorial Medical Center via helicopter.


The path is absolutely inappropriate for children, anyone who isn't sure footed, and people who aren't willing to risk a broken neck to see a beach. Also remember that people have drowned swimming in the ocean here. If you want to see a beach that sometimes has red sand, consider a visit to nearby Koki Bay.