With 750 miles of stunning coastline just waiting to be explored, it can be hard to choose which stretches of Hawaiian coastline to explore. From otherworldly sea caves and pristine beaches with powdery sand to magnificent cliffs and rock formations, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible coastal secrets. There is one destination in particular, though, that you’ve probably never heard of: a two-mile stretch of coastline nestled along the southern coast of Kauai known as Mahaulepu home to striking lithified sand dunes sure to mesmerize anyone who loves nature.
These ancient sand dunes along Kauai’s southern shore have slowly been turned to stone — or lithified — over time, and are now being slowly eroded away by the ocean.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
This is the last stretch of accessible coastline along Kauai’s southern shore that has yet to be developed — and we certainly hope it remains an untouched paradise for decades to come.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
The lithified sand dunes are accessible only via the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, which will lead you on a magnificent journey from Shipwreck Beach to Kawailoa Bay alongside sand-dune cliffs, Kiawe groves, limestone formations, and rocky inlets.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
The landscapes found along the trail look almost prehistoric, and you will easily be transported back in time to an era when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i/Flickr
After all, Kauai is the geologically oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and these ancient limestone sea cliffs overhanging the ocean have been formed over hundreds of thousands years.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Nowhere else on Kauai will you find such a treasure-trove of unique geological formations and cultural sites — including ancient Hawaiian temples, fossils, petroglyphs, tide pools, sea caves, and burial grounds — quite like those you’ll find at Mahaulepu.
Gary Eyring/Flickr
Dennis Rex/Flickr
The entire trail is four miles round trip, but features jaw-dropping views the entire way, and we certainly believe that this beautifully strange photo opportunity is worth the trek: the way the yellow hue of this amazing rock formation contrasts against the crystalline blue water is simply awe-inspiring.
Gary Eyring/Flickr
With an elevation gain of just 150 feet over the course of the trail, this is one of the easiest trails you’ll find on Kauai, minus the occasionally tricky footwork, of course — and still, somehow it remains largely unnoticed.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Malama Mahaulepu is helping to preserve the natural beauty and keep this sacred destination undeveloped for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. So, please remember: take only photographs, and leave only footprints.
Carlberry/Flickr
Have you ever visited this magnificent stretch of Kauai coastline? Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i/Flickr
Gary Eyring/Flickr
Dennis Rex/Flickr
Carlberry/Flickr
If you loved this piece, check out these 15 dreamy destinations hidden along the Hawaiian coastline.
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