Dragon’s Teeth Maui – What you need to know before going
Somehow the combination of flowing lava, crashing waves, and a strong wind created an incredibly unique geographic feature that looks exactly like gigantic dragon teeth.
These “teeth” are framed by a gorgeous Maui cliff line and crashing waves. As soon as I saw pictures, I knew that I wanted to hike out to see them in person.
The problem is that there is a lot of conflicting information that ultimately makes them harder to find; some information says that you aren’t even allowed to go there (you are). Thankfully, I figured it all out and summed it up for you here.
Dragons Teeth Maui Quick Facts:
- Distance: .6 miles out and back – hardly a hike, but you can do this as part of the Kapalua Coastal Trail
- Elevation Gain: Almost none
- Difficulty: Super Easy
- Famous For: rock formations that look like gigantic dragon teeth and gorgeous coastal cliff views
What I Wish I Would Have Known Ahead of Time
First off, knowing some basic terms in the area will help immensely.
Kapalua Resort Area/Neighborhood
Kapalua is a resort area in north Maui. Within the Kapalua area there is a resort named the Kapalua Resort that features a fancy golf course that hugs the cliff line.
The dragon’s teeth are in the Kapalua resort area.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a 2.5 mile trail that largely follows the north Maui coast line. The Dragons Teeth Trail is basically a smaller part of the larger Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Kapalua Labyrinth
This prayer labyrinth is located immediately next to the dragon teeth.
Makaluapuna Point
The promontory at the north end of Maui that is home to the Kapalua Labyrinth and the Dragon’s Teeth. It is also part of the Kapalua Coastal Trail. From here you can see back to Fleming Beach as well as Ironwoods Beach.
Visitors are Welcome
You might read or feel like you aren’t supposed to go to the Dragon Teeth.
At places I’d seen visitors aren’t welcome here but was confusing because this is an area in the middle of a resort. When I got there, saw signs direction public visitors.
The trail goes by a burial ground, which is what you should not access. Be respectful of the ancient Hawaiians laid to rest.
AllTrails says that this is private property and visitors aren’t welcome.
The open parking lots and signs providing directions to visitors indicate otherwise.
This is NOT the Dragon’s Tooth Trail
You are going to visit the Dragon’s Teeth Trail. The Dragon’s Tooth Trail is in Virginia.
The Trail Goes Immediately Next to A Golf Course
Once again you may feel like you aren’t welcome as the trail goes immediately next to a golf course. I worried that I was in the wrong spot and inappropriately interrupting someone’s golf game.
You are welcome to walk back and forth along the trail, just don’t go outside of the markers and into the golf course or Hawaiian burial ground.
Dragon’s Tooth Hike Parking
To find the parking lots you need to drive into the Kapalua Resort. You may feel like you aren’t welcome there, but there are public parking spots set aside for the trail.
Each resort in Hawaii must set aside a certain number of spots for non-guests to have beach access. This is because there are officially no private beaches in all of Hawaii.
There are two small lots that offered enough parking that didn’t require me to wait either time I went.
If all the spots are full I recommend waiting a couple minutes since people are likely to return shortly due to it being such a short trail.
How to get to Dragon’s Teeth in Maui
The best way to get here is to rent a car. If you don’t have a car rental you can rent a moped for the day, or take an Uber/Lyft. Uber/Lyft will be your most expensive option depending on where you are staying.
If you decide to explore the island by moped you can rent one here for up to two weeks at a time!
What To Expect once there
Not only can you expect to discover the super unique dragon teeth geographic feature, but you will also have stunning views off of the Maui cliffs.
Kapalua Labyrinth
The teeth are located immediately next to the Kapalua Labyrinth.
Whale Watching
This promontory is a great spot to see whales out in the ocean. While I didn’t see any while there, it’s often described as a perfect location to spot them.
Head here for more of my favorite whale watching tours on Maui.
What to Pack for Maui
- Quick Dry Travel Towel – This quick dry towel is amazing to travel with. It really will come in handy when you need extra room in your suitcase.
- Snorkeling gear – for obvious reasons.
- Hiking boots – I have two pairs of hiking boots that I love. My Columbia waterproof boots and my Salomon hiking boots. Highly recommend checking them both out!
- Sandals – LOVE these Teva’s! They are my new go to travel sandal. Shop my favorite Teva’s here. They are great to wear in the water snorkeling and also amazing for hiking in Hawaii.
- Dresses for Hawaii – Packing a few good dresses is essential for Hawaii. Dresses have become my go to on trips to help quickly put an outfit together. Revolve is one of my go to shops for beach dresses. ASOS also has great summer dresses.
- Shorts – Anyone who is traveling to Hawaii needs a good pair of shorts. Khakis are great for guys. For women, cute athletic shorts or denim shorts are perfect for a breezy summertime look. These Levi denim shorts are my current favorites! These high waisted athletic shorts have gone viral on instagram and for good reason, they are AMAZING.
- Sports bra – This SKIMS bra is the most comfortable sports bra you will ever wear! Trust me. I travel with 5 of them. Also, highly recommend checking out the SKIMS fits everybody bra is to die for as well.
- Agolde 90’s jeans – I actually can’t remember the last trip I have been on where I haven’t brought these Agolde jeans. I have them in multiple colors and sizes. Check out my full review here.
- Tank tops – Free people is my go to place to buy cute and affordable tank tops. I have this tighten up tank in almost every color.
- Hat – essential. Shop the newest hats at Nordstrom.
- Beach cover-up – Having at least one good cover-up is essential on any beach trip. I recommend ASOS, Nordstrom and Revolve as well.
- Tennis Shoes – I guess you could wear sandals hiking the trails in Maui but I would recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots. It can get narrow and slippery in parts. These New Balance shoes are amazing. Only problem is they sell out so fast! Blah. They look so cute with shorts too!
- Packing cubes – I always go to Urban Outfitters for my packing cubes. They have the cutest ones!
Planning a trip to Maui? Here are our best MAUI BLOG POSTS:
My husband and I have been to Maui a couple times and have written up more blog posts to help you plan your trip. These are my most popular blog posts and Hawaii travel guides to help you plan your trip. I hope it helps!
Maui general trip planning
Maui Beaches
- Guide to Visiting the Red Sand Beach– One of the best beaches in Maui!
- Hookipa Beach – (Best beach to see turtles in Maui)
- Makena Beach/Big Beach (One of my favorite beaches in Maui)
- Little Beach (also known as Oneloa Beach) – WARNING – nude beach.
- Oneuli Beach – Black sand beach
- Maluaka Beach – all around great beach
- Slaughterhouse Beach – (AKA Mokuleia Bay)
- La Perouse Beach (Bay) – great snorkeling tours here. Best if reached by boat.
Maui Hikes & Lookouts
- Sliding Sands Trail – (also known as Keonehe’ehe’e Trail) is one of the most unique hikes on Earth!
- Waihee Ridge Trail – Most Underrated Maui Hike
- Hoapili Trail – (Hike through lava fields in Maui)
- Dragon’s Teeth Hike
- Ohai Trail Loop – (Easy but Awesome)
- Leleiwi Overlook in Haleakala National Park – (Maui must see!)
Maui Waterfalls
- 6 Easily Accessible Maui Waterfalls – The Best and Most Easily Accessible Maui Waterfalls
- 7 Waterfalls in Maui That You Can Swim In – Must see!
- 13 WATERFALLS IN MAUI YOU CAN’T MISS
Everything else
- Nakalele Blowhole – (100 foot Maui blowhole)
- Olivine Pools in Maui – What you need to know before going