The bay was formed by the last lava flow from Haleakalā in the 18th century, creating a dramatic coastline of jagged lava rock contrasted with the blue ocean. This unique terrain provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and exploring marine life, including vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species.
Named after the French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de La Pérouse, who landed here in 1786, the bay holds historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the remnants of ancient Hawaiian villages and sacred sites along the King's Highway, an old coastal trail.
La Perouse Bay is also part of the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, which protects its fragile ecosystems both on land and underwater. The bay’s serene and remote atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. Whether you're interested in snorkeling, hiking, or simply soaking in the stunning views, La Perouse Bay offers a unique and enriching Hawaiian experience.
Tours and Experiences for La Perouse Bay
Maui’s ONLY *PRIVATE* Air Tour is TripAdvisor #1 Ranked Outdoor Activity on Maui! As Seen on HGTV's 'Hawaii Life': Your Most Awesome Maui Day is just a Click Away! Enjoy Maui's Most Affordable Aerial Activity: Your Spectacular, Once-in-a-Lifetime, Award Winning Maui Plane Ride!
Enjoy your Private Cabin that Safely, Smoothly and Comfortably Seats up to Five and Offers your group Intimate Space to Create Cherished Memories for a Lifetime! Choose Maui's Only Private Cabin Airplane Made of Metal & featuring Non-Tinted Panoramic View Windows for Crystal Clear Clarity! Take control, Place Your Hands on the Yoke and You Can Fly: Experience the Emotion of Leaving Earth Below as You Effortlessly Take Off and Soar- Free as a Bird!
Based on availability. Aloha.
Speed through the water from Maui to the Molokini Crater for a small-group snorkeling adventure where the underwater visibility often exceeds 180 feet (55 meters)! Spend your morning snorkeling on the wildlife-rich reef off the crater, where fish, rays and other wildlife call home. Next, venture to 'Turtle Town' to swim with the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle! In addition to snorkeling, your five-hour experience includes hot cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast breakfast, deli lunch and fabulous Hawaiian views – what better way to spend a day?
A fun day of driving through, and playing in, the tropical rainforest. See and possibly swim in waterfalls, explore lava tube caves, enjoy the black sand beach and more. Our tours are completely private and exclusive. It's just your group and your guide in one of our fully licensed and insured tour vehicles. You have the option throughout the day to "stay and play" or move on to the next spot. You also get to choose where to have lunch. In that way, you get to customize the day to your interests and abilities. Unlike the "big box" tours, our guides are active guides. They will accompany you into the waterfalls, if you want to swim, the caves, along the beaches etc. We teach the geology of the volcanic Islands themselves, the History of the Hawaiian People and the Flora and Fauna. This is a private, customizable experience.
Turtlely Cool!… Departing Molokini, we’ll make one more stop and snorkel with sea turtles in a shorline destination (locations will vary, depending on conditions). These turtles, although endangered and protected, are accustomed to seeing snorkelers and do not mind being photographed as they surface for air just a few feet away.
Experience Molokini without interruption from large tour boats or over-crowded snorkel sites. Trip includes 3 hours of fun, with at least two stops. Snorkel Molokini and an additional shoreline snorkel at a turtle habitat.
During whale season, we will always stop and see some whales.
This tour goes out daily because it is a customer favorite since 1985.
Not intended for guests who are pregnant.
Not intended for guests under 4 years old.
Not intended for those with neck or back injuries.
Don't miss a thing as GuideAlong's Maui Audio Driving Tour takes you on an incredible journey across Hawaii's “Valley Isle”. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the island's famous highlights and includes the Road to Hana, Haleakala, Iao Valley, the best spots for seeing whales and turtles and more lessor known spots across the island.
You'll hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that play automatically along the routes.
And enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t.
✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location
✅ Travel at your own pace
✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed
✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use
✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates.
✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.
Our instructors create the most fun, safe, wildlife-involved scuba diving experiences. Ocean education is at the heart of our dives