In West Maui, neighbored by a meticulous golf course, a hidden jagged formation, known as Dragon’s Teeth, rises up at the edge of a steep cliff.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Is Dragon’s Teeth Worth Visiting?
They say Dragon’s Teeth, also known as Makaluapuna Point, is not worth your time if you are nowhere in the vicinity. It’s too ordinary. Too easy to reach. And the part of the island it’s located on is too manicured to have an authentic experience.
I disagree. It was my second time on Maui. I had let the Dragon’s Teeth hike slip from our itinerary a few years ago. But curiosity got the best of me this time around. I had to check out this area. A place that nobody raves about or comments on its remarkable natural beauty. A shoreline beyond the sandy beaches of Lahaina and Kaanapali and the snorkeling paradise of Kihei. I never once regretted this decision.
Dragon’s Teeth in West Maui
The Dragon’s Teeth area looks exactly like its name suggests: a jagged, mostly triangle-shaped cliffs clustered together in a narrow row that reminds you of giant, dagger-like teeth of a mythical creature.
The 0.3-mile trail and an open rocky area right in front of the “teeth” are relatively flat. Calling it flat is probably a big overstatement. The surface is uneven and may be slippery after the rain. But no scrambling or rock climbing is required to reach the scenic point.
Apart from its pure aesthetic role, the site guards the shore from the sweeping waves of the high surf. Yet even the tallest tooth aka peak can’t withstand the power of the ferocious ocean. The water spills on the rocky surface behind Dragon’s Teeth often. So, keep that in mind before taking that beautiful picture at the edge of the ragged cliff.
Dragon’s Teeth Trail
- Distance: 0.6 mile, out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 75 feet
- Time: 20-40 minutes
Kapalua Labyrinth
To the right of Dragon’s Teeth, you will find the Kapalua Labyrinth or simply the Dragon’s Teeth Labyrinth. The large maze joined the scenic point in the northwestern corner of Maui in 2005. It was made by an anonymous builder as a peace project. You can walk the winding path of the labyrinth or sit in silent meditation nearby, surrendering to nature’s music.
Location
Dragon’s Teeth is located on the northwestern coast of Maui, directly behind the Ritz-Carlton Maui. West Maui is the most developed part of the island, with wider roads and many hotels and resorts. The center of attraction here is Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
It takes approximately 20 minutes (10 miles) to reach the scenic shoreline from Lahaina. Once you get out of the city, hit the Honoapiʻilani Highway (HI-30) and continue west for approximately 8 miles. Exit onto Office Road and then into Lower Honoapiilani Road. A small parking area at the Dragon’s Teeth trailhead is a short drive from here.
Parking
Only paid parking is available at the trailhead. Make sure to pay the fee even if it’s early in the morning and the parking lot is almost empty. Somebody is always on duty and checks for your parking proof regularly. Roshan left the car for about 15 minutes. But even this was enough to get a parking ticket.
