ALOHA!
When I went to the Hookipa Lookout on a winter day in Maui, the waves were particularly strong. It was a sight to see!
If you can’t see the Hookipa Lookout video above, you can watch it on youtube.
Otherwise if you go to Hookipa Lookout when the waves are more suitable for surfing, you can watch the surfers who are surfing from Hookipa Beach too! Hookipa Beach is known as one of the best spots for surfing on Maui.
The ocean can be powerful!
While the strong waves made for an amazing sight to see at Hookipa Lookout, it also can make the ocean that much more dangerous.
So take care!
In terms of going to the Hookipa Lookout, this can mean that it would be safer to not get too close to the edge, especially if the ocean is rough. A wave could unexpectedly come washing over the edge and you may lose your balance or worse, be swept into the ocean. This has happened more than once elsewhere on Maui, in particular most famously at the Olivine Pools where people have died.
One of the indicators can be the surface and looking to see if it’s wet rock or dry rock. Wet rock would indicate that the waves have reached that spot. Just because it’s dry doesn’t mean that the next wave won’t reach it, but it can be something to look for if you are being extra cautious.
In general it is a good idea to stay away from the edge in places like the Hookipa Lookout not just because of the unpredictability of waves, but also to avoid the accident of slipping and falling into the ocean. Most recently in June 2021, a child fell into the ocean near Olivine Pools while walking seemingly close to the edge, although there was a happy ending there. (No major injuries or deaths.)
You can still have an amazing experience at Hookipa Lookout from a safe distance!
More below about a trip to Hookipa Lookout!
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Side note!
Here's some info on Hawaii trip prep!
- Best shoes for hiking in Hawaii
- The perfect type of shirt for swimming in Hawaii
- Do you need water shoes for Hawaii?
- THE top things to pack for Hawaii
- Tours and activities to see the best of Maui
- Popular Maui snorkeling tour: Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling
Save the Maui video playlist to watch on youtube later!
Explore the outdoors all over Maui:
- Driving to the top of the Haleakala summit
- Things to do in West Maui with amazing views
- The big list of 50+ things to do on Maui (mostly free and outdoors!)
Getting to Hookipa Lookout
Hookipa Lookout is located near Paia town on Maui. (Paia is often considered the unofficial start of the Road to Hana drive.)
If you have plans to go to Twin Falls, then it can be perfect to stop by the Hookipa Lookout on your way back. (Or on the way there.)
If you have plans to go to the Haleakala summit during the day, then it can also be perfect to stop by the Hookipa Lookout after your drive back down Haleakala.
Iao Valley and Waihee Ridge Trail are also not too far from the Hookipa Lookout if you have plans to do either of those things in the West Maui mountains. (30-40 minute drive away.)
Otherwise, you can really just go to Hookipa Beach if you find yourself with extra time on any day!
Hookipa Lookout parking
There’s a parking lot for Hookipa Lookout. Although it’s not exactly a small parking lot, it’s possible that it can be full. If that happens, you can wait around to see if there will be any openings soon, or you can also go down the road to check if there’s any parking at Hookipa Beach and then walk back up to the Hookipa Lookout.
The Hookipa Lookout trail
And then, once you’ve parked you can walk around to take a look at the vast ocean views!
And then after you’ve taken in the views from the Hookipa Lookout, you can walk down to Hookipa Beach to see if the Hookipa turtles and Hookipa seals are there!
And that’s a bit about the ocean views at the Hookipa Lookout!
While you’re in the area, be sure to also see in Hookipa:
If you like the Hookipa Lookout, then you might also like these Maui activities that also come with ocean views:
HAPPY VIEWING FROM HOOKIPA LOOKOUT!
