Manuka
Park lies on the northern border of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The mauka
portion of the park is often visited, however, many people miss Manuka Bay which
requires a four wheel drive down to the ocean. It is easy to miss the sign that
indicates the road from Highway 11 down to the bay. It lies very near the north
border of Manuka Park. As four wheel drive roads go this one is not
terribly bad, however don't try taking your low riding rental car down.
Along the way down stop occasionally and examine a few lava rocks. In some
places the lava is rich in the semi-precious mineral, olivine. These
crystals are the same substance that produced the lovely Green Sand Beach near
South Point.
The coral and lava rubble beach at Manuka Bay.
| As is the case through much of the Kau district, getting to the ocean at Manuka Bay requires crossing large expanses of lava. While some of the lava is recent, much of it quite a bit older but has not gained much in the way of vegetation due to the dry warm conditions at these lower elevations. It can take a long time for trees to become established and for plants to break down the lava into good soil. |  |
If you are going down to the bay and don't want to stay there
all night give yourself plenty of time to make the trip back up to the road
before the gate is locked in the early evening.
 |
Along the north side if the bay look for petroglyphs carved in the rock by the Ancient Hawaiian people. There are many at this location. This one appears to be a man in his canoe. |
Swimming
conditions in the bay are unknown by us and it is always good to avoid going in
the water anywhere in Hawaii where you don't know what to expect.
Especially in the winter season, it is a good idea to stand a safe distance from
shore and take note of the wave activity for several minutes before wading or
walking on the rocks near the water. Check the rocks you are walking on.
Are they wet? It seems like almost every year someone gets swept away somewhere
in Hawaii by a sinister rogue winter wave.
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