Originally called Keoneʻōʻio by the Hawaiians, it was renamed after the French explorer, Captain Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse, in 1786. The rugged coastline is a remnant of when Haleakala erupted around 1790, and the surrounding area is home to several archaeological sites, including heiau (ancient temples), fishing shrines, canoe hale, and salt pans, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the Hawaiian natives who made their home on this a‘ā lava (rough, jagged lava) landscape. This is a favorite beach for fishing and observing pods of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, who frequently rest in the calm bay during morning hours. To access, drive to the very end of Makena Alanui Road at mile marker seven. A gravel parking lot is at the end of the road, which is where the path begins that leads you to La Perouse Bay.