Pu'u Pehe

Pu'u Pehe, also called Sweetheart Rock, is a Lanai sea stack between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay, with red cliffs, ocean views, a short coastal trail and a Hawaiian story of love and loss.

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Pu'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), Lanai

Pu'u Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock, is located on Lanai's south shore, between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay. It is a beautiful location, with red rocks and cliffs that contrast sharply against the deep blue ocean. The little rock island was once part of the mainland, but the constant erosive force of the ocean separated it over time. Inside Pu'u Pehe Cove (also known as Shark's Bay) lies a small white-sand beach.

An ancient legend tells of two lovers, a young warrior from Lanai named Makakehau and a beautiful Hawaiian girl named Puupehe from Lahaina on the island of Maui. The young warrior loved the pretty girl so much that whenever he looked at her, his eyes would mist up with tears. Hence his name Maka (eyes) and Kehau (mist).

Makakehau brought Puupehe with him to live on Lanai and hid her in a sea cave at the base of a cliff because he was afraid to lose her. One day as he was out gathering supplies, he noticed a storm brewing and headed back to the cave. There he found his Puupehe drowned by the surge of the storm waves.

He was so stricken with grief that he took his girl in his arms and cried out to the gods and his ancestors to help him climb up the steep cliff of the little rock island, where he buried her. He then jumped to his death in the powerful surf and sharp rocks below.

Key Features

Lanai sea stack between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay
Also known as Sweetheart Rock
One of Lanai's most recognizable coastal landmarks
Short coastal trail starts from the Hulopoe Bay side
Red cliffs and blue ocean frame the viewpoint area
Often described as rising about 80 feet from the water
The sea stack sits offshore from the south Lanai coast
Hawaiian legend connects the place with Pehe and Makakehau
Wedgetail shearwaters may nest in burrows near the trail
Visitors should stay on the trail and keep back from cliff edges

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pu'u Pehe located?

Pu'u Pehe is located on Lanai's south shore between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay.

Why is Pu'u Pehe called Sweetheart Rock?

The nickname comes from a Hawaiian legend of love and loss involving Pehe and Makakehau, though versions of the story vary.

How do visitors reach Pu'u Pehe?

Visitors usually take a short coastal walk from Hulopoe Bay to the viewpoint overlooking the sea stack.

Is the Pu'u Pehe trail safe?

The trail is short, but visitors should stay on the path, keep back from cliff edges and tread lightly around possible wedgetail shearwater nesting burrows.

Can visitors climb down to Pu'u Pehe?

No. The cliffs and slopes are dangerous, and visitors should view Pu'u Pehe from the trail and overlook areas.