The Hawaiian Islands are absolute paradise for lovers of the outdoors, full of majestic mountain peaks, pristine beaches with turquoise water, breathtaking waterfalls, awe-inspiring volcanoes, and remarkable rock formations. While everyone should add Hawaii’s most famous natural wonders — think Waimea Canyon, Mount Haleakala, Akaka Falls, and Diamond Head — to their island bucket list, there are other, lesser-known natural wonders you absolutely must visit at least once. Such is the case with Puu Pehe, a unique rock formation nestled along the coast of Hawaii’s sixth largest island, Lanai.
Nestled on Lanai’s southern coast 150 feet off the peninsula separating Mānele Bay and Hulopoʻe Bay, Puu Pehe is a triangular sea stack. Often referred to by locals Sweetheart Rock, this natural wonder is easily one of Lanai’s most iconic landmarks.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Rising majestically 80 feet out of the water, Puu Pehe was once part of the mainland, but the ocean’s constant erosive force separated it over time. It is not only a magnificent natural landmark but a geological formation steeped in Hawaiian folklore and legend.
John Hyun/Flickr
The story goes that there were two lovers, a Hawaiian princess named Pehe from Lahaina and a warrior from Lanai named Makakehua. He was extremely taken with her beauty, and he hid her in a sea cave at the base of Manele’s cliffs.
John Hyun/Flickr
One day, while gathering supplies, he noticed a storm coming and started back to Pehe, who had drowned by the massive waves. Makakehua was devastated and wailed out to his ancestors to help him climb the steep rock island where he eventually buried her and jumped into the pounding surf below.
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
A closer look at this unique sea stack reveals a tomb-like structure resting at the summit, which legend says is where the princess was buried. However, archaeologists who have studied Sweetheart Rock will tell you there are no human remains found in this so-called tomb. The “tomb” may, in fact, have been a bird heiau constructed by the ancient Hawaiians since numerous seabird bones have been found near this geological wonder.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
With striking red dirt cliffs contrasting with the vibrant blue waters of the vast Pacific, the views here are truly second to none, especially if you visit the tiny cove full of white sand within the bay. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the spinner dolphins that frequent these waters.
Jessie Hodge/Flickr
Sunsets here can be especially romantic, and while the lore surrounding this wonder is tragic, many people choose to get married here.
Shannon Hurst Lane/Flickr
To reach Puu Pehe, you can embark on a short hike from the Four Seasons Resort Lanai southeast past Hulopoe Beach and a series of rocky tide pools. Follow the path along the rocky cliffs, and you’ll soon be overlooking this Lanai landmark.
Jessie Hodge/Flickr
Lanai’s Sweetheart Rock is located between Hulopoe Beach and the Manele Small Boat Harbor on the southern coast of Lanai. Click here for exact directions.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
John Hyun/Flickr
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Jessie Hodge/Flickr
Shannon Hurst Lane/Flickr
Are you interested in Hawaii’s most unique rock formations? Check out 13 of the coolest here.
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