Maui, the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is also known as the Valley Isle. The island was formed by two separate volcanoes that were joined more than a million years ago, when lava, erupting from the 10,000 foot Haleakala volcano bridged the gap to the older West Maui volcano, Mauna Kahala Wai. The resulting isthmus connected the two and formed the island of Maui of today.

Central Maui

In the valley that connects the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala lie the twin towns of Kahului and Wailuku. Kahului houses not only the largest residential population, but also the main airport and a deep-water harbor. Kahului is the commercial hub of the island. Wailuku is the county seat of Maui and has been the center of government since 1930. This quaint town holds a mixture of the old and new. The area is rich in history set against the lush background of the Iao Valley and the West Maui Mountains.

Iao Valley

Iao Valley is a short drive past Wailuku. It is one of the most sacred and historically important sites. Here the decisive battle was fought that was instrumental in uniting all of the Hawaiian Islands under the rule of one king, Kamehameha I. Here, Kamehameha I, with the help of two European cannons, drove the Maui king’s army from Wailuku into the Iao Valley. With their backs against the sheer cliffs there was no escape for the Maui army. With a few exceptions, all were slaughtered. It is said that there were so many bodies that they formed a dam and that the river ran red into the ocean.

Kepaniwai Park (which means damming of the waters) in Iao valley is an exhibit of gardens and pavilions built as a monument of the harmony of Maui’s many cultures.

The majestic centerpiece of the valley is Iao Needle. Viewed from the valley, it appears to be a magnificent 2,250 foot monolith. It is, however, the end of a large, thin ridge.

There are many trails to explore, but much of the valley is still unexplored, sheltering the secret places where ancient Hawaiians carried the bones of their departed alii, or nobility, to rest.

Maalaea

Ten minutes from Wailuku and Kahului, 15 minutes from Wailea and 30 minutes from Lahaina lies Maalaea. Here you will find a picturesque small boat harbor, ten condominium complexes and fine restaurants. The addition of the wonderful Maui Ocean Center with its adjacent shops and restaurants makes this a centrally located place to visit and explore.

West Maui

On the western side of the island, the range called the West Maui Mountains is for the most part inaccessible except by helicopter. The valleys are still largely unexplored and the walls weep with waterfalls. These mountains are frequently topped with glorious rainbows. At the foot of West Maui Mountains lie Lahaina, and two of the islands major resort areas, Kaanapali and Kapalua. Further north, along a very narrow, windy road, are the Honokohau Valley, Blow Hole, Waihee Valley, with its “Wall of Tears” and Kahakuloa. Launiupoko, Olowalu and Ukumehame Valleys are south of Lahaina.

The eastern portion of the island is dominated by the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, surrounded by Haleakala National Park and an upcountry belt of private homes, protea, flower, herb and vegetable farms and picturesque small towns. This verdant belt also includes Haleakala Ranch and Ulupalakua Ranch and Tedeschi Winery.

Along the southwestern shores of the island, at the foot of Haleakala, lie the resort areas of Kihei, Wailea, Makena and La Perouse Bay.

On the northeastern coast of Maui, starting at the town of Paia, the most scenic drive in Hawaii, twists and winds 52 miles through more than 600 curves to Hana. This road continues to Oh’eo Gulch and around to Ulupalakula Ranch.