The West Maui Mountains are Maui’s oldest Mountains. They are remnants of an old shield volcano that last erupted more than a million years ago. This beautiful and rugged range separates West Maui and communities like Lahaina and Ka’anapali from Maui’s Central Valley. The mountain range is often cloaked in clouds brought from the island’s trade winds. Trade generated showers make make a portion of the West Mauis one of the wettest places on earth. Conversely, communities like Lahaina experience almost desert like precipitation totals. The 5,500 foot plus tall mountains block the prevailing weather forming a rain shadow.

The West Mauis on a clear day from the North Shore Coastline near Ho’okipa.

The mountain range has numerous valleys. The most famous is the Iao Valley on the Eastern flank near the town of Wailuku. This magnificent mountain range is yet another aspect of Maui’s tremendous beauty.