uch older than Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains are now deeply eroded valleys and gorges, cut by
more than ten million years of erosion.
The coastline of the West Mauis varies from the east side to the west. The eastern shoreline is rugged and sparesly
populated, with the exception of the towns of Kahului and Wailuku, and their environs, on the southern end. The west side has a broad plain that flattens to the coast.
Driving north from Kahului will take you past some of Maui's most beautiful scenery; lush green valleys carved deep into the
mountain's mass on one side, rugged cliffs and sheer drops to the sea on the other.
It's remoteness and the bad condition of the old road had kept it undeveloped for many years. That is changing.
The road is much improved though still narrow and winding, and large areas are yielding to the developers and realtors.
Rounding the north coast the first thing you notice as the road widens are the resort developments at Kapalua, and from there
south you are in the area commonly referred to as the "West Side"
Little towns with local housing interspersed with condos and apartments follow as you pass Napili and Honokowai on your way to Lahaina.
But first, you'll pass the Ka'anapali Beach Resort and the Whaler's Village Shopping Center and Whaling Museum, as well as a slew of
incredible hotels strung along the famous Ka'anapali Beach.
Just a mile or so beyond, is the historic town of Lahaina.
