Exploring NW Maui, from Wailuku to Lahaina

Early morning look at Haleakala volcano's South side

 Road 'round the West Maui Mtns, NW Maui
Plumeria
 One of the big adventures not often attempted here on Maui is the drive around the West Maui mountains. The road here can be driven by any type of car, however you need to be a confident driver as some of the turns are little more than one lane and on the precipice of a huge cliff. But like the more popular 'road to Hana' the sights along this drive are incredible. Huge canyons, distant waterfalls, tropical flowers, and ocean vistas try and pull your eyes off the road.
One of my favorite scenes, Big Beach

 My mom and I tackled this windy road after starting off the morning at the very end of the road, La Perouse Bay. Tucked back in the newest lava flows on Maui the road dead ends into a very beautiful but rugged bay where Admiral La Perouse landed his ship. Beautiful sandy beaches like Big Beach await travelers down in the Makena area with a few secret beaches still out there.
Small missionary church in Kahakuloa, 1892
Kahakuloa, the most isolated town in Maui
 Traveling across the island the rain clouds are usually there to greet you as they were this day. However the clouds would give way to blue skies and then return, only to disappear again as is typical out here in Hawaii. The weather changes so fast so if in doubt I always go just in case. Kahakuloa is a beautiful little town that emerges out of the twisting and turning of this road. This idyllic Hawaiian village is nestled in the green cliffs bordering the raging winter ocean. A small green and red church highlights the photogenic village known as Maui's most isolated village.

Might not want to swim in the Olivine Pools this day
Nakalele Blowhole firing
 On around the coast you come to the Olivine pools which on this day were not good for swimming/snorkeling as they were murky and wavy from huge crashing surf over the rocks. A few miles farther the famous blowhole was rocketing water up 40ft in the air as we watched from a safe distance away. Some of the waves nearby were nearly as high as you can see in the picture.
Overlooking Windmills surf break

La Perouse early morning

 As we rounded the corner back into civilization and good road we stopped at the overlook to Windmills
Rainbows over Lahaina town
 beach. This secluded spot is a great camping area and can hold giant barrels during winter swells. A quick stop overlooking Honolua Bay and a 'one and done' at the Maui Brew Pub brought us to Lahaina where we had a dinner cruise planned on one of the Pacific Whale boats.
What colors, all natural
Whales galore on the dinner cruise
 We stopped at Dan's greenhouse to look at all the plants and the Peter Lik gallery to check out the amazing photographs before boarding our boat for a two hour dinner cruise. It turned out to be dinner and a show with all the whales in town and a beautiful sunset to boot. Not a bad end to a big adventure day around the West Maui Mtns.

Sunset behind Lanai

Nice little secret spot in south Makena
Mom heading to the beach, Big Beach


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