The Mountains of Northwest Maui

The natural beauty of Northwest Maui is breathtaking. The cliffs and sharp, rising, tree-covered cones are all results of ancient volcanic eruptions. Maui originally rose as two separate islands that were joined when the enormous lava flow from the West Maui Mountains filled the gap between the two volcanoes. The road dwindles the farther north one drives. The drops are treacherous, especially when a car approaches, and one is negotiating a sharp turn. The people are gentle and friendly, and the little villages and roadside stands are quaint. Rest areas are nonexistent in the mountains. However at the peak of our harrowing drive we found a wonderful artist’s studio. One couple said they made that drive each year just to buy gifts at that particular shop. We did enjoy looking, but we were most thankful for the clean restrooms. When we reached Wailuku, we began looking for a “quaint restaurant by the sea” but eventually had to settle for a lunch salad at Wendy’s. The ideal place would come later in Paia for a delectable seafood dinner. Two friendly couples offered to seat us with them, as the popular restaurant was packed with tourists and locals. This proved to be the capstone of a wonderful drive.