Aloha from the West Maui Mountains,
I'm sitting Open House in my New Listing looking out the screen door up at dramatic West Maui's steep valley, Iao Valley. In Hawaiian Ia-o translates to "cloud supreme." The stream cut valley is lush with tropical vegetation and laced with water canals the refreshing Iao stream. This valley is a place I go when I need to drop my cares into the river to be carried out to the ocean. Bathing in the cool waters will refresh you all day. Iao is considered very sacred because remains of high chiefs are buried in secret hiding places in the valley. Much of the valley is a Hawaii State Park, and protected.
I spent a lot of time hiking up these valleys and used to take families out on day long adventures, picking wild fruit, fording the river and bouncing across the swinging bridge. Writing about this makes me want to get back out there to smell the ginger and guava and refresh my spirit in the tumbling waters.
Maui's Central Valley has grown in the last 10 years with new developments dotting the slopes of the West Maui mountains. The views from this area are quite dynamic and exciting to me as my usual view of this area is at a much greater distance from Upcountry.
Be sure to visit this natural wonder when in Maui. Heritage Park is along the route and another picturesque place to spend time.
Maui Market Minute
Waikapu Gardens has breathtaking views of the West Maui mountains. It's a great family neighborhood conveniently located close to shopping, entertainment and schools in Wailuku and Kahului. This 3 BD, 2.5 BA home is airy and comfortable with downstairs living opening to a fenced yard and covered lanai for entertaining and family fun.