Weather Or Not

Maui's geology creates an amazing variety of climates zones - and photo ops.

- Lois Leinani Whitney

As the most remotely situated island chain in the world,Hawai‘i’s mystery and splendor can be traced back toits volcanic origins deep below the Pacific Ocean.

Thanks to a slowly shifting “hot spot,” the islands have each taken their turn in the chapters of Hawai‘i’s seismic history. From the oldest island in the chain, Kaua‘i, to the two youngest that still boast volcanic activity, Hawai‘i Island and Lo‘ihi Seamount, the movement of the Pacific Plate over the island-forming hot spot has produced some of the most spectacular- and photographed- geology in the world.

In turn, such varied topography has created an equally diverse array of weather conditions. Over the centuries, these unique weather patterns have carved out dramatic cliffs, watered lush rainforests, blown across arid desert lands and shaped vast sand dunes.

A leisurely drive can take one from the summit of a snowdusted mountain, to a barren lava desert with temperatures in the lower 90s. Another day trip can include both raging waterfalls and a hike through a tropical bamboo forest, to an ancient Hawaiian fishing village with lava rock walls and hidden petroglyphs carved into the dry, flat rock faces.

For such a geographically small place, Maui offers an abundance of climatic regions. Not only does such diversity make for exciting exploits, it offers a plethora of photo opportunities and stunning selfies.