Ka Wai Ola O Kāne (The Living Waters of Kāne)

Ka Wai Ola O Kāne (The Living Waters of Kāne). . , Iao translates as "cloud supreme" and refers to the bank of clouds that often sits over the valley. These clouds bring the frequent rains that feed the streams. It is these waters that carved this landscape over the past 1.5 million years., The Hawaiian god Kane is the procreator and the provider of the life giving elements. He is the patron of wai (fresh water) and often associated with clouds, rain, streams, and springs., Stage 1: Eruption , A shield volcano forms the foundation of the West Maui mountains. For a million years, molten rock (magma) fountains into the air and runs down the sides of the growing volcano., Stage 2: Caldera , The loss of magma from the summit results in a collapse that forms a caldera. Erosion begins with the formation of gullies on the flanks of the volcano., Stage 3: Erosion , Hot, steamy gases continue to rise and soften the rock long after the lava flow ceases. Rain collects near the former summit and Iao Stream gradually cuts through the softened rock., Stage 4: Valley , As erosion continues, an amphitheater valley is sculpted. Smaller streams erode side gulches and enlarge the valley. The deposited rock and soil at the mouth of the valley add to the Wailuku Plain., Stage 5: Stabilization , As plants carpet the surface, they stabilize the valley walls and floor. But what began as a native Hawaiian forest has become a landscape dominated by alien vegetation., Iao Valley was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972. The 47,000 acres of Iao Valley illustrate the major episode of volcanic activity that created the older, western portion of the island of Maui. It is one of seven such landmarks in Hawali that also includes Diamond Head on O'ahu.