Violet Lake

Located in the western region of the island of Maui's Mauna Kahalawai (the West Maui Mountains), Violet Lake is a little high-elevation lake that is 5,020 feet (1,530 m) above sea level. It can be found in the marshy slopes close to Pu'u Kukui, the tallest peak in the West Maui Mountains, and the Eke Crater. It measures roughly 10 feet by 20 feet (3.0 meters by 6.1 meters).

The Maui violet, which blooms on its banks, and the lake's surface reflections both contributed to the lake's English name. The name Kiowaiokihawahine in Hawaiian means "pond of Kihawahine".

Because of the lake's environment, it supports a variety of uncommon and endemic fauna. The flora is also particularly distinctive because it contains endangered species including the Maui violet, Hawaiian lobelioids, and dwarfed 'hi'a lehua trees.

The religious and historical significance of Hawaii's Violet Lake is not insignificant. The lake and its surrounds are reputed to be sacred, serving as both the Hawaiian goddess Kihawahine's dwelling and the location where heaven and earth first met.

Location: West Maui Mountains, Maui, Hawai