1978 Map of Lahaina

About this map

Lahaina serves as the primary coastal anchor in this late 1970s orthophotograph, showcasing the dense shoreline development before modern expansion. This unique aerial perspective reveals the intricate relationship between the coastal settlement and the vast agricultural fields that once dominated the West Maui slopes. Deep alluvial fans and erosion patterns are visible across the foothills, leading toward high terrain features such as Kauaula and the prominent peak of Lihau. To the south, the landscape rises toward Puu Mahanalua Nui, providing a clear view of the complex irrigation and land division patterns that defined the regional economy during this era. The transition from the developed waterfront at the Pacific Ocean to the high-elevation ridges offers a raw look at the island's mid-century land use.