South South Maui, from Maalaea to Makena and beyond was once heavily populated with Hawaiians living in numerous fishing villages along the shore. As the moisture-trapping forests of sandalwood and koa (native acacia) were stripped for export in the 19th Century, the clouds sailed over the area dropping no rain. Taro became increasingly difficult to raise and was given up. Villages remained for some time to maintain the many loko iOa (coastal fishponds), but most were abandoned as the Hawaiian population shrank after the onset of Western diseases and influences. The remaining loko iOa at Kalepolepo Park is a wonder you will not want to miss. Today Kihei in South Maui is home to controversial transgenic seed farming, futuristic microalgae farming and little else in terms of agriculture. However, since the Makena Resort Corporation arranged to have water piped into the area, the tropical landscaping throughout the area has, itself, become worthy of a slow-driving tour.