Hawaii Vacation Destination
Maui
Maui, overall the most developed of the islands and second largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, is nicknamed the Valley Island because of its formation by two dormant volcanoes and the valley nestled between them. On the west is Mauna Kahalawai at about 5,800 feet, and to the southeast is Haleakala at over 10,000 feet - also notable as being the world's largest volcano.
Maui's population ranks as third in the state at about 130,000 residents, just behind the Big Island, and its land mass as the second largest island is about 725 square miles. In the past, the six volcanoes that make up the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe were all land-linked and called Maui Nui. Eventually sea levels rose and separated the islands.
Kahului/Wailuku, located in central Maui, is the island's business center. Kaanapali in West Maui offers visitors sprawling beaches and upscale hotels and resorts, while the nearby Lahaina - former whaling town and previous capital of Hawaii - captures the essence of historic Maui. South Maui is the location of the island's other principal resort district, Wailea, the exclusive, master-planned community featuring several prominent resorts.
No matter where you travel on Maui, there is always exotic beauty to be discovered. A visit to lush and tropical Iao Valley and you will see the Iao Needle soaring up more than 1,200 feet from the valley floor. Or journey down the road to Hana and explore an unspoiled tropical oasis teeming with shimmering waterfalls, fragrant flowers and breathtaking cliffs. Daybreak at Haleakala Crater offers perhaps the world's most spectacular and dramatic sunrise.
Maui's Main Attractions
- Maui Nature Center
- Maui Ocean Center
- Haleakala National Park
- Molokini Island
- Hana and Oheo Gulch
- Kaanapali
- Lahaina
- Wailea
- Kapalua
- More Maui Attractions
Island Facts
- Official Island Flower: Lokelani
- Official Island Color: Pink
- Highest Point: Haleakala - 10,023 feet
- Average Temperatures Range: 70° to 80° Fahrenheit