Maui in Focus

Maui in Focus

At one time, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe formed a single landmass. As the islands separated, the shallow basin filled with sea water. The four islands are now part of Maui County. Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island, with two dominant mountains.

The forest-covered West Maui Mountains provide a lush backdrop to the historic whaling village of Lahaina. The island is named after the Polynesian demigod, Maui tikitiki ("the wonder worker"), who, in ancient Tahitian legends, liberated humans from darkness and gave them fire.

Geologically, Maui consists of two dormant volcanoes, Haleakala, the "House of the Sun," and Mauna Kahalawai, which forms the West Maui Mountains. A large portion of the island's 88,100 residents live in Kahului, the commercial center, and Wailuku, the county seat. The principal tourism areas on Maui are Lahaina and the Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, and Kapalua areas to the north. Substantial resort and condominimum development has also taken place in the Wailea and Kihei areas on the arid southern coast.

Sun-drenched beaches, sheltered bays, and spectacular vistas surround the island. Swimming, surfing, boating, snorkeling, whale watching, and partaking in helicopter rides are popular leisure pastimes.

Maalaea Bay and Lahaina Harbor are two of the many places on Maui where it is possible to observe the mating rituals of the humpback whale. Each November, humpback whales migrate to the four-island area from the Arctic. The following winter, pregnant whales return to give birth in warm waters. The third year, each mother returns with her calf and is ready to breed again. Although protected by the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species acts, only about 700 humpback whales survive from the vast herds that once made this annual migration.

The Lahaina-Kaanapali and Pacific Railroad, known as the Sugarcane Train, offers travelers a glimpse of gently swaying sugarcane fields with spectacular panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. Maui also has several golf courses and riding stables.

On the remote east side of Maui, a more traditional Hawaiian lifestyle is found in the village of Heavenly Hana. Wailua Falls and the Seven Sacred Pools (which actually consist of 11 pools, none of which are sacred) are popular attractions on the southeast coast. The route to Hana is a 53-mile two-lane highway (with 54 one-lane bridges) winding along a lush, green coast.

Iao Valley, a spectacular gorge in the West Maui Mountains, is the site of scenic parks, walking trails, and botanical gardens. The dormant volcano Haleakala has the world's largest crater, 3,000 feet deep and 21 miles in circumference, and is covered by 32 miles of hiking trails.