| Nickname: |
The Valley Isle |
| Flower: |
ioke lani (Pink Cottage Rose) |
| Color: |
Pink |
| Area: |
727.3 sq. miles (island of Maui); 1,159.3 sq.
miles (the County of Maui, including the islands Molokai, Lanai
and unpopulated Kaho'olawe) |
| Average temperature: |
low to high 70's F, except the chilly slopes
of Haleakala Crater, which have a temperature range of 40-50F. |
| Average rainfall: |
23 inches per year on the coast |
| Population: |
120,785 |
| Tourists: |
The island of Maui is Hawai'i's second most popular
destination. West Maui, with the sprawling beaches and resorts
of Ka'anapali and the historic whaling town of Lahaina, is one
of Maui's major resort areas. South Maui is home to the island's
other main resort area, Kihei/Wailea. Although the tropical
north shore of Maui does not offer hotels, visitors can choose
between bed & breakfast establishments or rental homes. |
| Major Attractions: |
The historic whaling town of Lahaina, the Maui
Ocean Center, the slopes and vistas of Haleakala Crater, the
winding road to Hana, and the white sand beaches of the Ka'anapali
Coast. |
| Notable Facts: |
Named for a Hawaiian demigod, Maui is the second
largest of the populated Hawaiian islands, with the second-largest
population. Maui was formed 1.3 million years ago by the volcano
Haleakala (meaning "House of the Sun"), which is considered
active and likely to erupt again within the next 200 years.
Its last eruption was in 1790. the 10,026 ft. high volcano occupies
much of central Maui and separates West Maui from the rest of
the island. The surrounding islands of Molokai, Lanai and Kaho'olawe
were formed by a group of six volcanoes and were once a part
of Maui, but separated when the sea level rose and flooded the
valleys between the land masses.
These underwater valleys are shallower than the surrounding
ocean and provide shelter for an abundance of marine life, including
the humpback whales that migrate to Hawaiian waters during the
winter months (December through April) to give birth to their
calves. |
