Don't forget to
check out our WebCams area for some really nice
cams. Two of our favorites: The "Hollywood
Sign" Cam and the Grand Canyon Cam.
SPOTLIGHT:
Guidebook Hawaii ~ Maui "The Magic Isle"
Blue Pools ~
photo: HVCB/Ron Dahlquist
Land Mass: 727 square miles (1,883
square km)
Population: 117,644 (2000)
Principal City & County Seat: Wailuku
Flower: Lokelani
Color: Pink
Geography: Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It
reaches from sea level to 10,023 feet, the summit of the dormant
volcano, Haleakala.
Climate: Average temperature ranges from 71° -
77° F (22° - 25° C) in most areas, with variable rainfall in different
sections of the island.
Major Industries: Tourism, sugar, pineapple,
cattle, and agriculture.
Recreation: Golfing, horseback riding, all
water sports, whale-watching, hiking, camping, shopping, and walking
tours of historic sites.
Brief History: The island is named after Maui,
a mischievous mythological figure of ancient Hawaii whose antics are
recorded in historic chants. One legend says that Maui dragged the
Hawaiian islands out of the ocean with a giant fishhook.
Maui has a colorful past of settlers. When Kamehameha
I united all the Islands, he made Lahaina his capital in 1802.
Missionaries and whaling men arrived soon afterwards, and the island was
divided by these opposing forces. The end of the whaling era came in
1860, due to the Civil War and the rise of the petroleum industry. Much
of Maui's land was planted in sugar cane, and labor was imported from
Asia to work the land. The island evolved into a peaceful agricultural
area of great charm and rustic beauty. Today, visitors have discovered
Maui's many beautiful charms, creating a thriving tourist industry.
Fascinating Facts:
Maui is the whale-watching capital of Hawaii:
Humpbacks congregate in the warm offshore waters annually from
November through April. A full-grown whale can be more than 45 feet
long and weigh more than 40 tons.
More miles of swimmable beaches than any other
island.
Haleakala is the world's largest dormant volcano.
Built in 1801, the Brick Palace in Lahaina is
Hawaii's first building.
Lahaina's famous Banyan Tree is the largest of
its kind in America.
Hawaii's first newspaper was printed from
Lahainaluna School's press in the mid-1800s.
Hawaii's largest heiau, Pi'ilanihale, was built
in 1400 A.D. in Hana.
Top-Rated Attractions:
Haleakala Crater
'lao Valley State Park
'Ohe'o Gulch at Haleakala National Park in
Kipahulu
Historic Lahaina Town
Upcountry towns
Molokini snorkeling
Whale-watching
The road to Hana
'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve
World-class windsurfers at Pa'ia beach
Information and photos submitted
by:
Hawaii Visitors and Convention
Bureau 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 808-923-1811 |
Website
For
information about accommodations, recreation, dining and much
more in this area and many other US destinations, take a moment
to visit our US Travel Directories:
