Maui Island  | Hawaii |  | Maui County |  |
GuidesMaui, otherwise known as the "Valley Island," was given its name due to an undersea eruption five million years ago. This eruption created two separate volcanic mountains, Mauna Kahalawai and Haleakala. Mauna Kahalawai is now an extinct volcano and became known as the West Maui Mountains. Haleakala, meaning "house of the sun," erupted in 1790 and is now considered dormant. An isthmus between the two mountains was created from centuries of lava flow and erosion linking them into their present form.
According to legend, the island was created by the god Maui, known as the "god of a thousand tricks." It is said that he pulled the islands from the ocean with his magic fish hook and lassoed the sun god "La" from atop Haleakala. La promised to move slowly through the sky providing daylight and warmth for the islands.
Maui is now the second largest island at 728 sq miles. On the northeast sides of both mountain masses are deep cut ravines and valleys that lead to the coastlines.
The first discovery of Maui is told to be in the eighth century A.D. Seafarers from the Marquesa islands, 2000 miles to the south, discovered the Hawaiian Islands and were Maui's first inhabitants. They developed an agrarian culture, grew taro, developed poi as their main food source and created a way of life. Later in the twelfth century A.D., the Tahitians arrived and were led by chiefs who became the ali'i, known as the Hawaiian ruling class. The Tahitians developed a social order called the "kapu" system and it became the foundation of ancient Hawaiian culture. For many centuries there was war between the ali'i on Maui and neighboring islands Ohau and Hawaii. In the late 1700s, there was war between neighboring islands involving Kamehameha I, ruler of the Big Island. Kamehameha attacked Maui twice finally defeating the island in 1790. It is said that the most significant influence of Maui's history was that of the Christian missionaries who founded the fist mission in 1823. The missionaries established their role among the locals and introduced reading and writing as well as teachings of the bible.
With time, traders and seafarers flocked to Maui and Lahaina became a major port in the whaling era. There was much tension between the whalers and missionaries, but soon the discovery of oil diminished whaling. As years passed, agriculture flourished, sugar cane mills developed, and the government established its presence. After World War II, the sugar production declined and tourism was born. After Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, vacation resorts were built as well as championship golf courses. Maui has much to offer with its rich Hawaiian history and now modern accommodations.
The historic and cultural attractions of Maui are what make it one of the most popular islands to visit. Sites on the island create timeless charm and take one back to a battle or a small whaling town. Activities offered will let you cover the island from head to foot. Scenic drives, hiking, snorkeling adventures, and the ever popular whale watching are only a few of what Maui has to offer.
The best times of the year to catch the sight whale pods are December 15th to April 15th. Weather on the island is consistent will only minor changed throughout the year. An average day is 85 degrees and temperatures at night are 10 degrees lower. The island has diverse micro-environments, each with its own unique weather, plants and animals. Due to the shielding of volcanic mountains and various elevations, there are many different climate zones. Visitors are advised to visit parts of the island by car or helicopter. The beauty of Maui ranges from tropical rain forests, alpine regions, deserts and sunny beaches all with in a span of a few miles.
Hana
The small, quiet, down to earth town of Hana is located on the east side of Maui. Known to be paradise by locals and visitors, in and around Hana there is lush tropical rain forest, waterfalls, and red and black sand beaches. Most tourists reach Hana by taking a very well known drive on highway 36. ...
Find Out More
Lahaina
Lahaina is a small paradise located along the waterfront of the west coast of Maui. In the mid 1800s, the whalers beat the missionaries to the island by four years. They turned the sheltered harbor of Lahaina into the whaling capital of the world. The missionaries began their quest to save the souls ...
Find Out More
Wailuku
The flat windy corridor between Maui's two volcanoes is home to the small town of Wailuku. Most of the island's population lives here and when visiting; tourists will find good shopping and the best dining bargains. The heart of Maui is located in this area as the local government and business community ...
Find Out More
| Reviews: | Hula Grill Kaanapali |
| Reviews: | Awalua Beach | D.T. Fleming Beach | Hanakaoo Park | Mokule'ia Bay |
|
See something you like? Something you don't like? Send us your feedback. Let us know what you want to see on Hawaii, it's your web site! Email us at webmaster@kulshan.com
Copyright 1999-2006 Berry International ALL RIGHTS RESERVED