Maui is a beautiful Hawaiian island. It is home to more than eighty beaches, all of which feature crystal-clear blue waters and striking clear skies. The average temperature in Maui rests comfortably between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This island is nicknamed "The Magic Isle" and it doesn't take long for most visitors to see why.
History
The first peoples to populate Maui were the Polynesians and the Marquesas. In 1790, King Kamehameha I conquered the island in the Battle of Kepaniwai. He later made Lahaina his capital. Missionaries from New England began to arrive on the islands in 1823. The missionaries changed the culture of the islands by discouraging and even banning many long-standing traditions, including the hula. However, their interference ultimately helped to preserve the island's history with the founding of a printing press and creation of a 12-letter Hawaiian alphabet. Through the mid-1800s, Lahaina was a thriving whaling port with 500 ships anchored here. The monarchy ruling over these islands was overthrown in 1893, and the Republic of Hawaii was founded one year later. The islands became a United States Territory in 1900. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state.
Significance
Maui is home to many historically and culturally significant sites. The Whalers Village Whaling Museum is free to visit and houses many artifacts and photos from Maui's rich whaling history. The Historic Bailey House Museum is home to a variety of artifacts depicting 19th-century life here. The Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum is a plantation home that shares the history of Maui's sugar industry. Visitors to Maui can also take a ride on an authentic Sugar Cane Train from the 1890s.
Geography
Maui is often best known for its famous beaches. Maui has a 120-mile coastline and 81 beaches for visitors to explore. The west side of Maui is home to the Kaanapali coast and Lahaina. Central Maui is the location of the historic town of Wailuku, as well as Kahului, the island's main airport. The south side of the island is an excellent spot for golf and shopping. This side of the island also sports many pristine white-sand beaches. On the east side, you will find the famous road to Hana. Kula, Pukalani and Makawao reside in the upcountry region of Maui.
Size
Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii, at about 727 square miles. It is also the 17th-largest island in the US. The island of Maui is the largest in Maui County, which also includes the islands of Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai. Maui's population is estimated at 139,884, the third-largest population in the Hawaiian islands. Kahului is the largest town on the island.
Features
Maui features many unique spots for visitors. Off the coast of Lahaina you will find excellent whale-watching. As many as 3,000 Humpback whales can be found here in the winter. The 53-mile, one-lane Hana highway is another big attraction. This scenic drive features many beautiful waterfalls. The 10,000-foot Haleakala Crater, nearly the size of Manhattan, is a popular spot to watch the sun rise. Nature lovers may enjoy visiting Lahaina Town, which features the largest Banyan Tree in the United States.
Types
Another of Maui's biggest attractions is its beaches. Many are known worldwide for their excellent surfing conditions. Surfers, snorkelers, beachcombers and sunbathers will all find a beach in Maui in meet their needs. Maui has white-, black- and red-sand beaches. Many beaches here have especially unique features. Launiupoko Beach Park has a beautiful natural pool that is surrounded by a wall of lava rock. Kihai Beach features a series of coves and tide pools. Maluaka Beach is home to many green sea turtles and Mai Poina 'Oe Ia'u Beach Park is an excellent site for whale sightings. Wai'anapanapa State Park features a black-sand beach and is unique because of its many camping facilities and cabins.
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