What Makes Maui Special:
Maui bears the name of the Polynesian demigod M?ui. With an area of 1,883 km² it is the second largest island of the Hawaii archipelago.
Maui is nicknamed “The Valley Isle” because of the flat land bridge (isthmus) between Mauna Kahalawai (“West Maui Mountains”) and the Haleakal?.
At an elevation of 3,040 m lies the Haleakal? crater within the national park of the same name.
At the summit of Haleakal? stands the AEOS telescope, the largest military-use telescope in the United States. Several additional telescopes are located there as well, contributing to the US Space Surveillance System’s catalog of approximately 13,000 man-made objects in orbit.
The high summit of Haleakal? is one of the five most important astronomical sites in the world. Numerous other observational instruments are sited there too, including a solar observatory of the University of Hawaii.
Also on Maui is the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site (AMOS). The Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC) in K?hei operates some of the fastest computers in the world.
The island’s main tourist centers are the coastlines between L?hain? and Kapalua and between K?hei and Wailea. While O?ahu is visited predominantly by Japanese tourists, Maui is very popular with visitors from the US mainland and Canada.
Among the most popular attractions are the Road to H?na in the south, the Kahekili Highway in the north, the 110 km² Haleakal? National Park, the ?ao Valley, and the world-famous surf spots in northern Maui (Ho?okipa, Jaws, Lanes, Spreckelsville, and Kanah?).
The Road to H?na winds across 54 bridges and countless curves through a rainforest region with scenic overlooks and hundreds of waterfalls. Following the road onward to K?pahulu leads to the eponymous section of Haleakal? National Park and to the final resting place of aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh near the Palapala Ho?omau Church.
The sunny coastal stretch along M??alaea Bay is a favorite destination for windsurfers, especially on afternoons between March and October.
From K?hei or Wailea, snorkeling and diving excursions can be taken to several dive sites around Maui, including the crater islet Molokini and Turtletown (the city of sea turtles).
From November to March, humpback whales can be spotted in all the waters around Maui as they overwinter here to breed and calve. The shallow M??alaea Bay, just 15 meters deep, is a particular favorite with the whales. The best vantage point there is McGregor Point.
The name L?hain? means “Merciless Sun” in Hawaiian. The old whaling and plantation town of about 10,000 residents works hard to preserve its character. Its beautiful sheltered location on the western side of the island, below the West Maui Mountains, was what led King Kamehameha I to move his court to L?hain?. Worth a visit is the Pioneer Inn, a century-old whalers’ tavern in L?hain? harbor where time seems to have stood still.
Activities and Sports on Maui
Maui is a fantastic place for adventure and sports activities. The Hawaiian island offers a wide variety of ways to stay active while enjoying its breathtaking landscapes.
One of the most popular activities on Maui is surfing. The island is renowned for its world-class waves and attracts surfers from around the globe. Whether beginner or advanced, there are surf spots suited to every skill level. The beaches of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kihei are particularly popular, and surf schools are easy to find there.
But surfing is far from the only option. Maui also offers many other water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. A kayak tour along the scenic coastline of West Maui is especially recommended, where you may spot dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
For those who prefer solid ground, Maui features a wide range of hiking trails and mountain paths through impressive scenery. One of the most famous routes is through Haleakal? National Park, where you can climb to the island’s highest point and watch the sunrise over the Pacific.
Cycling and golf are also popular activities on Maui. The island offers a variety of bike paths and roads winding through stunning landscapes. Maui is also home to several world-class golf courses, visited by some of the best golfers in the world.
Whatever activity you choose, Maui is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable adventure. The island offers the perfect combination of sport and nature that will delight every visitor.
The History of Maui:
The Legend:
The demigod Maui lassoed the sun at the top of Haleakal?, the island’s highest peak. The shape of the island is said to resemble his head and body.
At the beginning of the 15th century, King Piilani was the first ruler to unite the entire island under a single family of Alii (members of the royal family). In 1790, King Kamehameha I defeated the last king of Maui, Kahekili, in a fierce battle in the Iao Valley. Kamehameha brought Maui under his control and made Lahaina the capital of the unified Hawaiian kingdom. For nearly 50 years, Lahaina served as Hawaii’s seat of government. At the same time, the town experienced a boom in the whaling industry. At its peak (1840–1865), as many as 500 ships anchored in the harbor of Lahaina.
In 1828, the first sugar refinery began operations. As the sugar industry grew, plantation workers arrived in Hawaii from China, Japan, Puerto Rico, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal, and Europe. These immigrants became the founders of Hawaii’s present-day multiethnic culture.
A Dream Island for the Stars
Among others, Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, and US celebrity Oprah Winfrey have homes here.
