Maui
The island of Maui (/ˈmaʊi/; Hawaiian: [ˈmɐwwi]) is the second-largest island of the state of Hawaii at 727.2 square miles (1,883 km2), and the 17th-largest island in the United States. Maui is the largest of Maui County's four islands, which also include Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and unpopulated Kahoʻolawe. In 2020, Maui had a population of 168,307, the third-highest of the Hawaiian Islands, behind Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island. Kahului is the largest census-designated place (CDP) on the island, with a population of 28,219 as of 2020, and the island's commercial and financial hub. Wailuku is the seat of Maui County and is the third-largest CDP as of 2010. Other significant populated areas include Kīhei (including Wailea and Makena in the Kihei Town CDP, the island's second-most-populated CDP), Lāhainā (including Kāʻanapali and Kapalua in the Lāhainā Town CDP), and Upcountry Maui (including Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula).
Nickname: The Valley Isle | |
|---|---|
Landsat satellite image of Maui. The small island to the southwest is Kahoʻolawe. | |
Small-scale map of the island and location in the state of Hawaii | |
| Geography | |
| Location | 20°48′N 156°18′W |
| Area | 727.2 sq mi (1,883 km2) |
| Area rank | 2nd largest Hawaiian island |
| Highest elevation | 10,023 ft (3055 m) |
| Highest point | Haleakalā |
| Administration | |
United States | |
| Symbols | |
| Flower | Lokelani |
| Color | ʻĀkala (pink) |
| Largest settlement | Kahului |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Mauian |
| Population | 164,221 (2021) |
| Pop. density | 162/sq mi (62.5/km2) |
Originally part of Maui Nui, Maui is dominated by two volcanic features: Haleakalā in the southeast, and the West Maui Mountains in the northwest. The two volcanos are connected by a small isthmus about six miles wide that gives the island its nickname, the Valley Isle.
Maui has a significant tourism industry, with nearly three million visitors coming to the island in 2022. A 2023 report based on 2017 data concluded that nearly 40% of Maui County's economy was generated or induced by tourism. Popular tourist destinations include the resorts in the Kāʻanapali and Wailea areas; Hāna and the Hana Highway; Iao Valley; Haleakalā National Park; and locations for beach sports and activities.