Maui or The Valley Isleis the second-largest of the islands of Hawaii. It has a population of 144,444 (2010 Census). Native hawaiians tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawai'loa. According to the legend, the navigator named the island after his son, who in turn was named for a demigod. Also called 'the Valley Isle' for the large isthmus between it's northeastern volcanoes and southeastern volcanoes and the numerous large valleys carved into both mountains.
Maui's beauty and charm are both a result of a unique combination of geology, weather and topography. The island is part of a much larger unit, Maui Nuit, that includes the islands of Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai. During periods of reduced sea level, as recently as 20,000 years ago, they were joined together as a single island due to the shallowness of the channels between them. The weather in Maui, as on the other Hawaiian Islands, is characterized by a two-season year, summer and rainy season.
The island is a very popular tourism destination in Hawaii. So if you are considering Hawaii as a destination, you might want to consider taking your vacation to Maui. There are several gorgeous spots in Maui. The Hana Highway runs along the east coast of Maui, curving around many mountains and passing by black sand Maui beaches and waterfalls. Scattered all over the island there are several Hotels in Maui, ranging for prices adjusting to all types of budgets. Accommodation in Maui is never a problem, since the local residents have taken tourism as a serious and priority industry and income source for the Island. One of the many popular phenomena that has developed is that the island, already a romantic location, has become a sought after place for couples to get married, so it is also a good and wonderful option. Couples every year flying in to get an authentic Maui wedding.
One of the main attractions is the Haleakala National Park, home to the dormant volcano Haleakala. Another attraction is Lahaina, an entire street of shops and restaurants which lead to a wharf where many set out for a sunset cruise or a whale watching journey. The beaches and are a popular location for water sport enthusiasts, such as windsurfing, surfing and snorkeling, all popular activities in Maui.
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