Introduction :
Maui is the second largest island in the US state of Hawaii with a population of around 144, 000 and measures 727 square kilometres in area. Maui Island is known for its long stretches of beautiful beaches as well as the Haleakala Crater and the House of the Sun. Maui Island is also the breeding ground for the Humpback whale with a rich variety of underwater life and also boosts great hiking trails to some of the most wonderful sceneries around the island.
Aerial view of the island and its city
Image attribution to masteryofmaps @ Flickr
The Waimoku Falls
Image attribution to masteryofmaps @ Flickr
The Seven Sacred pools is located near the Kipahulu district
Image attribution to masteryofmaps @ Flickr
The Iao needle is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Maui
Image attribution to joshsimerman @ Flickr
One of the Tiki statues around the island
Image attribution to creamaster @ Flickr
History :
The Polynesians were believed to be the first people to settle on the island sometime before 450 AD in two waves from the Marguesas followed by the settlers from Tahiti around 700 AD. The oldest temple enclosures are located in Haleki’i and Pihana at 1200 AD and was according to legend built by the Menehune on a single night with stones on the Paukukalo Beach. The first European encounter on the island was made by the Spanish when a shipwrecked on the islands occured during the 16th century and the first European explorer to see the island was British explorer Captain James Cook in 1786 but he never set foot on it until 8 years later it was set foot on by French Admiral Jean Francois de Galaup.
The Haleakala Crater
Marine life at the Underwater world of ocean center
Image attribution to disneyite @ Flickr
Sun rise at the House of the Sun
Image attribution to daveynin @ Flickr
Tropical rain forest of the island
Image attribution to daveynin @ Flickr
The Keanae point is a cape in Maui
Image attribution to masteryofmaps @ Flickr
Getting there :
The nearest airport to Maui Island is the Kahului Airport (OGG) with most flights originating from the Honululu International Airport