Maui: Some Interesting Facts About This Amazing Island

By Ella Hemmings


Maui, the second largest island in the archipelago of Hawaii, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. With pristine beaches, lush flora and some of the world's best sunsets, it's no wonder why people flock to this gem. Here are a few interesting facts about Maui, which is known as the "Valley Isle."

While Hawaii has only been a state since 1959, people have lived on this island for centuries and the first inhabitants probably were Polynesian. There are many historic buildings on Maui and one of the oldest is the Baldwin Home in Lahaina which dates back to 1834. Lahainaluna High School is the oldest continuously operated high school west of the Rocky Mountains and one of its buildings, now a museum, was erected in 1834, as well.

For those who love whales, Maui is a fantastic spot for whale watching. Every year, from about November to May, humpback whales flock to Maui to breed. In fact, about 3,000 Humpback whales come to these waters every year, which is a pretty impressive amount especially since there are only about 8,000 of these whales left on the planet. There are several different whale watching cruises available departing from different spots on Maui. Some even provide a combination of whale watching and snorkeling.

The world's largest dormant volcano is located on the island of Maui in Haleakala National Park. This volcano last erupted sometime between 1480 and 1600 and it now offers a truly unparalleled look at what remains after a massive volcanic explosion. Hike up to the summit just before dawn to watch the sunrise and then spend some time hiking in and around the volcano. If you are really lucky and the weather is perfectly clear, you can actually see six other islands at the top of Haleakala, including Hawaii, Lanai and Oahu.

Generally speaking, the temperatures at the beaches in Maui are fairly consistent and warm, but as you head up in elevation, the temperatures can become quite chilly. It actually can snow at the top of Haleakala and the lowest recorded temperature at the summit was a mere 11 degrees. So if you plan a visit to Maui, it's a good idea to back a jacket or two just in case.

Obviously the Hawaiian Islands boast some of the world's best scenery and this state is a hotspot for couples celebrating anniversaries, as well as honeymooners. In fact, about 20,000 couples come to Hawaii annually to exchange their wedding vows. If you would like to one of these 20,000, consider contacting a Maui wedding planner and creating your own perfect island nuptials. LoveMauiWeddings.com, for instance, has been handling all the details for Maui weddings, Maui vow renewals and Maui elopements since 1992. They can help with all the details, leaving you to simply enjoy the romance.




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