Maui
The island of Maui (/ˈmaʊi/; Hawaiian: [ˈmɐwwi])[3] is an island in the Hawaiian archipelago, its second-largest at 727.2 square miles (1,883 km2). It is the 17th-largest in the United States.[4] Maui is one of Maui County's five islands, along with Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, and Molokini.
For the figure in Polynesian mythology, see Māui. For other uses, see Maui (disambiguation).
Nickname: The Valley Isle
727.2 sq mi (1,883 km2)
2nd largest Hawaiian island
10,023 ft (3055 m)[1]
ʻĀkala (pink)
Mauian
164,221 (2021)
162/sq mi (62.5/km2)
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 2020 population of 28,219,[5] and the island's commercial and financial hub.[6] Wailuku is the county seat 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-populous), Lāhainā (including Kāʻanapali and Kapalua in the Lāhainā Town CDP), and Upcountry Maui (including Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Ulupalakua).
Once 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 an isthmus about six miles wide that gives the island its nickname, the Valley Isle.[7]
Maui has a significant tourism industry, with nearly three million visitors in 2022.[8] A 2023 report based on 2017 data concluded that nearly 40% of Maui County's economy was tourism-related.[9] 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.
Etymology[edit]
Native Hawaiian tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawaiʻiloa, the navigator credited with discovering the Hawaiian Islands. According to it, Hawaiʻiloa named the island after his son, who in turn was named for the demigod Māui. Maui's previous name was ʻIhikapalaumaewa.[10] The Island of Maui is also called the "Valley Isle" for the large isthmus connecting its northwestern and southeastern volcanic masses.
Healthcare[edit]
There are two hospitals on the island of Maui. The first, Maui Memorial Medical Center, is the only acute care hospital in Maui County. It is centrally located in the town of Wailuku approximately 4 miles from Kahului Airport. The second, Kula Hospital, is a critical access hospital located on the southern half of the island in the rural town of Kula. Kula Hospital, along with Lanai Community Hospital (which is located in Maui County but on the neighboring island of Lānaʻi), are affiliates of Maui Memorial Medical Center. All three hospitals are open 24/7 for emergency access. Although not technically a hospital or emergency room, Hana Health Clinic (or Hana Medical Center), located in the remote town of Hana on the southeastern side of the island, works in cooperation with American Medical Response and Maui Memorial Medical Center to stabilize and transport patients with emergent medical conditions. It too is open 24/7 for urgent care and emergency access.[57][58][59]
Maui is twinned with: