Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian island chain at 728 square miles. Just as depicted in the animated movie, Moana, Maui gets its name from the Polynesian demigod of the same name. It was created from 2 volcanoes, Puu Kukui and Haleakala, which constitute its east and west peninsulas and are connected by a 7-mile-wide isthmus. Maui, along with Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai used to be a single island known as Maui Nui or "Great Maui."
Maui has many great tourist attractions. Of course, there are beautiful beaches, but there are also Haleakala National Park, Wailua Falls, and Kealina Pond National Wildlife Refuge that protect one of the very few remaining natural wetlands in the state. There is also an amazing humpback whale sanctuary.
Unfortunately, in August 2023, Maui was devastated by a series of wildfires that spread quickly. Lahaina was hit the hardest and is just a shadow of its former self. While Maui rebuilds, it's important to let it be and help in other ways than visiting. If you want to help the relief efforts in Maui, this link is a great resource for assisting the residents.
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