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Maui Facts |
Maui Overview |
Maui Tourist Attraction Maui Location Map | Maui City Map |
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History: Before Captain James Cook opened the island of Maui to the western world in the year 1778, the records of history show that the Polynesians from Tahiti and the Marquesas made up the original population of the island. The La Perouse Bay in Maui has been named after the first French admiral to land on the island – Jean Francois de Galaup de La Perouse. The Christian missionaries, who arrived in Maui in the year 1823, gradually brought in the Hawaiian alphabet. In the recent year migrations from the western countries have prompted growth in population and rapid economic development.
Geography:Volcanic rocks dominate the island, which is dark, rich in iron. Most of the topography consists of volcanic mountains and their valleys. This gives the name to island, the valley island. Geologically, Maui is the younger than all the other islands of Maui. Climate is varied and is largely dependent on the ocean winds. Rainfall is a prominent feature in the island with the maximum rainfall in the winter months from October to March. The average annual rainfall is about 17 to 20 inches at some places while at others it is 300 inches. The winters are characterized by the Kona storms.
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Economy: The economy of Maui is characterized by high retail sales owing to the tourism industry, low debt burden, and positive growth in the annual financial results. The most important industry in Maui is the agriculture and tourism. The main produce in agriculture is the sugarcane. The Maui Research and Technology Centre and the Halekala High Altitude Observatory site are the two institutions where research work is carried on for the technological development.
Society and Cultural Life: The society and cultural life of the people of Maui can be described in one word – colorful! In that color you will find glimpses of the past, the heritage of the lost time clinging on to the present with hope. But the history of this city has a very strong connection with the culture. The major festivals and celebrations in the island are the annual spring festival in Maui called the East Maui Taro festival where the cultural traditions
of Hawaii are brought to the foreground with music, dance, crafts, traditional food and a lot more to attract the visitors. A very interesting part of the culture is the storytelling experience. And how can anyone forget the famous Slack Key guitar which is the most attractive part of any celebration in Maui.
Transport System: The two ways to Travel to Maui, Hawaii, are through the international airport in Kahului and through the ferry service available in the Maui, Kahului and Lanai. The flights are available from US Mainland and Canada. Inside the county of Maui the best way to travel is be hiring a car which is quite cheap. Transportation from the airport is available in the form of shuttle buses to the main resorts of the island. There is no public bus service in Maui. The vans and the private limousines offer transportation inside the island. A very interesting public transport is the Shopping Express which stops at all the important shopping centers in Maui.
Administration and Government: The county of Maui is governed by the Mayor. The administrative divisions of the county are – the Central Valley, the West Maui, the South Maui, the East Maui and the Upcountry. Kahului is the most commercialized center and the Wailuku is the seat of the county and the government centre.
Educational Institution: There are many primary, secondary and higher secondary schools in Maui. Some of the schools in Maui are :
- The Haiku Elementary School and the Horizon Academy of Maul Inc in Haiku.
- Hana High and Elementary School
- Christ The King Elementary School in Kahului
- The American University Hawaii
- Maui Community College
- Institute For Astronomy
Accommodation Options: Accommodations of all ranges are available in the valley isle of Maui. Some of the most wanted hotels are Hyatt Regency Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, and Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. Apart from these there cheap hostels, as well as 5 star diamond resort. Some of the important resorts are Kaapalua resorts, Heavenly Hana and Lana’I. Special attraction for the honeymoon couples also!
Food and Wine: The food you need to taste when you are on this tropical island is the Hawaiian fish dishes and the tropical drinks. The places you can hang out for delicious, mouth watering experience are the Sea House Restaurant, the Blue Lagoon Tropical Bar and Grill, Ruth Chris Steak House, Old Lahaina Luau. Sumptuous food awaits your lip smacking appreciation!
Shopping: There is enough choice between designer wear and street wear; the Front Street in Lahaina and the South Kihei Road in Kihei give you both. There is a group called Made on Maui which only focuses on local handicrafts. You can also look out for the Hawaiian quilts, pottery, glass paintings. The shopping centers which are popular amongst the tourists are the Azeka Place Shopping center, the Kihei Kalama Village Market Place, Lahaina Center, Maui Mall and the Maui Marketplace.
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