If you’re on your way to an exotic vacation, romantic getaway or wedding in Maui Hawaii, then you’ll find plenty of surprises in store for you. Spanning an area of almost 700 square miles, Maui is the second largest island of Hawaii. From lush rain forests to dazzling sunrises, from sun-filled sandy beaches to some of the best wineries – Maui offers a fine blend of sophistication and nature’s beauty.
Maui History:
Some of the first people to come to the island of Maui were the ancient Polynesians. Originally from places such as Marquesas and Tahiti, it was the Polynesians who instilled a stringent social way of life, also known as Kapu. This form of life became a staple of Mauian culture till around the 1700s. After his conquest of Maui Hawaii in 1790, King Kamehameha made Lahaina his official residence. His rule continued for quite a long time until his death at the age of 63. It was during the month of May in 1786 that the French admiral Jean Francois de Galaup de La Perouse landed on the island of Maui. Thus he became the first European to ever visit Maui. If you are on a Maui vacation and happen to explore the island, you will still find what is known as La Perouse Bay – named after the French admiral. As trade activities flourished, the traditional Mauian way of life became altered to a great extent.
Maui Hawaiian Culture:
Mauian tradition is deeply rooted in religious and mythological beliefs. Right from their Taro festival which celebrates the popular plant called Kalo, to the very name Maui (who is a demigod very popular in Hawaiian culture). In fact the traditional plant Kalo is so revered that it is often considered to have the most life force of all foods. One of the main Maui attractions is the annual Taro festival which essentially celebrates the abundance of the traditional plant Kalo. We might use the word ‘Aloha’ as a way of greeting others but to the native Mauians (from where the word has originated), ‘Aloha’ is a way of life. Due to its diverse ethnicity and races, Maui has flourished in diverse art and craft forms. You can get a glimpse into such exhibitions at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
Maui Weather:
If you are planning a wedding or vacation in Maui Hawaii you are sure to experience a wide range of climates and weather conditions. Due to the close proximity to the coastline, more than half of Maui normally experiences a marked marine climate. At other places, it is the height of the place above sea level coupled with its closeness to Trade winds which affect the weather patterns in the area. While in Maui, you will find drastic differences in topography – valleys, mountains and open slopes! This is usually the cause for varying temperatures across areas of the island. A staple of Maui weather is the presence of dense clouds and heavy rainfall in some areas.
Maui Attractions:
Whether you are honeymooning, vacationing or holidaying in Maui, you can expect plenty of sightseeing and attractions here. Start off your vacation the traditional way by greeting others with the native Lei flower garland! Then enjoy a fun-filled experience of Mauian myths in the spectacular Maui Myth and Magic Theater. Dive into one of the biggest lava tubes with Maui Cave adventures. Get a taste of native Mauian culture, dance and folklore at the Old Lahaina Luau.
Interesting Maui Trivia:
There are some little known facts about Maui which you might find interesting.
*Maui has more than 18 open hiking trails.
*Maui Hawaii was once the connector between Molokai and Lanai.
*Surprisingly, Maui is also the only state to be contained in the tropics.
Maui Population:
In the year 2000, Maui Hawaii had a total population of almost 117644 people. The island is a melting pot of diverse races such as Caucasians, American Indians, Africans, Hispanics and many others.
Visitor Bureau or Chamber of Commerce Contact Details:
For detailed Maui Visitor Information a tourist can contact the Maui Visitor’s Bureau.
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