Maui
Second largest island in Hawaii
Why go
Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, at 727.2 square miles (1,883 km2). It is the 17th-largest in the United States. Maui is one of Maui County's four sizable islands, along with Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe.
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. It is Maui's commercial and financial hub. Wailuku is the county seat and was the third-largest CDP as of 2010. Other significant populated areas include Kīhei (including Wailea and Makena in the Kihei Town CDP), Lāhainā (including Kāʻanapali and Kapalua in the Lāhainā Town CDP), and Upcountry Maui (including Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Ulupalakua), although Lāhainā was mostly destroyed by fire in 2023.
More about Maui
Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, at 727.2 square miles (1,883 km2). It is the 17th-largest in the United States. Maui is one of Maui County's four sizable islands, along with Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe.
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. It is Maui's commercial and financial hub. Wailuku is the county seat and was the third-largest CDP as of 2010. Other significant populated areas include Kīhei (including Wailea and Makena in the Kihei Town CDP), Lāhainā (including Kāʻanapali and Kapalua in the Lāhainā Town CDP), and Upcountry Maui (including Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Ulupalakua), although Lāhainā was mostly destroyed by fire in 2023.
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 are connected by an isthmus about six miles wide that gives the island its nickname, the Valley Isle.
Maui has a significant tourism industry, with nearly three million visitors in 2022. A 2023 report based on 2017 data concluded that nearly 40% of Maui County's economy was tourism-related. Popular tourist destinations include the resorts in the Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, and Kihei/Wailea/Makena areas; Hāna and the Hana Highway; ʻĪao Valley; Haleakalā National Park; and its many beaches.
Top things to see
More places around Maui
Olinda, Hawaii
Unincorporated community in Hawaii, United States
3.4 mi awayHosmer's Grove
Hiking trail in Hawaii, United States
6.2 mi awayFred C. Baldwin Memorial Home
Historic house in Hawaii, United States
6.2 mi awayHoly Ghost Catholic Church (Kula, Hawaii)
Historic church in Hawaii, United States
2.5 mi awayKula Botanical Garden
Botanical garden in Maui, Hawaii, United States
0.6 mi awayPiʻiholo
Hill in Maui County, United States of America
4.5 mi awaySurfing Goat Dairy
Dairy farm in Kula, Hawaii
2.2 mi awayEnchanted Floral Gardens of Kula, Maui
Botanical garden in Kula on the island of Maui, Hawaii
0.6 mi awayKokomo, Hawaii
Place in Hawaii, United States
5.2 mi awayInternational University of Professional Studies
Notable place
2.5 mi awaySaint Joseph Catholic Church (Makawao, Hawaii)
Notable place
4.3 mi awayWhen to go
Average highs and lows (°F) and days with rain or snow, from last year’s weather. Best months are highlighted.
Where to stay
What to eat
Restaurants & cafés in Maui
Finding places to eat…
What’s on in the next six weeks
Checking what’s on…
Know before you go
Traveler reviews
Ready to book?
Compare these sites when you’re ready — or plan the whole trip with your group first.
Tours & tickets in Maui
Rental cars
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.