While the State of Hawaii includes eight islands, the Hawaiian Islands are actually an archipelago that contains many atolls and islets, quite a few of which are uninhabited. Within the state, there are several islands that draw tourists from around the world. Maui, which is the second largest island in area, receives more than two million visitors each year. Here are some fun facts about this special island, nicknamed the Valley Isle.
While Hawaii has only been a state since 1959, people have lived on this island for centuries and the first inhabitants probably were Polynesian. There are many historic buildings on Maui and one of the oldest is the Baldwin Home in Lahaina which dates back to 1834. Lahainaluna High School is the oldest continuously operated high school west of the Rocky Mountains and one of its buildings, now a museum, was erected in 1834, as well.
If you love whale watching, Maui is the perfect spot for you. Maui is actually the breeding ground for Humpback whales and you can take a look at these amazing creatures from November through May. To put things in perspective, it is believed that there are fewer than 8,000 Humpbacks on Earth and about 3,000 of them visit Maui each year. There are many different whale watching tours and cruises available, and some offer snorkeling as well.
The world's largest dormant volcano is located on the island of Maui in Haleakala National Park. This volcano last erupted sometime between 1480 and 1600 and it now offers a truly unparalleled look at what remains after a massive volcanic explosion. Hike up to the summit just before dawn to watch the sunrise and then spend some time hiking in and around the volcano. If you are really lucky and the weather is perfectly clear, you can actually see six other islands at the top of Haleakala, including Hawaii, Lanai and Oahu.
Generally speaking, the temperatures at the beaches in Maui are fairly consistent and warm, but as you head up in elevation, the temperatures can become quite chilly. It actually can snow at the top of Haleakala and the lowest recorded temperature at the summit was a mere 11 degrees. So if you plan a visit to Maui, it's a good idea to back a jacket or two just in case.
Obviously the Hawaiian Islands boast some of the world's best scenery and this state is a hotspot for couples celebrating anniversaries, as well as honeymooners. In fact, about 20,000 couples come to Hawaii annually to exchange their wedding vows. If you would like to one of these 20,000, consider contacting a Maui wedding planner and creating your own perfect island nuptials. LoveMauiWeddings.com, for instance, has been handling all the details for Maui weddings, Maui vow renewals and Maui elopements since 1992. They can help with all the details, leaving you to simply enjoy the romance.
While Hawaii has only been a state since 1959, people have lived on this island for centuries and the first inhabitants probably were Polynesian. There are many historic buildings on Maui and one of the oldest is the Baldwin Home in Lahaina which dates back to 1834. Lahainaluna High School is the oldest continuously operated high school west of the Rocky Mountains and one of its buildings, now a museum, was erected in 1834, as well.
If you love whale watching, Maui is the perfect spot for you. Maui is actually the breeding ground for Humpback whales and you can take a look at these amazing creatures from November through May. To put things in perspective, it is believed that there are fewer than 8,000 Humpbacks on Earth and about 3,000 of them visit Maui each year. There are many different whale watching tours and cruises available, and some offer snorkeling as well.
The world's largest dormant volcano is located on the island of Maui in Haleakala National Park. This volcano last erupted sometime between 1480 and 1600 and it now offers a truly unparalleled look at what remains after a massive volcanic explosion. Hike up to the summit just before dawn to watch the sunrise and then spend some time hiking in and around the volcano. If you are really lucky and the weather is perfectly clear, you can actually see six other islands at the top of Haleakala, including Hawaii, Lanai and Oahu.
Generally speaking, the temperatures at the beaches in Maui are fairly consistent and warm, but as you head up in elevation, the temperatures can become quite chilly. It actually can snow at the top of Haleakala and the lowest recorded temperature at the summit was a mere 11 degrees. So if you plan a visit to Maui, it's a good idea to back a jacket or two just in case.
Obviously the Hawaiian Islands boast some of the world's best scenery and this state is a hotspot for couples celebrating anniversaries, as well as honeymooners. In fact, about 20,000 couples come to Hawaii annually to exchange their wedding vows. If you would like to one of these 20,000, consider contacting a Maui wedding planner and creating your own perfect island nuptials. LoveMauiWeddings.com, for instance, has been handling all the details for Maui weddings, Maui vow renewals and Maui elopements since 1992. They can help with all the details, leaving you to simply enjoy the romance.
About the Author:
Ella Hemmings likes reading wedding blogs. For more info about the best cheap Maui wedding packages or to find out more about Maui wedding packages all inclusive, please visit the LoveMauiWeddings.com site now.