All of Your Maui Questions Answered by the Sayles Team
How big is Maui and what is the population?
As the 2nd largest island in Hawaii, Maui is approximately 48 miles (76.8km) long and 26 miles (41.6km) wide, which is about 728 square miles in total. When you are arriving by plane, Maui will look a sprawling island; but once you starts exploring, you will quickly grasp it’s actual size. Maui has enough topographic diversity to showcase its rich diversity and abundance of microclimates. For perspective, L.A. is about 69% the size of Maui or Maui is a little over two times the size of New York City (the 5 boroughs). Maui, as a county, also includes the separate islands of Lanai, Molokai, and Kaho’olawe.
Maui has a population of about 140,000 people. During the peak travel months (winter and summer), the number of visitors frequently exceed the local population.
Why is Maui also known as the ‘Valley Isle’?
All the of the islands in Hawaii have a nickname that relates to its most prominent identifying feature. Kauai is the ‘Garden Isle,’ Hawaii island ‘The Big Island,’ Oahu is ‘The Gathering Place,’ Lanai is the ‘The Pineapple Isle,’ Molokai is the ‘The Friendly Isle,’ Niihau is the ‘The Forbidden Isle,’ Kahoolawe is ‘The Target Isle,’ and Maui is the ‘Valley Isle.’
Maui’s nickname derives from its topography, central Maui sits between two mountains thus creating a large valley; Haleakala to the east and the West Maui mountains to the west. Most of central Maui is not more than 200 feet above sea level, while Haleakala stretches to 10,000+ feet above sea level and the West Maui 5700+ feet.
What’s the temperature like on Maui?
Our above graph reflects the average highs and lows of each month. Over the last few years, it has been feeling like Maui temperatures have been higher than usual. For the most part, Maui day temperatures are in the 80’s except in Upcountry climates where it tends to be cooler because of the mountain elevation. In the Winter months, Maui does cool off where the temperature can dip all the way down to 71 degrees.
Maui’s world famous Haleakala is another story all together. Haleakala frequently, even in the summer months, falls below freezing in the early morning hours; however, as the day progresses it warms up and offers perfect hiking weather. On average, the temperature drops about 3°F for every 1,000 foot rise in elevation. Because Haleakala encompasses 52 miles, the temperature can vary greatly; according to the National Park Service, it can range anywhere from 30°-80° F, and on rare occasions it has been known to snow at the summit.
What exactly is that ‘Silversword’ plant I’ve Heard About?
The Silversword plant is rare and endemic (native or restricted to a certain country or area) to Haleakala and is a true sight to behold. It is the only place in the world where you can get an up close and personal with this evolutionary wonder; believe it or not, they actually derive from the sunflower family.
The name “Silversword” is inspired by their sword-like leaves that protrude from the center of the plant to form a silver ball shape. To grasp a better picture, the plant almost looks like a large silver sea urchin. Interestingly, once in 40 years the silversword flowers and then dies.
Are there any active volcanoes?
No, there are no active volcanoes on Maui. However Haleakala is technically dormant and not extinct, which means it will likely erupt again at some point. Haleakala’s last eruption was recorded in the late 1700’s or the late 1400’s, depending on which evidence you think is most valid.
Where can I swim under those famous Maui waterfalls?
Before I can give you some spots to check out, there are a few words of caution. Pictures are posed and there are many inherent dangers with standing underneath a natural feature. The streams that feed waterfalls carry more than just water, things coming down the waterfall can include rocks, logs and other things that could cause a serious injury. More dangerous than visible hazards are the microscopic, Leptospirosis is a wicked bacterium that seeps into streams from animal waste. If you do go for a dip, do not drink the water and cover up open wounds. Lastly but most importantly, please be respectful to the nature; if we do not take care of mother earth, she cannot take care of us.
Where are Maui’s best beaches?
The island has over 30 miles of white, yellow, red, and black sand beaches. In fact, Maui has more miles of accessible beach than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. Not bad for the second youngest island in the chain! Check out our suggestion on South Maui Beaches, West Maui Beaches, and North Shore Beaches.
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Contact a South Maui Real Estate Specialist
Please consider me to be your trusted Maui real estate and lifestyle adviser. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Don’t hesitate to call me for your any of your Maui real estate needs as I would be honored to assist you in your home search.
Aloha,
Anthony Sayles R(S) 808-280-6532 Anthony@DanoSayles.com