51-479: Olowalu is a community on the west side of the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii . It is located about 4 miles (6 km) south of Lahaina on the Honoapiʻilani Highway. It is a census-designated place (CDP), with a population at the 2020 census of 100. It once sustained a large population, governed by the high chiefess Kalola, daughter of Maui ruler Kekaulike, and grandmother of Keopuolani . It
102-577: A maritime fur trading mission with two ships: the large Eleanora , and the tender Fair American , a schooner under command of his son Thomas Humphrey Metcalfe . The Fair American was captured by the Spanish during the Nootka Crisis and taken to Mexico, but quickly released. The Metcalfes had earlier agreed to rendezvous in the Hawaiian Islands at Kealakekua Bay . The Eleanora had arrived at
153-496: A drier season. Annual rainfall averages 17–20 inches (430–510 mm) in leeward coastal areas, such as the shoreline from Maalaea Bay to Kaupo. At the other extreme, the average exceeds 300 in (7,600 mm) along the lower windward slopes of Haleakalā, particularly along Hāna Highway . Big Bog , a spot on the edge of Haleakalā National Park overlooking Hana at about 5,400 ft (1,600 m) elevation had an estimated mean annual rainfall of 404 in (10,300 mm) over
204-513: A dry cloud forest , but this was destroyed by human activities over the last three hundred years. Maui is the leading whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands for the humpback whales who winter in Maui County's sheltered ʻAuʻau Channel . These mammals migrate approximately 3,500 mi (5,600 km) from Alaskan waters each autumn and spend November–April mating and birthing in
255-627: A fan-shaped alluvial plain . When the Olowalu hills were cleared of sandalwood and hardwoods, Olowalu Valley became a much drier environment, from mountains to shore. Reforestation of the LThau mountains with sandalwood and 'ohi'a lehua is a major long-range goal of the OCR, and a huge undertaking requiring partnership with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Increased condensation drip in
306-578: A refuge decreased in size. More than 250 species of local flora are federally listed as endangered or threatened. Birds found on other islands as well as Maui include the I'iwi ( Drepanis coccinea ], 'Apapane ( Himatione sanguinea ), Hawai'i 'Amakihi ( Chlorodrepanis virens), as Maui 'Alauahio ( Paroreomyza montana ) well as the Nene ( Branta sandvicensis , Hawaii's state bird), Hawaiian coot ( Fulica alai ), Hawaiian stilt ( Himantopus mexicanus knudseni ). In 2024, Haleakalā National Park began to employ
357-714: A single island. Maui is one such "volcanic doublet," formed from two shield volcanoes that overlapped to form Maui. The older, western volcano has eroded considerably, forming the peaks of the West Maui Mountains (in Hawaiian, Mauna Kahalawai). Puʻu Kukui is the highest, at 5,788 ft (1,764 m). The larger, younger volcano to the east, Haleakalā , rises to 10,023 ft (3,055 m) above sea level, and measures 5 mi (8 km) from seafloor to summit. The eastern flanks of both volcanoes are cut by deeply incised valleys and steep-sided ravines that run downslope to
408-575: A species of moa-nalo (also found on Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe), a species of harrier (the wood harrier , shared with Molokaʻi), an undescribed sea eagle (Maui only), and three species of ground-dwelling flightless ibis ( Apteribis sp. ), plus other species. Today, Maui's most notable surviving endemic birds are probably the 'Akohekohe ( Palmeria dolei ) and the Maui parrotbill ( Pseudonestor xanthophrys ), also known as Kiwikiu , both of which are critically endangered and only found in an alpine forest on
459-494: A worker. Fagel spent four months in jail while the strike continued. Eventually, Vibora Luviminda made its point and the workers won a 15% increase in wages after 85 days on strike, but no written contract was signed. Maui was involved in the Pacific Theater of World War II as a staging center, training base, and rest and relaxation site. At the peak in 1943–1944, more than 100,000 soldiers were based there. The main base of
510-505: Is a valuable pasture species across much of its range. However, it has also been responsible for the elimination of the wool industry over much of Australia due to the seeds becoming embedded in the wool and skin of sheep and devaluing the wool and killing the animals. H. contortus seeds are also responsible for similar injuries in dogs with thick undercoats, or becoming embedded in the socks and skin of hikers. Native Hawaiians used pili to thatch hale (houses). Ruler Pilikaʻaiea
561-401: Is controversial because it is adjacent to one of Hawaii's healthiest and most unusual coral reef systems. The sheltered reef features large coral heads that are estimated to be hundreds of years old, as well as a rare manta ray cleaning station and Blacktip reef shark nursery. Maui Maui ( / ˈ m aʊ i / ; Hawaiian : [ˈmɐwwi] ) is the second largest island in
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#1732884667121612-647: Is favoured in most environments by frequent burning . The plants develop characteristic dark seeds with a single long awn at one end and a sharp spike at the other. The awn becomes twisted when dry and straightens when moistened, and in combination with the spike is capable of drilling the seed into the soil. The species is known by many common names, including black speargrass , tanglehead , steekgras (in Afrikaans ) and pili (in Hawaiian , ultimately from Proto-Austronesian * pilit ₁ "to adhere/stick"). H. contortus
663-505: The 4th Marine Division was in Haiku . Beaches were used to practice landings and train in marine demolition and sabotage. In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii , predominantly on the island of Maui. The wind-driven fires prompted evacuations and caused widespread damage, killing at least 102 people and leaving two people missing in the town of Lahaina on Maui's northwest coast. The proliferation of
714-466: The Hawaiian archipelago , at 727.2 square miles (1,883 km ). It is the 17th-largest in the United States. Maui is one of Maui County 's five islands, along with Molokaʻi , Lānaʻi , Kahoʻolawe , and Molokini . 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
765-518: The Island of Hawaiʻi by January 1790, and met chief Kameʻeiamoku who boarded the ship to welcome them. Something he did must have offended Simon Metcalfe, who had the chief flogged. This was to have severe consequences later. The Eleanora then sailed north to the island of Maui to trade and resupply. One night a small boat was stolen and the night watchman was killed. Captain Metcalfe fired his cannons into
816-424: The 19th and 20th centuries, the area was farmed for sugarcane and a sugar mill operated there. The top of the Olowalu ahupuaʻa on Pu'u Kukui reaches 4,457 feet (1,358 m) feet. Its boundaries trace downhill between LThau Mountain on the north and LThau 'Ula Mountain on the south. Olowalu Valley and ' Iao Valley were linked by an ancient trail until landslides covered the summit. Olowalu Valley opens up to
867-478: The 19th century. Pili (grass) Heteropogon contortus is a tropical, perennial tussock grass with a native distribution encompassing Southern Africa , southern Asia , Northern Australia , Oceania , and southwestern North America . The species has also become a naturalised weed in tropical and subtropical regions in the Americas and East Asia. The plant grows to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in height and
918-610: The 2000s, controversies raged over whether to allow continued real-estate development. Vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods became a flashpoint - many were unpermitted, and were later closed after enforcement escalated. The Hawaii Superferry briefly offered interisland service, before it was banned for not having completed an EIS . In 2016, Maui residents convinced officials to switch to organic pesticides for highway applications after they learned that label requirements for glyphosate formulations had not been followed. The new millenium brought droughts, increasing pressure on
969-444: The 30-year period of 1978 to 2007. If the islands of Hawaii did not exist, the average annual rainfall on the same patch of water would be about 25 in (640 mm). Instead, the mountainous topography induces an average of about 70 in (1,800 mm). In the lowlands, rainfall is most likely to occur during night or morning hours, and least likely in mid-afternoon. The most pronounced daily variations in rainfall occur during
1020-454: The concentration of endemic species found in some other Hawaiian islands. As recently as 200,000 years ago Maui was part of Maui Nui, thus reducing the odds that birds or other species would be endemic to any single one of these. Although Molokaʻi had several endemic bird species, in modern times Maui Nui's other islands host little endemic birdlife. During and after the Maui Nui period, Maui hosted
1071-401: The core of Hawaiian culture. Modern Hawaiian history began in the mid-18th century. Kamehameha I , king Hawaiʻi island , invaded Maui in 1790 and fought the inconclusive Battle of Kepaniwai . He returned to Hawaiʻi to battle a rival, subduing Maui a few years later. On November 26, 1778, explorer James Cook became the first European to see Maui. Cook never set foot on the island, because he
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#17328846671211122-620: The end of the 19th century as petroleum replaced whale oil . Along with the rest of Hawaii, Maui was part of the Hawaiian Kingdom , the Republic of Hawaii , Hawaiian territory , and the state of Hawaii . In 1937, Vibora Luviminda trade union conducted the final ethnic strike action in the Hawaiian Islands against four Maui sugarcane plantations , demanding higher wages and the dismissal of five foremen. Manuel Fagel and nine other strike leaders were arrested, and charged with kidnapping
1173-549: The first school in Lahaina, Lahainaluna Mission School, which opened in 1831 and still exists. At the height of the whaling era (1843–1860), Lahaina was a major center. In one season over 400 ships visited with up to 100 anchored at one time in Lāhainā Roads . Ships tended to stay for weeks rather than days, fostering extended drinking and the rise of prostitution , against which the missionaries battled. Whaling declined steeply at
1224-450: The high forest, added to conservation methods on the kula, are an opportunity to restore past moisture levels to Olowalu Valley. Every activity in an ahupua'a was carried out within the context of a spiritual and cultural belief system that maintained harmony, balance, and peace for both seen and unseen life forms of all creation. Restoring the OCR is a foundation for bringing the concept of sanctuary back into present day culture, and redeeming
1275-537: The incident when another sailor, John Young , was captured by Kamehameha's men when he came ashore from the Eleanora to inquire about the Fair American . Kamehameha decided to spare the lives of Davis and Young, who became valued military advisors during his subsequent battles and negotiations with later visitors. The muskets of the Fair American were salvaged and the schooner refloated. Simon Metcalfe eventually left
1326-414: The incompatible insect technique to reduce the park's mosquito population. Maui is also home to the Hawaiian hoary bat , Hawaii's only native terrestrial mammal. Marine mammals notably include spinner , bottlenose , and spotted dolphins . Polynesians from Tahiti were Maui's original inhabitants. They introduced the kapu system, a strict social order that affected all aspects of life and became
1377-536: The island after his son, who in turn was named for the demigod Māui . Maui's previous name was ʻIhikapalaumaewa. Maui Island is also called the "Valley Isle" for the large isthmus connecting its northwestern and southeastern volcanic masses. The islands' volcanic cones are formed from basalt , a dark, iron -rich/ silica -poor rock, which poured out of thousands of vents as fluid lava over millions of years. Some of its volcanoes were close enough to each other that lava flows on their flanks overlapped, merging into
1428-555: The island without realizing that he had indirectly caused his own son's death. Historically, Traditional Hawaiian planters filled these arable lands or kula with food and material crops. Olowalu was known for dry land taro and luxuriant shady breadfruit groves. Other crops such as sweet potato and plants that produced useful materials for clothing, shelter and transport, such as kukui , wauke , ' olona , pili and naio were also plentiful. A meandering stream and network of irrigation ditches nourished these crops. Throughout most of
1479-556: 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
1530-592: The leeward coasts and at the highest elevations), and dominant trade wind flow (especially at lower elevations). Maui has a range of climatic conditions and weather patterns: Maui displays diverse climatic conditions, each of which is specific to a sub-region. These sub-regions are defined by major physiographic features (such as mountains and valleys) and by location on the windward or leeward side. Maui's daytime temperatures average between 75 °F (24 °C) and 90 °F (32 °C) year round, while evening temperatures are about 15 °F (8.3 °C) cooler in
1581-426: The major regions: Central Maui; leeward South Maui and West Maui; windward North Shore and East Maui; and Upcountry. (24.6) (24.2) (24.1) (24.4) (24.9) (25.4) (25.9) (26.3) (26.7) (26.7) (26.1) (25.1) Showers are common; while some of these are heavy, the majority are light and brief. Thunder and lightning are rare, even during intense storms. Throughout the lowlands, summer trade winds produce
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1632-513: The more humid windward areas, about 18 °F (10 °C) cooler in the drier leeward areas, and cooler still in higher elevations. An exception to the normal pattern is the occasional winter Kona storm that brings rainfall to the South and West areas accompanied by high southwesterly winds (opposite of the prevailing trade wind direction). Maui has examples of all microclimates, each typical to specific locations. These microclimates help to define
1683-442: The natives, banned hula , and greatly altered the culture. The missionaries taught reading and writing, devised the Hawaiian alphabet , operated a printing press in Lahaina, and began recording the islands' history, which had been transmitted only orally. The missionaries both altered and preserved the native culture. The religious work altered the culture while the literacy efforts preserved history and language. Missionaries started
1734-456: The now submerged Penguin Bank . During periods of reduced sea level, including as recently as 200,000 years ago, the channels between them become exposed and join the island into a single landmass. The climate is characterized by a two-season year, tropical and uniform temperatures at any given elevation, geographic differences in rainfall, high relative humidity, extensive cloud formations (except on
1785-448: The ocean along Olowalu Stream. OCR is restoring the former irrigation systems and loʻi's for cultivating taro and other traditional. It is also creating an educational and cultural puʻuhonua or sanctuary. The community is sparsely inhabited today. Coordinates are 20°48′39″N 156°37′20″W / 20.81083°N 156.62222°W / 20.81083; -156.62222 . A 600-acre (2.4 km) planned community called Olowalu Town
1836-437: The powerful history of Olowalu as a functioning pu'uhonua. Olowalu Cultural Reserve (OCR) was founded in 1999 as a community-based, non-profit organization to support and promote the revitalization of traditional Hawaiian culture , restoring native habitat, protecting historic and cultural sites and providing educational experiences to students, residents and visitors. In 2006 OCR began restoring 74 acres from Olowalu Valley to
1887-498: The rocky, windswept shoreline. The isthmus was formed by sandy erosional deposits. Maui's last eruption (originating in Haleakalā's Southwest Rift Zone) likely occurred between 1480 and 1600; the resulting lava flows are located at Cape Kīnaʻu between ʻĀhihi Bay and La Perouse Bay . Haleakalā is dormant, but not extinct. Maui is part of a much larger unit, Maui Nui , that includes the islands of Lānaʻi , Kahoʻolawe , Molokaʻi , and
1938-487: The side where he directed the canoes to approach. They opened fire, killing about one hundred Hawaiians, and wounded many others. About five or six weeks later the Fair American arrived at the Island of Hawaiʻi, where Kameʻeiamoku was waiting at Kaʻūpūlehu . The schooner's crew of five were easily overwhelmed and four were killed, including Thomas Metcalfe. The lone survivor was Isaac Davis . King Kamehameha I found out about
1989-533: The summer because summer rainfall generally consists of night-time trade wind showers. Winter rainfall in the lowlands is the result of storm activity, which is as likely to occur in the daytime as at night. Rainfall variability is far greater during the winter when occasional storms contribute appreciably to rainfall totals. Such wide swings in rainfall produce occasional droughts, sometimes causing economic losses. These occur when winter rains fail to produce sufficient significant rain, impacting normally dry areas outside
2040-496: The trade winds that depend on them the most. The winter of 2011–2012 produced extreme drought on the leeward sides Maui, and some other islands. Maui is home to a large rainforest on the northeastern flanks of Haleakalā, which serves as the drainage basin for that side. Maui is home to many coral reefs . However, many have been damaged by pollution, run-off, and tourism, although sea turtles, dolphins, and Hawaii's celebrated tropical fish remain abundant. Leeward Maui once boasted
2091-415: The village, and captured a few Hawaiians who told him the boat was taken by people from the village of Olowalu. He sailed to Olowalu but found that boat had been broken up for its nails. Nails were treasured in ancient Hawaii , which lacked metal smelting technology. Metcalfe invited the villagers to meet the ship, indicating he wanted to trade with them. However, he had all the cannons loaded and ready on
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2142-551: The warm waters. They are typically sighted in pods: small groups of several adults, or groups of a mother, her calf, and a few suitors. Humpbacks are an endangered species protected by U.S. federal and Hawaiʻi state law. An estimated 21,000-26,000 humpbacks live in North Pacific waters. Although they face many dangers, due to pollution, commercial vessels, and military sonar testing, their numbers have increased rapidly in recent years, estimated at 7% growth per year. Birdlife lacks
2193-473: The wildfires was attributed to dry, gusty conditions created by a strong high-pressure area north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the south. The island experienced rapid population growth through 2007. At the time, Kīhei was one of the most rapidly growing towns in the United States. The island attracted many retirees, with accompanying service providers. Population growth produced strains, including traffic, housing cost/availability, and access to water. In
2244-472: The windward slopes of Haleakalā. Conservation efforts have examined how to mitigate female parrotbill mortality since that is s a key driving factor driving population decline. The parrotbill lacks resistance to mosquito-born diseases, particularly avian malaria , so only forests above 1500 meters of elevation provide refuge. The habitat was undergoing restoration in east Maui as of 2018. As Maui's human population grew, previously undeveloped areas that provided
2295-412: The ʻĪao aquifer , with withdrawals rising above 18 million U.S. gallons (68,000 m ) per day. Recent estimates indicate that Maui has a potential supply of potable water around 476 million U.S. gallons (1,800,000 m ) per day, virtually all of which drains into the ocean. Water for agriculture comes mostly from East Maui streams, routed through a network of tunnels and ditches dug by Chinese laborers in
2346-527: 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
2397-546: Was announced in 2005, but as of 2012 had not been constructed. Plans called for constructing 1,500 housing units, a 300,000 square feet (28,000 m) shopping area, relocating the current highway and installing related infrastructure. On August 3 the Maui County Council voted 7–1 to incorporate Olowalu (previously designated "Agricultural") within the " urban growth boundary " of the Maui Island Plan. The development
2448-524: Was considered a place of refuge, or puʻu honua , by Hawaiians. Persons pursued for committing an offense against a family group or an ali'i (royal) were untouchable once they stepped inside its borders. Violating sanctuary was punishable by death. For Pacific Island cultures, maintaining a peaceful order was a deep cultural tenet. For people on Maui, Olowalu created an interval of space and time to resolve disputes. In 1789, Captain Simon Metcalfe set out on
2499-459: Was home to a traditional farming community until the arrival of the Europeans, who replaced it with a sugarcane plantation . The massacre in 1790, as well as the labor-intensive sandalwood trade up-country, contributed to the site's decline. A substantial real estate development is under consideration for the area. The area is home to one of Hawaii's most striking reefs. From ancient times, Olowalu
2550-541: Was tourism-related. Popular tourist destinations include the resorts in the Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, and Kihei/Wailea/Makena areas; Hāna and the Hana Highway ; Iao Valley ; Haleakalā National Park ; and its many beaches. Native Hawaiian tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawaiʻiloa , the navigator credited with discovering the Hawaiian Islands . According to that tradition, Hawaiʻiloa named
2601-427: Was unable to find a suitable landing. The first European to come ashore was French admiral Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse , who landed on the shores of what became La Perouse Bay on May 29, 1786. More Europeans followed: traders, whalers, loggers (e.g., of sandalwood ) and missionaries . The latter began to arrive from New England in 1823, settling in Lahaina, at that time Hawaii's capitol. They clothed
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