MAUI

volcanic island, Maui county, Hawaii, U.S., separated from Molokai (northwest) and Hawaii (southeast) islands by the Pailolo and Alenuihaha channels. With an area of 728 square miles (1,886 square km), the island is the second largest of the Hawaiian chain (after Hawaii Island). It takes its name from a Polynesian demigod and was created by two volcanoes, Puu Kukui and Haleakala, which constitute east and west peninsulas connected by a valleylike isthmus 7 miles (11 km) wide. This isthmus has earned Maui the nickname of the valley isle. The port of Lahaina on the west coast was an early whaling centre. Other important towns are Wailuku (the county seat), Kahului, and Hana. The county consists of Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai islands. Ranching and sugar and pineapple cultivation are major economic activities. Area county, 1,160 square miles (3,004 square km). Pop. (1990) island, 91,361; county, 100,374.