Maui
(m-ow-ee)

Maui was formed by two volcanoes and is often called the "Valley Island" because of the many canyons that cut into the two mountains. A low isthmus passes between the two mountains creating a fertile area for growing sugar cane. Haleakala, the highest point on Maui, also contains the world's largest dormant volcanic crater, at least for now. Haleakala is considered active and is expected to erupt sometime within the next 200 years.

The island's chief industries are tourism and the cultivation of sugarcane and pineapples. The principal ports are Kahului and Lahaina, and Wailuku (1990 pop. 10,688) is the largest town.

Maui County includes the islands of Maui (the Valley Isle, 727.3 square miles with 120 miles of coastline), Molokai (the Friendly Isle, 260 square miles), Lanai (formerly known as the Pineapple Isle, 140.6 square miles) and Kahoolawe (the uninhabited Forbidden Isle, 44.6 square miles, formerly used as a bombing practice range by the U.S. Navy and Air Force, it is now being restored and revegetated).

Molokai
(mo-lo-kah-ee)

The island of Moloka`i can be roughly divided into three regions according to its physical features. The eastern region is covered with rugged mountains and canyons. The west is a dry plateau. The central area is a fertile plain suitable for growing various crops.

Lana'i
(la-nah-ee)

If you're looking for nightlife, Lana'i may not be your best choice. Alternately known as Hawai'i's "Most Secluded Island" and "The Pineapple Island" (with 98% of the land owned by the makers of Dole pineapple products), Lana'i is home to a mere 5,000 residents - the vast majority of whom live in the cool heights of Lana'i City overlooking the vast, red-dirt fields below.

Kaho'olawe
(kaw-ho-oh-la-vay)

Kaho`olawe is a small, uninhabited island next to Maui. It is dry and windswept.