Maui

Maui, island, central Hawaii, between Molokai and Hawaii islands, sometimes known as the Valley Island. The second-largest island of the group, it is divided into two oval peninsulas, East Maui and West Maui, with a total area of 1,884 sq km (727 sq mi). East Maui rises in the mountain of Haleakala, a dormant volcano, to a height of 3,055 m (10,023 ft). The mountain terminates in a crater nearly 32 km (20 mi) in circumference and more than 925 m (3,038 ft) deep. West Maui rises to an elevation of 1,764 m (5,788 ft) and has many sharp peaks and ridges and extensive sloping plains on the northern and southern sides. Pineapple and large sugar plantations and cattle ranches are here. Tourism, construction, and scientific research are also important to the economy. Wailuku is the chief community. The population (1990) is 100,374.