10 fascinating facts about Maui that might surprise you

We say this a lot: there’s so much more to Maui than gorgeously surreal beaches and perfect 10 out of 10 weather.

The Valley Isle holds some incredible secrets that make it even more special, from ancient geological wonders to rich historical artifacts.

Here are 10 fascinating facts about Maui that might surprise you:

An old volcano of epic proportions

Did you know that Haleakalā isn’t just tall — it’s actually the world’s largest dormant volcano? While it stands an impressive 10,023 feet above sea level, it actually rises over 30,000 feet from the ocean floor, making it one of the world’s tallest mountains when measured from its base (third from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the neighboring Big Island).

The mysterious silversword

Speaking of Haleakalā, it’s home to one of Hawaii’s most unique plants: the Haleakalā silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense).

This beautiful ultra rare plant can live anywhere from 3 to 90 years but only flowers once in its lifetime. If you’re lucky enough to catch one in bloom, consider yourself blessed by the Island!

One tree, eight trunks, and a symbol of hope

Lahaina’s famous banyan tree — which miraculously survived the devastating Lahaina fires of 2023 — is the largest banyan tree in the United States.

This incredible living landmark takes up almost an entire city block and has eight massive trunks reaching up to 60 feet high. Locals and visitors for generations have enjoyed this piece of living history, and are inspired by its strength and resilience.

The hidden giant

Many of Maui’s waterfalls are easily accessible, but Honokohau Falls stands apart — literally. At 1,100 feet, it’s Maui’s tallest waterfall, but it’s in a remote location, which means most people can only admire its majesty from a helicopter ride.

The OG “Greater Maui”

Here’s something I bet you didn’t know: Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe were once a single island called “Maui Nui.” About 20,000 years ago, rising sea levels separated these lass masses into the gorgeous set of islands we see today.

Birthplace of a sport

Adventure sports lovers might appreciate that Maui hosted the world’s first kiteboarding competition at Kanaha Beach in 1998. This historic event helped launch kiteboarding into the global phenomenon it is today.

A living museum under the waves

Just off Olowalu in West Maui, you’ll find what locals call “Maui’s Mother Reef.” It is home to coral formations over 500 years old. This ancient underwater ecosystem is place to experience some of Maui’s best snorkeling and underwater exploration.

Beaches for everyone

Unlike many coastal destinations worldwide, every beach in Hawaii (Maui included of course) is public by law. That’s right — there’s no such thing as a private beach here. Everyone can enjoy our spectacular coastline!

Ancient stories in stone

At Pu’u Maneoneo, you can find fascinating petroglyphs carved into the lava rock from hundreds of years ago. These ancient Hawaiian carvings are a remarkable glimpse into early island life, depicting everything from daily activities to significant historical events.

A sacred engineering wonder

Within Kahanu Garden you will find Pi’ilanihale Heiau, one of Hawaii’s most significant archaeological sites. Built over several centuries, this massive temple complex showcases the incredible architectural skills of ancient Polynesians. It’s not just a structure — the sheer size, complexity, and mana (power) of Pi’ilanihale Heiau is a testament to Hawaiian spiritual practices and their deep connection to the ‘āina (land).

Image credits: Jordan Ryskamp, Paul Blessington, Coral Ouellette, Joseph Northcutt, claymore2211,