Maui, affectionately known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, celebrated for its stunning beaches, the sacred ‘Īao Valley, and breathtaking views of migrating humpback whales in the winter. Whether you're savoring farm-to-table cuisine or witnessing the awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset from Haleakalā, Maui offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Maui takes its name from a Polynesian demigod. It was created by two volcanoes, Puu Kukui and Haleakala, which constitute east and west peninsulas connected by a 7-mile- (11-km-) wide valley like isthmus that has earned Maui the nickname of the “valley isle.” The island was first settled by Polynesians about 700 ce.