Maui, Hawaii is a magical island paradise surrounded by 120 miles of breathtaking coastline and over 30 miles of pristine beaches. Maui is known for its beautiful waterfalls, exotic edible fruits, lush green rainforests, exciting outdoor activities, tall bamboo, colorful tropical flowers, thrilling Hawaiian legends, folklore and history. The total population on Maui is 117,644 residents. The residents are a diverse blend of Caucasian, Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese and Filipino. Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 729 square miles. It is 48 miles long and 26 miles across at its widest point. The three largest towns on the island are Kahului, Wailuku and Lahaina.

Virtually from the moment of the arrival in the Hawaiian Islands of Captain Cook and his English sailors in 1778, the indigenous culture went into decline. From Cook's journal and log entries and the diaries of his crew, we know that they found a skilled, self-sufficient people living in a highly developed, sophisticated society and culture. They were great navigators and sailors who could travel the uncharted seas between their former homes in the South Pacific and Hawaii; talented farmers who had developed creative farming methods and crops that thrived on the rich volcanic soil of the islands; and a people who had developed a viable culture that blended and extended the many cultures from which they had come. By the early 1900s, there were few left who understood, much less practiced, the ancient traditions. The language was seldom spoken, partly because the new religions of the missionaries discouraged its use, and partly because laws forbade it being taught in the schools.

Then in the 1970s, following closely with the civil rights movement in the rest of the United States, the Hawaiians began a renaissance of their culture. Motivated by emotion stimulated by a great grief for the loss of their culture, land, and pride, many began to reconnect with their past. They began to take hula lessons, learn their ancient language, immerse themselves in their history, and rejoice in the rediscovery of their cultural heritage.

Until about fifteen years ago agriculture was the major component of Maui's economic base. The development of Kaanapali Beach Resort in the 60's as the world's first planned vacation community made tourism a challenger with agriculture for dominance. However, only in recent years, with the addition of major new resorts in Kapalua and Wailea that fueled continuing growth in the number of visitors, has tourism edged out agriculture as the leading income source for the Valley Isle. Today, approximately 2.2 million visitors visit Maui each year. There is also a statewide effort to foster and support a technology industry in Hawaii. Kihei is the home of the Maui Research & Technology Center and the surrounding high-tech industrial park. Its purpose is to provide business assistance to technology-oriented businesses through business assistance programs, shared resources, and reasonably priced office space. Currently, the unemployment rate is very low and many of Maui's employers are seeking qualified employees. The median household income is $49,489 per year.

All of Maui's beaches feature sparkling crystal-blue waters, tropical tradewinds, and azure skies that go on forever. Most of Maui's beaches have white sand but black and red sand beaches are also a part of the island's treasures. Maui is an adventurer's wonderland! Several of Maui's beaches are known worldwide for unrivaled surfing and windsurfing conditions. Whether it's a vigorous hike through Haleakala Crater, a comfortable afternoon of whale watching on a luxurious and stable ocean-going vessel, snorkeling over an incredible tropical reef, or gliding through the air in a state-of-the-art helicopter, Maui has everything an individual could need to fully enjoy the islands' unique natural environment. The attractions and places consistently drawing the most visitors are Haleakala National Park, Lahaina Town, 'Iao Valley State Park, Hana and the Maui Ocean Center.

The climate is next to perfect in Maui year round. Maui's weather is typically in the 80 degrees range throughout the year. The average temperature varies only 3 degrees, at sea level, during the year. Maui's rainy season is in the winter months of December-March. It does not rain constantly throughout the 3-month period, though there is an increased amount of refreshing precipitation.

Whether you're a life-long addict, or just learning one of the world's favorite pastimes, you'll find golf on Maui's Magic Isles the sporting experience of a lifetime. Just be prepared to be spoiled and create memories that will forever be your benchmark for golfing pleasure. With over 20 golf courses Maui's Magic Isles can clearly lay claim to be one of the world's premier golf destinations. Maui Island alone boasts over 15 courses, several ranked at or near the top worldwide.

Housing opportunities range from condominiums with stellar ocean views and ranch property with acreage, to single-family residences within the city centers and large luxurious ocean front homes. Median sales prices for single-family homes range from $650,000 in Kahului and Wailuku, to $2,000,000 in Wailea/Makena and $950,000 in Kapalua. Fee simple condominiums have median sales prices ranging from $45,000 in Central Maui to $375,000 in Kapalua. Leasehold condos have median sales prices from $66,000 in Lahaina to $350,000 in Kaanapali. Condos in Kihei have a median sale price of $500,000.

Maui School District has an outstanding reputation of offering high quality, rigorous education. Students excel on both state and national testing. There are 18 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and 4 high schools along with three multi-grade level schools. Maui is also home to some of the top private schools in the country. For continuing education the island offers two colleges, Maui Community College and the University of Phoenix, which provides higher education to Maui's working adults .

Maui's untamed spaces, farmlands and ranches are worlds away from the rush of modern times but only minutes away from shopping, fine dining and life-guarded beaches. Fresh local foods, air kept clean by the trade-winds and never-ending opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty and man-made wonders of Maui make living here a healthy choice. The population of Maui is a small community, but incredibly diverse-culturally, ethnically and spiritually. Yet, Mauians of every background live well and happily together sharing an appreciation of the "best island in the world" and a respect for the Hawaiian host culture that makes this place so special. If you are considering moving to Maui or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!