Maui County—officially the County of Maui—is a multi-island county in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It had a population of 154,834 at the 2010 census. The county government is based in the historic town of Wailuku (Wailuku), which functions as the county seat and administrative center for services across the islands.

Geography and islands

Maui County comprises several islands in the central Hawaiian archipelago. Principal islands are Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi, plus the smaller, uninhabited islands such as Kahoolawe and Molokini. One portion of Molokaʻi is administratively separate as Kalawao County, a distinct and much smaller county on the Kalaupapa peninsula. The islands vary from fertile valleys and high volcanic peaks to arid, windswept shorelines, creating diverse ecosystems.

Government, population and communities

The county structure manages services that must span water between islands: planning, public works, parks, and emergency management. Population centers are concentrated on Maui island, while smaller islands have lower, often seasonal or tourism-driven populations. Kahoolawe remains uninhabited for most purposes and is notable for its restricted status and restoration efforts.

History and culture

Human settlement in the region is part of the broader history of Native Hawaiian habitation, land stewardship (ahupuaʻa), and later integration into the modern state of Hawaii. Traditional fishing, canoe voyaging and cultural practices remain important to residents and Native Hawaiian communities. European contact, missionary influence, plantation agriculture and tourism each shaped the islands' social and economic development.

Economy, environment and uses

Tourism is a dominant economic driver across the county, supported by hotels, recreation, cultural attractions and protected natural areas such as Haleakalā National Park on Maui and marine preserves around Molokini. Agriculture, ranching, and small-scale farming continue to contribute to local life, alongside conservation work addressing invasive species, watershed protection and coral reef restoration.

Notable distinctions and contemporary issues

  • Maui County spans multiple islands, so local governance must coordinate inter-island transportation and services.
  • The Kalawao exception on Molokaʻi reflects a unique historical and administrative status.
  • Conservation, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism are ongoing priorities for residents and officials.

Maui County combines important natural landmarks, living Hawaiian culture and an economy shaped by visitors and island resources. Its physical separation across islands creates both opportunities for distinctive local communities and challenges for county-wide planning, conservation and infrastructure.