HALEAKALA: The Hawaii state bird is the Nene goose, and while most people associate it with Haleakala Crater, they thrive at a lower, more temperate altitude. The silversword, however, is endemic to this unique environment. On the western slope, a large sandalwood and koa forest once helped to maintain a lush Kihei. Kamehameha I and others traded this valuable lumber for ships and other goods.

KIHEI: Before the ecosystem was altered by deforestation and the introduction of cattle by Vancouver, Kihei hosted wili wili forests, native plants, and freshwater pool that made it the favorite spa for the alii. KOIEIE FISHPOND: Ancient fishpond used by the alii.

KO'IE'IE FISHPOND: Ancient fishpond used by the Ali'i.

KEALIA POND: Currently a National Wildlife Refuge, this wetland is home to the endangered Hawaiian stilt, coot, and other water fowl.

PETROGYLPHS: Two samples of many ancient rock carvings found all over the island, Olowalu petroglyph being the best known.

OLOWALU MASSACRE: American Capt. Simon Metcalfe fired on would-be traders because of the death of a sailor and a previous trading dispute. Over one hundred Hawaiians were killed.

J.F.G. COMTE DE LA PEROUSE: This French admiral, commanding the Bousole, was the first European to land on Maui. He did so on May 29, 1786. Although Capt. Cook received credit for the earlier discovery, he did not disembark upon the first sighting.

MOKU'ULA O KIHA WAHINE (Sacred Island of Kiha Wahine): Under this islet in Mokuhinia Pond lives the Moo (lizard) goddess, Kiha Wahine. A favorite deity of Kamehameha I, her power helped him weld the islands into one kingdom.

PU'U KEKA'A (BLACK ROCK): Leinaokauhane (the leaping place of the soul) MAUNA KAHALAWAI (MOUNTAIN THAT DRIPS): Shown here as different peaks, this was once one mountain.

PU'U KOA'E (KAHEKILI"S LEAP): Kahekili loved feats of strength and courage. Although he was known to jump from one even higher, this 300 ft. cliff was a favorite.

CAPT. JAMES COOK: There is some speculation that the Spanish may have visited Maui earlier. However, Capt. Cook is credited for having made the first European sighting of Maui on Nov. 26, 1778. With H.M.S. Resolution and Discovery at Kahului Bay, Hawaiians came out to trade ship's provisions for iron weapons, tools, and other western goods. The great chief Kahekili went aboard Discovery and met Capt. Charles Clerke, perhaps by mistake.

KING KAHEKILI: A moi (paramount chief), Kahekili was an extraordinary warrior/ruler of Maui. Fierce in battle and in countenance, with the right side (male) of his body tattooed, Kahekili in his ongoing battles with archrival Kalaniopuu and Kamehameha I was more often than not the victor. The date of his death in 1794 is more certain than his birth in 1710.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION: The last lava flow, at Kalua o lapa, occurred in 1790 from two vents at 575 ft. and 1550 ft. above Keoneoio (La Perouse Bay). The flow to the right occurred at an earlier time.

QUEEN KA'AHUMANU: A cave near Hana is the birthplace of the favorite wife of Kamehameha I, who was responsible for abolishing the kapu system, in which women were greatly restricted.

HEIAU (Religious Place): Though Piilanihale was the largest heiau, both Loa Loa and Piilanihale were luakini (most sacred temples), where alii (royalty) and kahuna (priests) invoked the highest gods for help. Human sacrifice was not uncommon. Piihana Heiau also was the residence of Kahekili.

'IAO VALLEY: Site of the Battle of Kapaniwai (the Damming of the Waters). European weapons were used for the first time with devastating effect. What would have been an even fight was turned into a bloody rout in which the bodies blocked the flow of the Iao Stream.

ENDANGER SPECIES: In the winter, the humpback whale (kohola) returns each year to mate in the waters off Maui. The Hawaiian green turtle (honu), favorite food of the sharks, can be found throughout the islands. Both are protected.