Maui is the second largest of all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is often called the 'Magic Island', and is of volcanic origin. The first Polynesians settled here probably from the Maquesas (now part of French Polynesia) in about the fifth century. Kahekili, the last ruling chief of Maui uniting both O'ahu and Moloka'i under his rule. Kahekili died in 1794.
In 1795 the Great Kamehameha of the nieghbouring island of Hawai'i invaded and conquered the entire island.
Once a royal court for Maui chiefs, Lahaina served as capital of Maui and even briefly as capital of all of Hawaii.