Maunaloa, Maui County, Hawaii
While other states in America boast of high-rise ultra modern buildings, state-of-the-art facilities and such, Hawaii has to offer an altogether different brand of attractions: beaches, well-kept and historic parks, and everything simple yet have the ability to elicit admiration from the tourists. This is entirely what Hawaii is all about. Devoid of pretense and artificiality, the Aloha state is best adored in its bareness. With no such frivolities, Hawaii surely knows how to captivate the tourists.
Composed of eight major islands, including the Molokai island, the Aloha state has a lot of myriad destination spots catering to the tourists. In the western-central part of Molokai island, one will find the alluring town of Maunaloa.
Though seemingly obscure at first, this low-profile town exudes a unique aura of simplicity and effervescence. With a relatively small land area of mere 0.4 square kilometers and 0.2 square miles, this town, based on the 2000 demographic data, has a population of 230 residents and a population density of 206.7 per kilometer of 1,374.6 per square mile. Of the 230 residents, Asians and Pacific Islanders are particularly occupying the area with 18.70% and 34.35% respectively. Another notable thing is that a whopping 30.87% of the total population are residents with dual races. Latinos or Hispanics, though paling in comparison with the number of Asians and Pacific Islanders, also abound the place. 50.8% of the total 65 households are composed of homes with children below eighteeen years old. Another interesting thing to note is the fact that 56.9% of 52 families are married couples who live in the same home. With a median household size of 3.54 and family size of 3.96, residents of this rustic and quaint town are surely enjoying a very intimate and cozy neighborhood.
Maunaloa's History
Due to lack of sufficient written historical accounts, Molokai island, which includes the alluring Maunaloa town, was only able to preserve its history (especially those dating back on pre-historic times) through chants handed as the generations progressed. Nicknamed "Sandwich Island" by Captain James Cook, the same explorer who discovered most of the islands in Hawaiian archipelago, Molokai is approximately a little more than a million years old. This island was formed when the nearby volcanoes eroded. In turn, Molokai was divided into two: the Western part is where Maunaloa is situated, while on eastern side is where Kamakou is.
Aside from factual historical accounts of Molokai island and Maunaloa town, it is interesting to discuss the legends and myths related to this place. Though there's no way of actually knowing if these legends and myths are indeed true, they contribute to the colorful history of the place. Ancient inhabitants of Maunaloa are regarded for their supposed supra-natural powers and remarkable wisdom. Lanikaula, Molokai's great prophet, was recognized even by the foreign immigrants for his extraordinary prowess. In Maunaloa, some leaders and residents also practice sorcery. Legends have it that poisonwood gods, known as Kalaipahoa, dwell in the thick woods of Maunaloa. These supposedly account for the death of several birds who came in contact with the trees. Only a few residents believe in these enchanting tales but majority embraces the fact that snippets of legends and myths are what make a certain place attain richer culture and tradition. Great changes have already occurred in Molokai, including Maunaloa, in the course of history but residents can always look back and marvel at the lush history they have, both factual and mythological.
Maunaloa's Attractions
Through a vacation in the lovely quaint town of Maunaloa, tourists have the chance to finally materialize their dream of retreating to a somewhat private island doing nothing but adoring the wonders of nature. Naturally blessed with splendid beaches and parks, Maunaloa is utterly perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities and more. Even the indoor lovers will definitely agree that this place seems to be taken straight from a postcard or scene from a romantic film. Visiting this place is like falling in love for the first time -- it is always worth cherishing and relived. Indeed, one cannot help but flutter with sheer delight with a tour of alluring Maunaloa.
There may be other magnificent beaches in all of Hawaii but Maunaloa's Papohaku Beach is truly and captivatingly unique. In summer, this beach serves as an excellent setting for plain swimming and sunbathing as well as skinny dipping. With almost flat sand dunes juxtaposing this three-mile beach, tourists are guaranteed to have a memorable and fulfilling swimming experience. Aside from swimming, guests can also fish, snorkel, and parasail in the deeper areas of the beach. The more adventurous tourists can opt to hike and horse-backride in the nearby park. Then there's also the amusing Molokai Ranch Wildlife Safari where tourists learn more about the diverse flora and fauna in this part of Hawaii. From wild turkey to giraffe and elands, children and grown-ups alike will find the place every inch worthy of time and effort. Not too many miles from Maunaloa, guests can flock neighboring towns and villages that have all sorts of interesting merchandise, which reflects the vibrant spirit of Molokai island in one way or another.
Maunaloa's Economy
Residents of Molokai island, which houses the lovely Maunaloa town, mostly rely on farms and agricultural crops before the dawn of tourism industry. At present, there's a lot of employment opportunities for the residents. As a matter of fact, based on the 2000 official city data, Maunaloa registered a low unemployment rate of 2.70%, almost fifty times lower than the national rate across the United States. In contrast, current job growth is healthy is 3.61% and economists believe that this figure will not only double but balloon to 17.91% in the near future.
Sales taxes in this side of Molokai, 4%, is two percentage points lower than the national rate of 6%. Maunaloa's income tax is almost double the national rate with flat 10%. Meanwhile, this town needs to beef up its household income of $23,898 to catch up with the United States' $44,684. The per capita income of the town, pegged at $8,669, very much needs to be improved to reach or exceed the national figure of $24,020.
But despite the relatively low household income and per capita income, Maunaloa residents can count on the flourishing tourism industry to aid in the economic growth of the town. Results may not be readily seen overnight but there are signs that tell this town has a promising future. Currently, Maunaloa has a booming arts and crafts shops, lodges, and resorts and restaurants geared at attracting or accommodating guests from every continent. Competition's stiff but the town residents are confident that they are getting their fair share of tourists. After all, who can possible resist the enchanting and rustic appeal of Maunaloa?
Maunaloa Statistics:
Population: 230Households: 65
Median resident age: 21.8 years
Median household income: $22,232
Median house value: $107,500
Land area: 0.2 square miles
Elevation: 1010 feet
Latitude: 21°8'N
Longitude: 157°12'W
Zip code: 96770
County: Maui
