Which modern islands were formed from Maui Nui?

Maui Nui is a prehistoric Hawaiian island that eventually broke apart into four distinct modern islands. Today, these resulting landmasses form both a geographic cluster and a shared biogeographic region. They share striking similarities in their native plant and animal life despite their physical separation.

What we know

• Maui Nui is recognized both as a prehistoric Hawaiian island and as a corresponding modern biogeographic region. [1, 2]
• Maui Nui is composed of four modern islands: Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe. [2]
• The four modern islands retained similar plant and animal life long after the breakup of Maui Nui. [2]
• Administratively, the four modern islands comprise Maui County along with a tiny part of Molokaʻi called Kalawao County. [2]

Where to go next

• what caused itHow did ancient Maui Nui break apart into separate islands?
• what followedWhy do separated Hawaiian islands share similar plant and animal species?
• a case in pointHow do modern authorities divide Maui County administratively?
• whoWho was the historical supreme ruler of Maui?
• an unexpected connectionHow are invasive axis deer managed on modern Maui?

Sources

• [1]Maui Nui (Wikidata Q1911055) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Maui Nui · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Aliʻi nui of Maui · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Maui Nui Venison · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Māui · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

1. What causes explosive volcanic eruptions?
2. /What is the Henry's Fork Caldera and how did it form?
3. /Which modern islands were formed from Maui Nui?