Hawaii hotspot
Hawaiian volcanoes are characterized by frequent rift eruptions, their large size (thousands of cubic kilometers in volume), and their rough, decentralized shape. Rift zones are a prominent feature on these volcanoes, and account for their seemingly random volcanic structure. The tallest mountain in the Hawaii chain, Mauna Kea, rises above mean sea level. Measured from its base on the seafloor, it is the world's tallest mountain, at ; Mount Everest rises above sea level. Hawaii is surrounded by a myriad of seamounts; however, they were found to be unconnected to the hotspot and its volcanism. Kīlauea has erupted continuously since 1983 through Puʻu ʻŌʻō, a minor volcanic cone, which has become an attraction for volcanologists and tourists alike.
Maui County, Hawaii
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (51.6%) is water. The islands that comprise Maui County correspond to the remnants of the ancient landmass of Maui Nui. The highest point in the county is the peak of Haleakalā at . Haleakala is a shield volcano located on the eastern side of the island of Maui.
As of the 2000 Census, there were 128,094 people, 43,507 households, and 29,889 families residing in the county. The population density was 110 people per square mile (43/km²). There were 56,377 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile (19/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 28.90% White, 1.40% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 33.01% Asian, 10.72% Pacific Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 22.24% from two or more races. 7.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.