what do two islands, thousands of miles apart and with drastically different climates, have in common? in the heart of the pacific ocean, maui is a jewel of the hawaiian archipelago, most famous for its gorgeous beaches and tropical weather. on the other side of the globe, iceland lies on the edge of the atlantic ocean, where remarkable glaciers and black sand beaches shape the arctic landscape. 

despite their distinct differences, maui and iceland shockingly share many of nature’s similarities. from cascading waterfalls to stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes, both maui and iceland boast the beauty of nature. however, these elements are as similar as they are different, as the unique environments of each island shape how these landscapes physically manifest. as climate change continues to pose a threat to the very elements that make maui and iceland so special – from melting glaciers to rising sea levels – we must do our part to protect them.

the striking waterfalls in both maui and iceland draw visitors from all around the world. while less abundant in waterfalls than iceland, maui is most well known for the cascades lining the famous hana highway. the road to hana boasts over 18 waterfalls in a 54 mile span, making it a popular tourist attraction. iceland, on the other hand, is home to over 10,000 waterfalls, including the popular gulfoss or “golden falls” waterfall located in the hvitá river canyon. the seljalandsfoss waterfall located atop the south coast allows visitors to walk behind the water, offering a unique experience and perspective. though the islands often contrast one another, both maui and iceland offer breathtaking waterfalls that showcase the beauty of nature.

maui’s coastline spanss 130 miles, and about 30 of those miles are beautiful stretches of beach. maui’s beaches are diversely beautiful, ranging from soft, white sand to black rock. the warm climate provides the perfect environment for water activities and these beaches are particularly popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. iceland’s rugged coastline is made up of many otherworldly black sand beaches defined by their unique beauty. diamond beach is one of iceland’s most renowned beaches,  the shimmering glaciers standing in stark contrast to the black sand on the shore. iceland’s arctic weather makes the beaches less ideal for water activities compared to those of maui, but their distinct beauty still makes them a popular destination among visitors. 

about 75% of the island of maui is formed of the haleakala volcano, with mauna kahalawai making up the remaining 25%. currently, haleakala is the only active volcano in maui, and it has erupted at least 10 times over the past 1,000 years. iceland has many more active volcano systems; its 30+ active systems makes it one of the most volcanically active places in the world. iceland’s unique location, situated on the mid atlantic ridge in the north atlantic ocean, where the eurasian and north american tectonic plates are constantly pulling apart, makes it prone to more volcanic activity. 

despite their geographical differences, stunning volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches shape the environments of both maui and iceland, which are both becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. these islands are both facing urgent environmental challenges. maui’s renowned beaches are being threatened by rising sea levels and temperatures across the globe which impact ecosystems that are vital to island functions. these rising temperatures are also playing a role in melting the iconic glaciers that shape iceland’s landscape. furthermore, these unprecedented geological conditions may very well impact the eruption rates of active volcanoes, which could be detrimental to both islands.

we must act now to help preserve the planet’s natural wonders for future generations. reducing our carbon footprint, using renewable energy sources, recycling, and conserving water are just a few simple ways we can take measures towards preventing climate change and protecting nature on an individual level. it is crucial that we all do our part in attempting to protect not only maui and iceland, but the planet in general. by making conscious choices to prevent climate change, even through seemingly-small individual actions, we can ensure that the beauty of nature still exists for those who come after us to enjoy.