Maui is an incredibly diverse island - biologically, culturally, and geographically. Being cut off from the mainland, there are loads of species endemic to Hawaii. Located in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii seems to be equal parts polynesian, chinese, australian, and mexican. There are also a huge amount of tourists and surfers from the mainland US. I spent the first two weeks here looking for an appartment or room-share. I can't believe how difficult it was! Between checking online everyday, the local papers, and asking everyone I met, the cheapest I found was a closet converted to a bedroom with share kitchen and bathroom for twice as much as a normal appartment anywhere else. But I am about two blocks from the beach and our research headquarters. Some friends and I woke up dark and
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