For more details on this unique family, click on names in the caption under the photo.

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 729 square miles. The gay population is second only to that on Oahu. The biggest concentration of our community is in the Kihei area of South Maui, although we're everywhere on the island!

People tend to socialize in their own "family" in private homes, informal groups or have an excursion to the beach. Dinner parties are the norm on Maui where friends and family come together to share food, fun and, of course, a nice bottle of wine along with great conversations.

Although the local community is typically low-key, there are fundraisers and social events happening often, and visitors are always welcome.

Sometimes dinners are planned weeks in advance while other times, they are spur of the moment. It is very much like a family affair with our Maui 'ohana. Sometimes the gatherings are simple, but often they can get quite large and turn into a major party.

One thing is always for sure, there will be lots of laughter, many conversations on various topics of interest and lots of fun for all.

Equality Hawaii Foundation contacted a few people on Maui about setting up a group 'ohana photograph to expand the reach of Hawaii Family Portraits beyond just Oahu.

The call went out and the photo shoot actually turned into a group brunch with 17 people at The Pineapple Inn in South Maui; the home of Mark Warner and Steve Muth. Mahalo, gentlemen, for sharing your home with us. Thanks to everyone that brought food and drink to make the event a festive affair. We even decided having regular brunches on a Saturday morning was great fun.

Both Sides Now, a local non-profit volunteer organization, does a nice job of keeping the Maui community informed on upcoming events that often benefit local charities. BSN sponsors three gay whale watch events each year where we go searching for gay whales and, of course, the annual Priscilla snorkel trip is always a festive event on Maui each summer. The day this photo was taken was the same day as Priscilla in August 2010. It was quite the day for some of us in the photo.

The island community on Maui is very accepting of all lifestyles. There are many restaurants, businesses and tour companies that value the gay community and welcome their participation. While we have a few places on the island that have demonstrated a lack of respect for the community, most all places on Maui are welcoming.

The interesting part for many LGBT 'ohana is there is a wide diversity within the community. Many heterosexual couples and singles find themselves quite at home with the gay crowd and the reverse is just as true.

The group pictured includes a chef, realtors, hoteliers, a baker, a house keeper, performers, gardeners, an AV engineer, a hair stylist, a librarian, a doctor, a minister, photographers, small business owners and we could never forget Indy ... Mark and Steve’s puppy.

At the end of the day, we all cherish our friendship together. We have total respect for each other and have the confidence in each other that if someone needs us, we are there. We celebrate our diversity and welcome with open arms any and all. •