Best of Maui Tour, Featuring Haleakala, ‘Iao Valley, and Country Towns
Embark on a captivating journey through essential Maui, where nature’s splendor, historic landmarks, and charming country towns await your discovery. Immerse yourself in the experience while we handle the driving for you in our deluxe touring vehicle. Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable local guide shares captivating Hawaiian history, legends, and insider tips, enriching your exploration. Chilled bottled water and local treats are included, offering a refreshing taste of Hawaii.
Begin your adventure at Haleakala National Park, where the daytime sun bathes the steep slopes in a golden glow, and endemic wildlife freely roams the breathtaking landscape. Witness the grace of Nene geese in their native habitat and unravel the mystery of the rare Silversword plant.
Descend through the Haleakala Visitor Center Overlook Areas, offering stunning views of Kula and upcountry Maui. Stop for a curated lunch at Haliimaile General Store, to savor the flavors of Maui. Enjoy a tour at Haliimaile Distillery.*
Descend through the Haleakala Visitor Center Overlook Areas, offering stunning views of Kula and upcountry Maui. Browse charming stores and soak in the ambiance of the former paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town.
As you leisurely stroll past a meandering stream, immerse yourself in a forest bursting with native Hawaiian plant life. Look up to behold the iconic Iao Needle, a natural outcropping draped in emerald green vegetation, soaring 1,200 feet over the historic Iao Valley – once a sacred burial ground for Hawaii’s royalty.
*NOTE: Guests under 21 must wait outside during tastings (15–20 minutes), and a valid photo ID is required.
Tour Highlights:
- Haleakala National Park is home to over 1,000 different species of plant life. During the 38-mile drive up the dormant volcano, you’ll see the magnificent Silversword plant, found nowhere else on earth, and pass ancient sacred locations, and breathtaking views from the safety and comfort of your mini coach.
- Haleakala was formed approximately 1 million years ago through the building of layers upon layers of flowing lava. It has been a sacred location for Polynesian people who settled on the island 400-650 A.D.
- Haleakala Visitor Center, at 9,740 feet elevation was constructed in 1936 and is a small stone structure on the edge of a cliff.
- Experience Climate and Topographical Changes as you gently glide through the varying elevations. Keep an eye out for the rare Nene Goose.
- Views of Kula come into focus when approaching the open country slopes of the district meet agricultural land in this rustic region, home to early Portuguese and Chinese immigrant plantation workers.
- Iao Valley, a dense rainforest and ancient battleground, it was a burial site for ancient Hawaiian royalty. The iconic, greenery covered Iao Needle towers 1,200 feet above the valley floor.
Details
- Dress warmly (important) to be prepared for the Haleakala summit area where the temperature can be as low as around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- All admission fees included.
- Comfortable 38-mile drive to the “The House of the Sun”, Haleakala.
- Breathtaking viewing at 9,740 ft elevation as you view the dawn of a new day from the top of the world.
- Minibus tour vehicles with excellent amenities.
- Remarkable views of Kula, Upcountry Maui, and environs during descent.
- Drive through charming and historic Wailuku Town.
Schedule:
- Availability: Wednesday
- Tour Time: 6:00 AM
- Duration: 11 Hours 30 Minutes
Recommendations:
- Dress warmly for your Haleakala Tour as temperatures fluctuate.
Requirements/Restrictions:
- This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.
- Kindly note that this tour is not recommended for guests with heart or respiratory conditions that may be exacerbated due to high altitude.
- People who have gone scuba diving should wait 72 hours before and after going on this tour.
- No refunds due to Haleakala due to inclement weather conditions impacting visibility.
- Guests under 21 must wait outside during tastings at the Haliimaile Distillery (15–20 minutes), and a valid photo ID is required.
Location:
- Hotel pick-up is provided from major Maui hotels. We are not permitted to pick up in residential areas or at B&B’s. Enter the name of your hotel at the time of reservation.
- Through October 8, 2023, all pickups from hotels and lodging in the West Maui area will be consolidated to the centrally located Kahului Safeway on Hookele Street. Temporarily consolidating pickups will allow the West Maui community the time they need to heal and rebuild.
Special Notes:
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time and allow a 5-minute window for your driver to arrive.
- If you require any special accommodations due to disability, please include them under the special requirements at the time of booking. 48 hours notice required prior to the date and time of service.
