Overview

Best of Maui Tour, Featuring Haleakala, 'Iao Valley, and Country Towns

The Essential Maui Tour

Experience Maui’s highlights on this laid-back journey showcasing nature’s finery, historic landmarks, and charming country towns. Haleakala is truly magnificent in the daytime hours while bathed in sunlight which brings its steep slopes to center stage and when endemic wildlife freely roam the landscape. Leisurely observe Nene geese in their native habitat and discover the secret of the rare Silversword plant.

We’ll stop at Makawao town where you can browse unique shops and galleries. Known for its sunny weather and relaxed vibe, Makawao is the place to be. Make a brief stop at Kula Marketplace for one-of-a-kind gift shopping and a light snack.

After a short walk past a meandering stream through a forest full of native Hawaiian plants, gaze high above at the iconic Iao Needle – a natural outcropping jutting from the mountain side; covered in emerald green vegetation and towering 1,200 feet over Iao valley. The valley is rich in history as a former ancient burial site for Hawai’i’s royalty.

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.
• 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 going on this tour. No refunds due to Haleakala due to inclement weather conditions impacting visibility. This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.

Departure & Return Location

Hotel pick up is provided from Major Maui Hotels. Enter the name of your hotel at time of reservation. Phone our Reservations Department at 808-877-4242, 24 hours prior to tour to re-confirm your pick up time and place. We are not permitted to pick up in residential areas or at B&B’s.

Price Includes

• Round-Trip Transportation in Air-Conditioned Comfort
• Haleakala National Park Admission Included
• Expert, Live Narration
• Scenic 38-mile driving ascent of Haleakala
• Iao Valley State Park admission included

Tour Restrictions:
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 going on this tour. This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.

Cancellation Policy:
If the tour is canceled with more than 48 hours notice, the total amount is refunded. If the tour is canceled without 48 hours notice, full charges apply. No shows incur full charges. Claims for refunds must be made within 30 days of the date of service. Refunds or partial refunds for tours, activities, flights, or venues that are cancelled due to reasons outside of our control (weather, force majeure, etc.) as well as refunds for extenuating circumstances will not be honored.

Haleakala Authorized Concessioner
The National Park Service and the Department of the Interior authorize Polynesian Adventure Activities to serve the public in Haleakala National Park.

This service is operated by Polynesian Adventure Activities, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Prices are approved by the National Park Service. Please address comments to:

Superintendent
Haleakala National Park
PO Box 369
Makawao, HI 96768

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What to bring

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What to expect