A GUIDED VEHICLE TOUR FEATURING THE SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA
The island of Maui has no shortage of breathtaking scenery, but one site that is sure to make your jaw drop is the sunrise from atop Haleakala. The peak of Haleakala is over 10,000 ft. above sea level, and gives you an expansive view of the entire island. While the journey does start very early in the morning, the guided experience and transportation offered is second to none.
The sunrise is definitely the focal point, but this guided vehicle tour will also allow you to experience the charm and natural beauty of Upcountry, the North Shore and Central Maui. The tour starts from the moment you step onto the bus, and the interpretive guides who will accompany you throughout the morning begin to explore topics such as geology, ecology and Native Hawaiian Culture.
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$219 USD
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4 yrs+
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9-hour
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Maui, Hawaii
Haleakala Classic Van Excursion Features
Haleakala Summit and Crater
No where else can you climb from sea level to 10,000 ft. in under 2 hours, and enjoy the breathtaking island of Maui from a birds eye view. The main event of this early morning tour is watching the sun emerge from behind the clouds and bathe the mountain in golden sunlight. After the sun has risen, you may feel as though you have been transported to Mars as you will be able to more clearly see the interior of the crater which is 7 miles long, 2 miles wide, and 21 miles in circumference. Though it is now dormant, upon seeing the massive crater you might be able to imagine the collapse of this ancient volcano.
Haleakala is home to hundreds of rare and endangered plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world, including the strange and beautiful Silversword plant as well as the Hawaiian Nene goose. Your guides will be able to give you insight into these unique species and what is being done to protect them and conserve their environment.
Kula
The Upcountry portion of this guided vehicle tour will begin first in Kula, which is the closest town to Haleakala at 3,000 ft. with a rich history of agriculture and ranching. Kula means “open country” and upon driving through this region you will see why. The rich volcanic soil, consistent rainfall, and wide grassy fields make this the ideal region for all kinds of farming activities and gardening. Kula is known as being more quiet, with outstanding views and cooler temperatures than the rest of the island.
Makawao
Makawao is a beautiful and charming little town with a thriving arts community that will give a taste of what life was like as a Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). The horseback riding Paniolo were a regular sight in Makawao for much of the 19th century as this area was extremely well suited to cattle ranching. Their legacy lives on in the architecture and overall feel of Makawao, which has a bustling town center filled with dozens of art galleries, shops and celebrated local eateries.
Paia
Paia has gained a reputation as being a sleepy beach town on Maui’s North Shore known for surfing. Though the surf culture is still alive and well in Paia, it is now a busy intersection of great local food, charming retail shops, and art galleries. What most tourists experience of Paia is driving through on their way to Hana, and maybe stopping for gas or a quick bite to eat, but this town has so much to offer with a colorful, and distinctly bohemian facade.
Haiku
Like the other towns in this region of Maui, agriculture played a big role in the development of Haiku. What was once a pineapple cannery in Haiku’s town center has now become a hub for restaurants, food trucks, and local small businesses. Haiku was also the home of the Fourth Division Marines during WWII. With abundant rainfall, Haiku is known for being much more lush and green than other parts of Upcountry.
Haleakala Classic Van Excursion Details
Highlights
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A guided vehicle tour in a 24 passenger mini-bus
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Be picked up from your hotel
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Sunrise tickets and access to Haleakala National Park included
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Interpretive tour provided by two NAI Certified Guides
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Explore Haleakala Crater and learn about Native plants and wildlife
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See multiple regions of Maui including Upcountry, the North Shore, and Central Maui.
Description
The tour will begin with a pick-up via 24 passenger minibus from your hotel or specified pick-up location in the early hours of the morning. Pick-up times will vary depending on the season and when the sunrise at Haleakala will occur. From there, you will be driven to the summit of Haleakala, all while being educated by two NAI Certified Guides who will give you important insight on geology, ecology, and the historical significance of Haleakala to the Native Hawaiian people.
Entry into Haleakala National Park is included as part of this tour. Upon arriving at the summit, you will be able to exit the vehicle and enjoy the majestic sunrise at 10,000 ft. as well as explore the surrounding area and find out more about native plants such as the elegant Silversword plant and wildlife such as Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene goose from your tour guides. After leaving the park, you will be driven through multiple regions of Maui that all have their own unique microclimate and characteristics. Those areas include Upcountry, (Kula, Makawao, Haiku) Maui’s North Shore, (Paia, Ho’okipa) and Central Maui, (Kahului, Wailuku).
Return time to your original pickup location is between 11:00 - 12:00 pm.
Price & Availability
Haleakala Sunrise Van Tour From Maui Hotels
AdultAge 12 yrs+ | $219.00 |
ChildAge 4-12 yrs | $193.00 |
Food & Drinks
A breakfast meal is included in this tour in Paia. You will be able to choose from a variety of menu items including eggs, french toast, wraps, bagels, acai bowls and waffles for the kids.
Instructions
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be some rocky terrain and walking involved while viewing the sunset at Haleakala.
- Bring water and any snacks you may need, as there are no options to purchase food inside of Haleakala National Park.
- Bring a camera
- Dress warmly. Though it may be warm where you are staying, the weather at the summit of Haleakala is very cold and windy.
Cancellation
All reservations are paid for in full at the time of booking. Cancelations within the last 72 hours before the activity date will not be refunded and will be charged 100% for the activity. No Refunds will be issued to "No Shows." Cancelations due to medical reasons can result in a refund if a doctor’s note is provided.
Groups of 10 or more must cancel at least one week (7 days) before their scheduled activity date. If a cancelation for a group booking is made after the 7-day mark, no refund will be issued.
Activities may be canceled for reasons including but not limited to inclement weather, road hazards, lack of participation, resource allocation, etc. In the event of a canceled activity, the following options will be available to the clients: A canceled trip before any services provided will first result in the option to reschedule. Guests may select a different day pending available or a different activity (charges may apply). Guests also have the option of taking a rain check for a future date.
Activities may be modified, shortened, or changed but are not limited to the reasons stated above. If the company does modify the activity, the price of the downgraded activity will still be applied, and the difference refunded. The company reserves the right to apply a service fee to recover any costs associated with the services provided.
Customers may decline to participate in their scheduled activity at any point and are encouraged to do so if they are not comfortable participating in the activity. Those who decline to participate due to the nature of the activity may request a refund if that request is made before services being offered. This formal request must be made by filling out the refund request form available at the check-in location. Refunds of any sort will be determined on a case-by-case basis by management.