EXPERIENCE MAUI’S HIGHEST POINT AT THE HALEAKALĀ SUMMIT
This guided tour is a great option for those who don’t want to begin their day in the early hours of the morning to view the sunrise on Haleakalā. However, starting later definitely doesn’t mean you will miss out on the majesty and breathtaking views that can be enjoyed from atop the summit. Haleakalā means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian, and when you arrive you may feel as though you could reach out and touch it.
Hawai’ian legend dictates that the demigod Maui stood on top of the volcano and lassoed the sun while it journeyed across the sky, which lengthened the day for the grateful people below.
This exciting and informative excursion begins with pick up in a 24 passenger minibus and a guided vehicle tour of Haleakalā National Park, where guests will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics from the exceptional NAI Certified Interpretive Guides. Topics covered on the drive up the mountain and throughout the tour include geology, ecology, Native Hawai’ian History, conservation, many others.
After leaving the national park, guests will be driven through Upcountry, and the North Shore which are home to four of Maui’s most unique and historically rich towns and areas including Kula, Makawao, Haiku, and Paia.
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$209 USD
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All Ages
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7-hour
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Maui, Hawai’i
Haleakalā Express Sunrise Tour Features
Haleakalā Summit and Crater
Haleakalā is impossible to miss as it towers over the island and is visible from just about any point. The summit sits at over 10,000 ft. and is the remnant of a volcano that collapsed in on itself thousands of years ago. Have no fear of a sudden eruption, as Haleakalā has since gone dormant, and will likely remain that way for the foreseeable future. The last time there was any sort of lava flow on Maui was in 1790, and it didn’t come from the crater but rather a region on the southwest side of the mountain near what is now La Perouse Bay. The distinctive scenery atop Haleakalā and the otherworldly feel of the interior of the crater is not something you will soon forget.
Kula
No tour of Upcountry Maui would be complete without visiting Kula, which is the closest town to Haleakala at 3,000 ft. in elevation. Kula means “open country” and definitely lives up to the name with sprawling grassy fields filled with cows and goats. This region has a rich history rooted in agriculture and ranching. Kula is heavily favored by permanent Maui residents as it is known for being more quiet with outstanding views and cooler temperatures.
Paia
A landmark of Maui’s North Shore is Paia, which is only 4 miles from Kahului. What was once a booming plantation town during the height of the sugar cane industry on Maui has now become a distinctly bohemian surf destination filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops and delicious restaurants. Ho’okipa, a popular surf spot located past Paia on Hana highway is known as the windsurfing capital of the world, and upon seeing the plethora of sails and kites that these surfers use to propel themselves across the water’s surface you will see why.
Ancient Hawai’i
As part of this tour, you will be able to peel back the layers of ancient Hawai’ian history, as well as the remarkable voyaging skills of the early Polynesians which spread their people and culture throughout the Pacific. Learn about cornerstone events in Hawai’i’s history from the first arrivals to the islands all the way to the Kamehameha dynasty which united the various factions that inhabited the Hawai’ian islands in the early 19th century.
Haleakalā Summit And Upcountry Maui Tour Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Price & Availability
- Included
- What to bring
- Restrictions
- Pick-up
- Cancellation
Highlights
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A guided vehicle tour in a 24 passenger minibus
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Be picked up from your hotel
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Access to Haleakalā National Park included
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Interpretive tour provided by two NAI Certified Guides
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Learn about Native plants and wildlife
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See multiple regions of Maui including Upcountry, and the North Shore
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See The Strange Terrain Of The Crater
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A Later Start Than Many Tours
Description
Not feeling the incredibly early start that many tours have? Not everyone is a morning person, let's be honest. Even if you are, sometimes there are other activities you want to do and things you want to see. That's why we have a later start than many other tours of Haleakalā and the surrounding area. Set out when you feel rested and ready, and journey with us to see one of the most beautiful and culturally important locations on Maui!
The tour begins with pick up via a 24 passenger minibus at your specified hotel, but you also have the option to drive to a pick up location if that is more convenient. The tour begins immediately as the two NAI Certified Guides on board will educate guests on a wide variety of subjects related to the tour, including but not limited to geology, ecology, Native Hawai’ian culture, and why Haleakalā plays such an important role in Maui’s unique ecosystem.
Entry fees into Haleakalā National Park are included as part of the tour, and upon arriving at the summit you will be able to stretch your legs and explore the magical landscape found nowhere else in the world. Dozens of unique species of plants and wildlife inhabit the crater and surrounding area, including the Silversword plant and Hawai’i’s state bird, the Nēnē goose. After loading back into the minibus, guests will be taken on a tour of Upcountry (Kula, Makawao, Haiku) and the North Shore (Paia). Return time to your original pick up location is expected to be between 3:00pm - 4:00pm.
Price & Availability
Haleakala National Park & Upcountry Tour From Maui Hotels
AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $209.00 |
ChildrenAges 0-12 yrs | $199.00 |
Included
- 24 passenger Mini-Bus
- Interpretive Tour provided by NAI Certified Guides
- Haleakalā National Park Tour – Haleakalā EcoTours is authorized by the National Park Service to provide tours and services
- Upcountry Tour – Makawao, Kula
- North Shore Tour – Pa’ia, Ho’okipa, Ha’iku
- Central Maui Tour – Kahului, Wailuku
- Hotel/Cruise Ship Transportation (optional)
- Breakfast in Paʻia Town at Paia Bay Coffee Co. Included
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes
- Layered Clothing – sweatshirt/jacket, Sweatpants/jeans, knit cap or hat
- Camera
- Day Pack – to store belongings in the vehicle
- Small snacks/water
Restrictions
- Understand and acknowledge the risks involved in such an activity and sign a risk acknowledgement form before participating
- All ages welcome. Child prices for those 12 years of age and younger.
- Be physically capable of enduring this activity which includes winding roads, high elevation, and exposure to cold temperatures.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
- Follow any rules and guidelines provided by our team. Guests who refuse to abide to rules will be denied services without a refund.
Pick-up
- Hotel or Cruise Ship pickup available. Pick-up and Check-in times Vary.
- Pickup dates and times are dependent on hotel location. Guests staying at West or Central Maui location – Monday and Thursday. Guests staying and a South or Central Maui Location – Tuesday and Friday. Pick up is approximately 1.5 hours prior to check-in.
- Check-in Times: Hotel or Cruise Ship pickup is available. Pick-up and Check-in times Vary.
- Return Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cancellation
All reservations are paid for in full at the time of booking. Cancelations within the last 72 hours prior to the activity date will not be issued any refund 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 1 week (7 days) prior to their scheduled activity date. If a cancelation for a group booking is made after the 7-day mark, there will be no refund 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 trip that is canceled prior to any services provided will result in first the option to reschedule. Guests may elect 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 prior to 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.