PRIVATE MAUI VOLCANO TOUR
This Maui tour starts at sea level and continues up to Haleakalā, the Hawaiian word for “house of the sun.” This stunning sacred mountain, rising 10,023 feet above sea level, draws visitors worldwide. Leave the driving to us and discover Hawaiian culture and natural beauty—all sharing the slopes of this resplendent dormant volcano.
Your private volcano tour then moves on to the ‘Īao Valley State Monument, the sunken caldera of Maui’s western shield volcano, where you can view a 2,200-foot natural basalt tower used as a watchtower by Hawaiian warriors. Tradition denotes the ‘Īao Valley as an ali‘i burial site that houses the remains of the high chiefs, making the ‘Īao Valley State Monument another uniquely Hawaiian sacred spot.
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8-hour
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Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
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- Banana Bread & Drinks Included
Maui Volcanoes Quest Tour Features
Haleakalā Crater
One of two volcanic mountains making up the island of Maui, Haleakalā is the most significant popular scenic vantage point in Upcountry Maui. Haleakalā’s crater formed over eons as the mountaintop eroded. A testament to nature, Haleakala Crater offers many photography opportunities with its stunning panoramic views and unique flora and fauna.
Haleakalā Visitor Center
Learn about Hawaii and its people through the Haleakalā Visitor Center cultural and natural history exhibits. Enjoy the amenities and purchase books, maps, and posters available through the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Talk with naturalists who can answer your questions to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Maui, the volcanoes that formed it, and the native Hawaiians who inhabit it.
Īao Valley State Monument, Kuka’emoku (‘Īao Needle)
Kuka’emoku, a natural rock formation protruding from the valley’s floor, is a volcanic remnant. A green-covered basaltic pillar, the ‘Īao Needle stands at 2,250 feet above sea level, 1,200 feet from the valley floor. Known by native Hawaiians as Kuka’emoku, this phallic stone of Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the ocean, was traditionally used as a natural altar. The Pu’u Kukui Crater surrounds this magnificent pillar.
Used as a lookout in times of war, it was the site of a famous battle in 1790 when King Kamehameha continued to pursue unification and defeated the Maui army.
Maui Volcanoes Quest Tour Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Activity & Event Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Meals
- Special Instructions
- Cancellation Policy
Highlights
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Entrance into Haleakalā National Park
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Pu’u’ula’ula (Haleakalā summit)
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Haleakalā Visitor Center
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‘Īao Valley State Monument
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Kuka’emoku (‘Īao Needle basalt tower)
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Cloud Forest – 100-year-old grove of cedar, pine, spruce, and eucalyptus
Description
- Start at sea level, then traverse through a variety of terrain including sugar cane fields, rolling countryside, green pastureland and old lava fields
- Arrive at Haleakala Crater – approximately 10,000 feet above the ocean!
- Peruse the Haleakala Visitor Center which showcases cultural & natural history exhibits, books and maps
- Walk the Pa Ka’oao Trail (.4 mile round-trip, 20-minute trail) to observe ancient rock walls, shelters and an outstanding crater view
- Drive to Pu’u’ula’ula where we explore the summit (15-minute walk) and examine the highly endangered, endemic Silversword plant
- Gaze at the horizon, revealing the outer lying islands of Lana’i, Kaho’olawe and Hawai’i (Big Island)
- Enjoy a light refreshment of fresh pineapple & banana bread
- Take a stroll through a cloud forest featuring a hundred year old grove cedar, pine, spruce & eucalyptus (.5 mile, 30-minute trail)
- Study flora, fauna and the effects of invasive species
- Watch for native birds and listen to their calls
- Descend the mountain and delight in a leisurely luncheon at the Kahului Food Truck Park (lunch not included)
- Drive into 'Iao Valley - the sunken caldera of our western volcano
- View a 2,200 foot natural basalt tower used as a watchtower in times of war
- Explore a path that features Maui's largest stream, flora & fauna, lookouts and native Hawaiian agricultural system
- Visit a cultural garden created in tribute to the ethnicities that arrived to pioneer the plantation
Activity & Event Itinerary
Price & Availability
8-Hour Private Haleakala & Iao Volcano Quest From Kahului
AdultsAges 16 yrs+ | $374.00 |
InfantsAges 0-2 yrs | FREE |
Meals
Opportunity for a lunch at food trucks. We provide a snack of fresh pineapple and banana bread.
Special Instructions
Guests must be able to walk up to one mile on uneven terrain. The high altitude could cause breathing difficulties and complicate some health conditions, including heart and respiratory. If you suffer from either of these conditions, we require you to submit a doctor’s written clearance before joining the tour. Please let us know if you are pregnant, so we can better ensure your safety. We require visitors to inspect their footwear and remove dirt, seeds, and debris before entering the tour vehicle.
Cancellation Policy
We honor a 100% refund for cancellations up to 72 hours prior to the activity date. We cannot refund reservations canceled within 72 hours.