PRIVATE MAUI VOLCANO TOUR
This Maui tour starts at sea level and continues up to Haleakalā, “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian. This stunning sacred mountain, rising 10,023 feet above sea level, draws visitors worldwide. Leave the driving to us and discover Hawaiʻian 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 (royalty) 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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$748 USD
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All ages
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8-hour
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Kahului, Maui, Hawaiʻi
Maui Volcano Quest Tour Features
Haleakalā Crater
One of two volcanic mountains making up the island of Maui, Haleakalā is the most significant and popular vantage point in Upcountry Maui, offering a scenic perspective on the land below as it stretches away from this pinnacle point. Haleakalā’s crater formed over eons as the mountaintop eroded. A testament to nature's power and wonder, Haleakalā Crater offers many photography opportunities with its stunning panoramic views and unique flora and fauna.
Haleakalā Visitor Center
Learn about Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻians who inhabit it.
ʻĪao 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 Hawaiʻian 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 Volcano Quest Tour Details
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
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A Beautiful 8 Hour Journey
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We Will Make Stops Where You Can Buy A Delicious Lunch
Description
Come to see the surreal majesty of the volcanoes of Maui. Haleakalā is the most visited site on the island for very good reason. The strange colors and rock formations that were formed into the land by the immense volcanic power of the Earth make for a landscape so distinctive it has been compared to the surface of Mars. Tour this amazing location, seeing its rare and beautiful local plant species, and learn about the local area as you do.
The trip doesn't end with just Haleakalā either! We will take you to see Īao Valley State Monument, Kuka’emoku, and much much more. Visit a cloud forest and keep an eye out for the rare birds and other animals that make it their home! This tour is a great way to take in vast swaths of the island conveniently. Munch on some tasty banana bread, included with the tour of course, and take in the scenery of Maui today!
Itinerary
- 8:50 AM - Check-in Kahului
- 9:00 AM - Head up the Haleakalā Highway
- Enjoy views from the ranchlands
- Stop to browse the Visitor Center with its cultural and natural history exhibits
- Walk a portion of the Keonehe'ehe'e Trail to see ancient rock walls and an outstanding crater view
- Drive to Pu'u'ula'ula to explore the summit and examine native species
- Check out the Summit Observatory
- Enjoy light refreshments
- Stroll through a cloud forest featuring hundred-year-old cedar, pine, and eucalyptus groves
- Descend the mountain for lunch on your own at Kahului Food Truck Park
- Drive to Īao Valley to see our Western volcano
- View the Īao Needle - a 2,200-foot-tall natural basalt tower
- 5:00 PM - Return To Kahului
Price & Availability
8-Hour Private Haleakala & Iao Volcano Quest From Kahului
Private Tour with Convertible BroncoAges 16 yrs+ | $374.00 |
Private Tour with Transit VanAges 16 yrs+ | $374.00 |
ChildrenAges 3-15 yrs | $359.00 |
InfantsAges 0-2 yrs | FREE |
Food & Drink
Opportunity for a lunch at food trucks. We provide a snack of fresh pineapple and banana bread.
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
We honor a 100% refund for cancellations up to 72 hours prior to the activity date. We cannot refund reservations canceled within 72 hours.