Can We Customize The Tour?
Yes! All of our tours include suggested areas and itineraries. If you have something in mind that you do not see or wish to modify the bullet points listed, then please contact us. We are happy to assist!
PRIVATE IAO VALLEY TOUR
Iao Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful sight located in the West Maui Mountains of Hawaii. This 8,661-acre land is home to lush green valleys and thick kukui nut trees that have been preserved and protected by Maui Land & Pineapple Company, The Nature Conservancy and the State Natural Area Partnership.
With its deep valley carved out of volcanic rock, Iao Valley has long been considered a sacred place for Hawaiians who believe that it embodies peace, enlightenment, and protection. As you explore this area on our tour, you will be able to take in the untouched beauty of nature as well as gain insights into Hawaiian culture.
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5-hour
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Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
Private Excursion to Iao Valley Features
Historic Sacrificial Sites
Come explore the incredible history and beautiful views at this special spot in Maui! Our tour takes us to a luakini heiau, or sacrificial temple. From there we can gaze out over Kahului Bay, Wailuku Plain and Paukukalo Hawaiian Homestead while learning how two temples were said to have been built overnight using rocks from nearby beaches – an impressive feat indeed! As we journey through these ancient sites it’s believed that is was here where human sacrifices took place centuries ago as part of honoring royalty – all adding up for an unforgettable experience connecting you with Hawaii’s culture and mythology.
Explore the Beautiful Iao Valley
We will lead the way down to ‘Iao Valley, a deep valley made by streams that eroded away rocks formed from a volcanic eruption 320,000 years ago. The walls are covered in lush rainforest and receive an abundance of 386 inches of rainfall pouring into ʻĪao Stream each year – overflowing with tropical flowers and delicious guava fruit as far as your eyes can see.
As we continue our journey along this beautiful river, explore it further with time for swimming or wading in its healing waters before reaching one final destination – the iconic 1,200 foot basalt tower known colloquially as ‘The Needle’!
Cultural Heritage Gardens
Our journey ends at the majestic cultural heritage gardens, showcasing beautiful scale models of traditional homes, totems, and native Hawaiian plants! Here you’ll find a reflection of diverse cultures – from American missionaries to Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Filipino immigrants. These restored gardens have recently been expanded to include taro patches and examples of Hawaiian farming techniques. Once finished here explore the nearby Hawaiian Nature Center to see the museum and children’s education about Hawaii conservation and specific local flora and fauna!
Private Excursion to Iao Valley Details
Highlights
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Journey deep into a sunken volcanic caldera
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Marvel at the famed 2,250 foot tall ‘Iao Needle
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Enrich yourself at the Cultural Heritage Gardens
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Explore the Bailey House Museum
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Observe the Haleki’i Pihana Heiau – a sacrificial temple
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Conclude the day in historic Wailuku Town
Description
Take a journey through Maui's vibrant green valleys and explore its unique history, culture, and geography! On this tour, you will experience a glimpse of untouched beauty- thanks to the caring protection from The Nature Conservancy and the State Natural Area Partnership. Our journey takes us along ʻĪao River's lush slopes dotted with kukui nut trees - symbols of enlightenment, peace, and protection in Hawaii. It’s awe-inspiring 8861 acres are looked after by Maui Land & Pineapple Company so you can soak up this vibrant green paradise!
Visit the luakani heiau (sacrificial temple) with stunning views of the ʻĪao Stream, Kahului Bay, Wailuku Plain and Paukukalo Hawaiian Homestead. Then travel deep into Halemahina volcano where you'll find tropical flowers amongst her sunken caldera and spot 'Iao Needle - an impressive 1,200ft stone pillar used as watchtower in times of war. Next refresh yourself at Maui’s largest stream before finishing your day surrounded by traditional homes, gardens, and totems in Kepaniwai cultural heritage garden. Uncover what makes The Valley Isle so special!
Price & Availability
5-Hour Iao Valley Excursion From Kahului
| Guest | $189.00 |
| Infants | FREE |
Activity & Event Itinerary
- 'Iao Valley - drive into the sunken caldera of our western volcano
- ʻIao Needle - View the 2,200 foot natural basalt tower.
- 'Iao Walkway - Explore a path that features Maui's largest stream, flora & fauna, lookouts and native Hawaiian agricultural system
- Kepaniwai Gardens - Visit a cultural garden created in tribute to the ethnicities that arrived to pioneer the plantation
- Explore the Bailey House Museum – second largest cache of native Hawaiian artifacts in the State
- Observe the Haleki’i Pihana Heiau – a gathering place for the supernatural turned sacrificial temple in the 1400’s
- Conclude the day in historic Wailuku Town – Maui’s governmental seat rich with antiquity and a vibrant local vibe
Cancellation Policy
Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund.
No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.
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