Best of Maui, Lahaina, & Haleakala Tour
9 hours
Commentary: Guide · en
About this activity
See the best of central Maui on this scenic and informative guided day trip, with hotel pickup and drop-off. Your knowledgeable local guide will take you to the volcanic Haleakala crater, Iao Valley, the unique rocky pinnacle known as the Iao Needle and the historic town of Wailuku. You’ll catch glimpses Maui’s stunning landscape, learn about its agricultural history and explore otherworldly terrain at its parks on this experiential sightseeing tour.
Highlights
- Summit Haleakala Crater in a comfortable vehicle
- Learn lesser-known stories about local culture from your guide
- Makawao Town
- Wailuku Town
- Paia Town
Full description
Experience essential Maui on this laid-back journey showcasing nature’s finery, historic landmarks, and charming country towns. Haleakala is truly magnificent in the daytime hours; bathed in sunlight which brings its steep slopes to center stage and when endemic wildlife freely roams the landscape. Leisurely observe Nene geese in their native habitat and discover the secret of the rare Silversword plant.
After a short walk past a meandering stream through a forest full of native Hawaiian plants, gaze high above at the iconic Iao Needle – a natural outcropping jutting from the mountain side; covered in emerald green vegetation and towering 1,200 feet over Iao valley. The valley is rich in history as a former ancient burial site for Hawaii’s royalty.
End the day at historic Lahaina Town, a former whaling village and hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy lunch on your own at a shore front eatery and browse unique shops and art galleries. Known for its sunny weather and relaxed vibe, Lahaina is the place to be.
Your day trip begins with a pickup from your Maui hotel. Meet your guide and settle in to an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive upcountry to Haleakala National Park.
Covering 33,000 acres of rocky, volcanic wilderness, the park offers dramatic views. Summit the 10,023-foot (3,007-meter) dormant Haleakala volcano by vehicle while learning about its geological history, and local legends from your guide.
Stop for lunch (own expense) in historic Makawao town to refuel before your afternoon adventure.
Next head to Iao Valley State Park where Iao Needle rises 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor. Walk along a short trail to an overlook. Nearby, visit Kaahumanu Church, named after one of Hawaii's monarchs, Queen Kaahumanu.
Finally, journey through the city of Wailuku, county seat of Maui and home to historic buildings, the details of which your guide explains before you continue on past flower farms, pineapple fields, and sugar cane plantations.
Covering 33,000 acres of rocky, volcanic wilderness, the park offers dramatic views. Summit the 10,023-foot (3,007-meter) dormant Haleakala volcano by vehicle while learning about its geological history, and local legends from your guide.
Stop for lunch (own expense) in historic Makawao town to refuel before your afternoon adventure.
Next head to Iao Valley State Park where Iao Needle rises 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor. Walk along a short trail to an overlook. Nearby, visit Kaahumanu Church, named after one of Hawaii's monarchs, Queen Kaahumanu.
Finally, journey through the city of Wailuku, county seat of Maui and home to historic buildings, the details of which your guide explains before you continue on past flower farms, pineapple fields, and sugar cane plantations.
Included / Excluded
- Transportation by driver/guide in air-conditioned motorcoach or mini-coach
- Hotel pickup and drop off in major Maui hotels
- Local taxes
- Entry/Admission - Haleakala Crater
- Entry/Admission - Haleakalā National Park Headquarters Visitor Center
- Lunch is on your own. We stop at Casanova's in Makawao. Venue subject to change without notice.
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Start Location
2880 Kilihau Street, Honolulu, HI, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- You should receive confirmation of online reservations within two business days.
- Recommend to book as soon as you know the date you wish to reserve for.
Know before you go
- Phone our Reservations Department at 808-877-4242, 24 hours prior to tour to re-confirm your pick up time and place.
- Dress warmly for your Haleakala Tour as temperatures fluctuate.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Land Tours canceled with 24 or more hours notice are refunded in full less 10% processing fee. If the tour is canceled without 24 hours notice, full charges apply. No shows incur full charges. Claims for refunds must be made within thirty days of the date of service. There are no cancellations or refunds for Neighbor Island Day Trips.
Additional information
- Special Needs requests must be called in to the local supplier AT LEAST 1 week prior to tour date. All special needs requests are handled and accommodated on a situational basis.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on adult laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
- Dress warmly for your Haleakala Tour as temperatures fluctuate.
- People who have gone scuba diving should wait 72 hours before going on this tour.
- No refunds if sunset not visible due to inclement weather conditions.