MAUI VOLCANO QUEST
- Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
Enjoy an amazing day on the island of Maui exploring volcanoes. Check out two of the most recognizable features on the island, mighty Haleakalā and West Maui Mountains. Go inside the smaller, much older western range through 'Iao Valley in the morning and then head east in the afternoon, head up to 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā. Throughout the day you will learn about our amazing landscape, the volcanoes, history and local stories as you admire the varied scenery we pass through.
Exclusive Maui Volcano Exploration Tour Features
Haleakalā National Park
We make a lot of stops within Haleakala National Park. Our small group private tours can hike on a number of trails in the summit area. On this tour we will check out the very top of the mountain and walk down Sliding Sands a little ways to see some historic sites. On the way back down the mountain, we will stop in Hosmer Grove for a short circle trail that features scrubland, birds and a huge variety of trees.
The Legends of Haleakalā
Your trip to this incredible location becomes even more interesting once you hear some of the legends surrounding it.
Hale is the Hawaiian word for house, and ka lā means “the sun.” Thus, the mountain is called Haleakalā – House of the Sun. Your private guide will “talk story” about some of the amazing legends surrounding the volcano and its relationship to the people of old Hawai'i. One story is about the god Maui capturing and slowing the sun: Long ago, the sun dashed across the sky. There was hardly any time to prepare and cook food; even a prayer to the gods could not be finished before darkness fell. With his grandmother's help, Maui was able to snare the sun as it began its run across the sky. He then threatened the sun until it agreed to slow its journey. The resulting longer days helped the people to flourish.
Unique Plants and Otherworldly Scenes
Haleakalā National Park is home to an incredible array of plant life. With over 850 species, including more than 400 native species and 300 endemic to Hawaiʻi, this park is a botanical paradise. The park's remarkable plant diversity directly results from its diverse climates and elevations. The ethereal Silversword plant is Hawai'i's rarest plant. It is found only in the Haleakalā summit area and the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island. Even more fascinating is that each volcanic mountain has its unique type of Silversword. These plants only bloom once in their life cycle. If you are fortunate enough to see its exquisite blooms, you will be in an exclusive group, as this remarkable sight can take decades to unfold.
Exclusive Maui Volcano Exploration Tour Details
Elements
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Start Your Tour In Kahului
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Professional Certified Guides
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Multiple Parks and Trails
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Visit 'Iao Valley State Park
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Lunch Stop On Your Own
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Banana Bread and Drinks Included
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Look Out At The World From Over 10,000 Feet
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Explore The Pa Ka’oao Trail
Insight
The day starts with meeting your private guide in Kahului during the mid-morning hours to plan an 8-hour exploration of the volcanoes of Maui. Depending on the day, your guide will take you up into Haleakalā National Park to the summit area and hike a variety of trails at different elevations. Gaze out at the world from over 10,000 feet in the air, the entire island open for you to see.
After stopping for lunch outside the park, the tour continues down the mountain through historic Wailuku and into 'Iao Valley. In this place, an ancient volcano has eroded away to create an incredible valley filled with a rainforest. Learn more about volcanoes and the role they play both in the formation of the islands and in the cultural history of the people at all the stops throughout the day. Your guide will return you back to your vehicle in Kahului to conclude your tour. This tour can start at your hotel / condo in South or West Maui for extra charge (please let us know in advance).
Cost & Schedule
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 |
ChildAges 3-15 yrs | $359.00 |
InfantAges 0-2 yrs | FREE |
Program
- 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
Meals
- Banana Bread
- Tropical fruit
- Bottled water to drink
- Snacks
Guidance
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.
Booking
Any request for a refund prior to 72 hours is honored with a full cash refund. No refunds issued for any tours within the 72 hour period, prior to the start of your tour.