BEST OF MAUI, HALEAKALA, & IAO VALLEY TOUR | POLYNESIAN ADVENTURE TOURS

• Lunch In Makawao Town
• Scenic 38-mile Driving Ascent Of Haleakala
• All Admission Fees Included

Best of Maui, Haleakala, & Iao Valley Tour

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.

Enjoy lunch on your own in Makawao town and browse unique shops and galleries. Known for its sunny weather and relaxed vibe, Makawao is the place to be.

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.

Tour Details

Depart: 6:00 AM    Return: 3:30 PM

• All admission fees included.
• Comfortable 38-mile drive to the “The House of the Sun”, Haleakala.
• Breathtaking sunrise viewing at 9,740 ft elevation as you view the dawn of a new day from the top of the world.
• Minibus tour vehicles with excellent amenities.
• Remarkable views of Kula, Upcountry Maui, and environs during descent.
• Drive through charming and historic Wailuku Town.

Tour Highlights

• Hotel pickup in a minibus with USB ports, video monitors, climate control, and the best windows for viewing Maui’s beauty.
• Dormant Volcano Haleakala will be the first stop. The world-famous volcano was formed approximately 1 million years ago through the building up of layers of flowing lava. It has been a sacred location for Polynesian people who settled on the island 400-650 A.D.
• Haleakala National Park is home to over 1,000 different species of plant life. During the 38-mile drive to the summit you will view the magnificent silver sword plant, found nowhere else on earth, and will pass ancient sacred locations, and breathtaking views from the safety and comfort of your vehicle.
• Haleakala Visitor Center, constructed in 1936, is a small stone structure on the edge of a cliff. Information, souvenirs, and more. You’ll want to spend some time with the welcoming staff pleased to share their insights.
• Experience Climate and Topographical Changes as you gently glide through the varying elevations. Keep an eye out for the rare Nene Goose.
• Views of Kula come into focus when approaching the open country slopes of the district meet agricultural land in this rustic region, home to early Portuguese and Chinese immigrant plantation workers.
• Wailuku Town sits at the base of the West Maui Volcano and is the county seat of Maui. In prehistoric Hawaii it was a power and population center, and later a plantation town.
• ‘Iao Valley, a dense rainforest and ancient battleground, it was a burial site for ancient Hawaiian royalty. The iconic, greenery covered ‘Iao Needle towers 1,200 feet above the valley floor. (Temporarily closed for construction. A stop will be made at Kula Marketplace.)
• Hotel return after your exciting day.

Know Before You Go

• Dress warmly (important) to be prepared for the Haleakala summit area where the temperature can be as low as around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear comfortable attire and shoes. Closed-toe shoes are recommended due to uneven walking surfaces. Wear Sunscreen, bring a camera and wallet.
• Kindly note that this tour is not recommended for guests with heart or respiratory conditions that may be exacerbated due to high altitude.
• People who have gone scuba diving should wait 72 hours before going on this tour.
• This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.