Haleakala & Upcountry Tour: A Scenic Exploration of Maui’s Summit and Countryside
Duration:
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Tour Length: 8 hours
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Minimum Age: 8 years old
Pick-Up Time:
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Start Time: 8:00 AM
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Pick-Up Locations: Free hotel pick-up is available for South Side properties (Kihei, Wailea, Ma’alaea), and for West Side properties (Lahaina/Ka’anapali to Kapalua) for $295. We recommend meeting us at Target in Kahului to maximize your time on the tour.
Explore Maui’s Diverse Landscapes:
Venture into the lush, green Upcountry Maui, where the air is cooler, the views are spectacular, and the island’s diverse ecosystems come to life. This tour offers an unforgettable mix of dramatic volcanic landscapes, rolling countryside, and hidden gems throughout Maui.
Tour Highlights:
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Summit of Haleakala:
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Your journey begins with a scenic drive up to the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s towering 10,023 ft volcano. We’ll stop at the visitor center for an introduction to the volcano’s history and geology. Be prepared for cooler temperatures at the summit (20-40 degrees colder than the coastline), so don’t forget to bring a hoodie or jacket.
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At the summit, you’ll be amazed by the moonscape and the stunning views of the crater. We’ll make stops at various lookout points for different perspectives of this awe-inspiring landscape. Keep an eye out for a pair of Nene, the Hawaiian goose and state bird.
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Short Forest Walk:
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If you’re interested in birdwatching, we can take a short walk through the forest to spot colorful endemic birds. For avid birders, we recommend booking our dedicated Birding tour for a more in-depth experience.
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Lunch Stop (Choose Your Own):
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After descending from Haleakala, we suggest stopping for a delicious farm-to-table lunch at The Mill House at the Maui Tropical Plantation. During whale season, consider having lunch at the Seascape Restaurant at Ma’alaea Harbor, where you can watch whales while dining.
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Lunch location is flexible, so feel free to let us know your preference!
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Iao Valley Option:
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In the afternoon, we’ll head to Iao Valley, where we’ll visit the famous Iao Needle and explore the beautiful gardens. You’ll have time to admire the lush scenery, dip your toes in the cool stream, and explore the cultural gardens at Kepaniwai Park, home to a mini bamboo forest perfect for photos.
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Upcountry Option:
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For a change of pace, we can drive through Upcountry Maui, a serene and scenic area known for its cool climate and breathtaking views. We’ll stop at Kula Bistro for a delightful lunch, or for a more casual experience, we can head to the Ulupalakua Ranch for a grilled burger and visit Maui’s only winery across the street.
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After lunch, we’ll explore the local farms and gardens in the Upcountry area. Some options include:
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Kula Botanical Gardens ($10 per person)
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Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm ($3 per person)
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Kula Country Farms (seasonal activities like a pumpkin patch and strawberry picking)
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Surfing Goat Dairy (guided visits and tastings available)
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Ocean Vodka Farm (guided tour for $15 per person)
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Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours (2-hour guided tour for $59 per person)
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Note: Some locations require reservations, so please let us know which places you’re interested in, and we’ll create a custom itinerary just for you.
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Customizable Experience:
This is your private tour, so let us know how we can make the day special for you! Whether you’re a couple, family, group of friends, or photography enthusiast, we’re here to create the perfect experience based on your preferences.
Ideal for:
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Couples and families
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Groups of friends
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Photo enthusiasts
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Nature lovers
Embark on this unique journey through Maui’s volcanic summit and serene Upcountry, and experience the island’s natural beauty in a way that’s perfect for you!