Oahu to Maui: Haleakala National Park, Iao Valley & Makawao

Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive island-hopping tour. Indulge on your vacation and leave the planning to us! Interisland roundtrip airfare from Oahu to Kahului, Maui, roundtrip transportation from the Kahului Airport (OGG) and a sightseeing land tour is included.

Experience Maui’s highlights 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  before stopping in Makawao town where you can browse unique shops and galleries. Known for its sunny weather and relaxed vibe, Makawao is the place to be. Make a brief stop at Kula Marketplace for one-of-a-kind gifts and a light snack. Explore Whalers Village, an oceanfront retail experience located along the shores of beautiful Kaanapali Beach before returning to Oahu.

Iao Valley
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 Hawai’i’s royalty.

Tour Highlights:

• Haleakala National Park is home to over 1,000 different species of plant life. During the 38-mile drive up the dormant volcano, you’ll see the magnificent Silversword plant, found nowhere else on earth, and pass ancient sacred locations, and breathtaking views from the safety and comfort of your mini coach.
• Haleakala was formed approximately 1 million years ago through the building of layers upon layers of flowing lava. It has been a sacred location for Polynesian people who settled on the island 400-650 A.D.
• Haleakala Visitor Center, at 9,740 feet elevation was constructed in 1936 and is a small stone structure on the edge of a cliff. 
• 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.
• ‘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. 

Details:

• Dress warmly (important) to be prepared for Haleakala where the temperature fluctuates and can be as low as around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
• All admission fees included.
• Comfortable 38-mile drive to the “The House of the Sun”, Haleakala.
• Breathtaking viewing at 9,740 ft elevation.
• Mini coach vehicles with excellent amenities.
• Remarkable views of Kula, Upcountry Maui, and environs during descent.
• Have lunch on your own in charming and historic Makawao town.
• 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. No refunds due to Haleakala due to inclement weather conditions impacting visibility. This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.