Haleakala & Upcountry

The most dramatic sightseeing tour of Maui's summit & scenic countryside

Rates

Private Guided Tour for up to 11 people - $1,335.00 for 1-4 people $175.00 per each additional guest

Duration

8 Hours

Minimum 8 years old

Explore Maui’s incredible diversity of landscapes and climates

Go on a little escapade to Maui’s green and lush “Upcountry,” where the air is crisper and cooler, and the views are to die for!

Pick up time: 8:00AM

We pick you up from your hotel or meet in Kahului at 8am. We highly recommend you meet us at Target in Kahului to maximize the time on tour. Otherwise, we offer free hotel pick-up for South side properties (Kihei, Wailea, Ma'alaea). Hotel pick-up available for West Side properties (Lahaina/Ka'anapali to Kapalua) for $295.

Highlights of the Haleakala & Iao Valley or Upcountry tour

We start the day by heading straight up to the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s 10,023 ft volcano, stopping at the visitor center on the way. It’s often quite chilly up there, between 20 and 40 degrees less than at the coastline, so don’t forget your hoodie and/or jacket!

We take our time at the summit to marvel at the amazing “moonscape,” and can stop at several lookout points to get different views of the “crater.” Maybe we come across a pair of resident Nene, the threatened native Hawaiian goose and official state bird.

If you feel like it, we can go for a short forest walk to find our colorful endemic birds—if you’re a true birder though, we recommend you book our dedicated Birding tour.

Iao Valley option We make our way down the mountain, and recommend a stop for a farm-to-table lunch at the famous Mill House, located at the Maui Tropical Plantation. During whale season, a great alternative is the Seascape Restaurant at Ma’alaea harbor, as you can do some whale watching while having lunch, and might catch a glimpse of the Mo’okiha O Pi’ilani, Maui’s very own and seaworthy replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe. Lunch location is up to you, so let us know if you have a preference!

In the afternoon, we make it to Iao Valley and spend some time ambling around the gardens to go admire the view, the famous Iao needle, maybe dip our toes in the cold fresh stream, and check out the cultural gardens at Kepaniwai park (there’s a cool mini bamboo forest photo app too!).

Upcountry option After we exit the National Park, we drive down into the Upcountry area and can enjoy lunch at the local favorite Kula Bistro (make sure you keep space for dessert!). For something more casual, we can head to the Ulupalakua ranch for a grilled burger, and you can cross the street to check out Maui’s only winery. Lunch location is up to you, so let us know if you have a preference!

In the afternoon, we can visit some of the lovely farms & gardens in the area:

• Kula Botanical Gardens (separate entry fee $10pp)
• Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm (separate entry fee $3pp)
• Kula Country Farms (seasonal themes: pumpkin patch, pick-your-own strawberries)
• Surfing Goat Dairy (guided visit and tastings available)
• Ocean Vodka farm (guided tour $15pp)
• Maui Chocolate and Coffee tours (2-hour guided tour, $59pp)

Of course, we can't visit every place, and some of the above require reservations, so please let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll craft an itinerary just for you!

We're back at our meeting point or your hotel around 4-4:30pm.

Remember it is YOUR private tour, so let us know how we can make this the perfect day for you!

This tour is ideal for couples and families, groups of friends, photo enthusiasts…