Maui Volcano Quest: Epic Hiking from Kahului to Haleakala
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape, able to handle sustained steep climbs and long hiking hours.
Overview
Join Holo Holo Maui Tours for an epic 8-hour hike from Kahului to Haleakala Crater. Explore ancient trails, rare plants, and Maui’s rich culture while taking in breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
Maui Volcano Quest
Price Per Person • 8 hours Excursion • All ages • To the Summit!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour journey from sea level to the breathtaking Haleakala Crater, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. Experience diverse landscapes, explore ancient trails, and marvel at rare plants. Enjoy a stroll through a cloud forest, discover Maui's rich cultural history, and savor local flavors at the Kahului Food Truck Park.
DEPARTURE & DURATION
Morning departure 8am Duration is approximately 8 hours
About:
- Start at sea level, then traverse through a variety of terrain including sugar cane fields, rolling countryside, green pastureland and old lava fields
- Arrive at Haleakala Crater – approximately 10,000 feet above the ocean!
- Peruse the Haleakala Visitor Center which showcases cultural & natural history exhibits, books and maps
- Walk the Pa Ka’oao Trail (.4 mile round-trip, 20-minute trail) to observe ancient rock walls, shelters and an outstanding crater view
- Drive to Pu’u’ula’ula where we explore the summit (15-minute walk) and examine the highly endangered, endemic Silversword plant
- Gaze at the horizon, revealing the outer lying islands of Lana’i, Kaho’olawe and Hawai’i (Big Island)
- Enjoy a light refreshment of fresh pineapple & banana bread
- Take a stroll through a cloud forest featuring a hundred-year-old grove of cedar, pine, spruce & eucalyptus (.5 mile, 30-minute trail)
- Study flora, fauna and the effects of invasive species
- Watch for native birds and listen to their calls
- Descend the mountain and delight in a leisurely luncheon at the Kahului Food Truck Park (lunch not included)
- Drive into 'Iao Valley - the sunken caldera of our western volcano
- View a 2,200-foot natural basalt tower used as a watchtower in times of war
- Explore a path that features Maui's largest stream, flora & fauna, lookouts and native Hawaiian agricultural system
- Visit a cultural garden created in tribute to the ethnicities that arrived to pioneer the plantation
Adventure Tips
Prepare for altitude changes
Bring layers as temperatures vary drastically between sea level and the crater summit.
Stay hydrated throughout the hike
Carry enough water to prevent dehydration, especially when hiking at higher elevations.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails include rocky and uneven volcanic terrain requiring supportive footwear.
Protect yourself from sun exposure
Use sunscreen and a hat as UV rays intensify at higher altitudes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nene goose (Hawaiian goose)
- Hawaiian honeycreepers
History
Haleakala is sacred in Hawaiian culture and was historically used as a site for spiritual ceremonies and navigation.
Conservation
Efforts focus on protecting native flora and fauna, with strict guidelines to minimize human impact on this fragile volcanic ecosystem.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kahului
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Allows you to adjust to temperature changes from sea level to high elevation.
Hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated during long stretches without water sources.
Sun protection kit
Includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against strong UV rays.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides ankle support and grip on volcanic and rocky terrain.