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Our most recommended Makawao Hiking

Maui: Haleakala and Ia'o Valley Tour

1. Maui: Haleakala and Ia'o Valley Tour

Take in the breathtaking sights and catch the highlights of upcountry Maui on this guided day tour.  Start your day with a journey to Haleakala National Park to see the famous dormant volcano Halekalalā, the “House of the Sun”.  This National Park showcases the best of Maui in its truest and most natural form. Covering 33,000 acres of volcanic wilderness, witness the unforgettable sweeping views from what seems to be the top of the world.  Discover native plants and wildlife including the rare silversword plant which only grows on the slopes of Haleakala. You will also have time to check out the Haleakalā Visitor Center’s educational exhibits. Explore the wonders of Iao Valley and gaze up at the towering Iao Needle, an marvelous outcropping of the mountain.

Maui: Sunrise Self-Guided Driving Tour

2. Maui: Sunrise Self-Guided Driving Tour

Travel across the island of Maui on an early morning driving tour you can enjoy at your own pace. Follow a GPS-enabled audio guide through quaint towns, the Makawao forest, and the Kula Botanical Garden. Take in the lush scenery and reach Haleakalā volcano to admire the sunrise from the summit. Download the app that will function as your personal guide and head out on your own vehicle to the town of Kahului. Head inland through the picturesque town of Pukalani and listen to an insightful introduction to Maui's historic cowboys, known as 'paniolos'. Learn about the island's rich culture as you become surrounded by the lush wilderness of the Makawao Forest Reserve, featuring some fantastic hiking and biking trails through the jungle. Pass a park full of friendly chickens before arriving at the Kula Botanical Garden. Pause your tour at any of these locations or head straight into Haleakalā National Park to catch the sunrise. Begin ascending the awe-inspiring volcano, rising over 29,000 feet from its base below the sea. Get acquainted with myths and legends about this natural landmark as you drive up. Find a couple of hiking trails with great mountaintop views, as well as two fantastic overlooks of the crater and surrounding landscape. Reach the Haleakalā Visitor Center and Red Hill, the highest point on the island. End your adventure with striking panoramic views from the top.

South Maui: Road to Hana Self-Guided Audio Tour

3. South Maui: Road to Hana Self-Guided Audio Tour

This bundle includes the following tours: Road to Hana Road to Hana Sunrise Road to Hana Beach Parks Road to Hana Western Coastline Start any of these tours by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Once downloaded, each tour will start on a different part of the island, which your GPS will guide you straight to. Your tour of the Road to Hana follows the 65-mile historic road past some of the most beautiful places in all of Hawaii. Along this route, you’ll find sparkling waterfalls, lush jungle vistas, stunning beaches, and so much more. Discover groves of rainbow eucalyptus, hike to the hidden gem of Twin Falls, and take a dip in Ching’s Pond, famous among the locals. Enjoy a picnic and ocean views at Waterfront Park next, before cruising on to the 173-foot Wailua Falls and the Instagram-famous Pipiwai Trail, featuring a lush bamboo forest unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You can begin this tour in Kahului and drive to Hana, or go in the opposite direction if it’s more convenient! Your Sunrise tour begins in Kahului. To catch the sunrise, make sure you start early! From there, you’ll drive inland and learn about Maui’s rich culture, including the history of Hawaii’s very own cowboys! Take a detour to the lush Makawao Forest Reserve or continue directly toward your sunrise destination. Before long, you’ll begin your ascent of Haleakalā, a towering volcano offering the best sunrise views. Hear about ancient legends and myths behind this volcano as you ascend, then arrive at Haleakalā National Park. In addition to some great hiking trails, this is where you’ll find Red Hill, the highest point on the island and one of the best places in the world to watch a sunrise. Just make sure you reserve a pass to enter the park before sunrise, as this is not included with the tour! Your tour of Maui’s Beaches also begins in Kahului. From there, you’ll head to Mai Poina Beach, where windsurfers take to the waves. Then there’s Kalepolepo Beach, which adds some fascinating history to its idyllic scenery. Picnic at Waipuilani Park, then try your hand at surfing at Cove Beach, which offers gentle surf that’s perfect for beginners! Kama’ole Beach offers dramatic rocky coastline for your Instagram story, while Wailea Beach and Palauea Beach are just plain fabulous beaches (though you might even spot some sea turtles here)! Finally, you’ll head to some famous lava fields for a different kind of fascinating scenery. Your bonus tour of the Western Coastline begins, once again, in Kahului. From here, you’ll drive out along the less-crowded west coast for a view of the island not many visitors get! Along the way, you’ll experience weird geological phenomena like the Nakalele Blowhole, explore the fascinating Kapalua Labyrinth, and check out a few underrated gems like the Ukumehame Beach Park! It’s the perfect way to wind down your trip to Maui with an escape from the everyday.

Maui: Luxury Private Full-Day Iao Valley/Upcountry Farm Tour

4. Maui: Luxury Private Full-Day Iao Valley/Upcountry Farm Tour

Discover the dense rainforest and rich history of the Iao Valley on a luxury private tour by SUV. This tour also includes visits to the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, waterfalls, and a tour of a local distillery. Start with pickup from your hotel and meet your guide for the day. Get your day off to the right start with a delicious breakfast before traveling into the Iao Valley, a region rich in local lore. Admire the scenic views all around you as your guide provides more insight into the area's history. First, stop at Ho'okipa and spot the turtles who can be seen lazing on the sand. Continue with a short hike to spectacular Waterfalls for a great photo opportunity. After a morning of exploring the beautiful scenery, visit the Paia Fish Market for a traditional lunch of Hawaiian cuisine. Next, visit the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery for a guided tour of the facilities. Learn how these high-quality spirits are made from local produce in a sustainable way, and taste some samples. Head to the charming village of Makawao, known as the hub of the upcountry region. Have a quick browse through the various local craft stores for souvenirs or gifts.

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