Haleakala Crater on Maui presents a spectacular array of colors and shapes as the sun rises up the dormant volcano: a must do experience.
One of Maui’s most popular attractions is a trip up and down its famous, dormant Haleakala Volcano. As many as two million visitors a year experience the 27-mile trek, which features an informative van tour from the quaint, ocean-side town of Paia up the 10,023-foot mountain and a spectacular bike ride back.
There are a number of tour companies offering the most popular sunrise and day tours. The early sessions start with pickups before 4 a.m. to ensure you can greet the sun as it climbs up over the mountain, creating a spectacular array of colors and shapes along the volcano and its 7-mile crater. The day tour, which starts later in the morning, includes everything the early birds receive, except the sunrise itself; still an amazing experience you will long remember.
This is what’s called “Upcountry Maui,” a beautiful part of the Island that you will learn about on the ride up the mountain. Your guide will provide an interesting narrative going through the area’s history, Hawaiian culture, geography, and unique animal and plant life. You’ll also get some helpful hints for your later descent and your guide will point out various shops and restaurants you may want to visit on your way back.
You can get down the mountain on your bike in about an hour and a half, if you push it, but most visitors take their time and leisurely explore their magnificent surroundings, breathtaking views, and incredible scenery. You can’t get lost and the slope of about a 5 percent grade with switchbacks allows for a comfortable, downhill speed.
If biking is a bit too much, but you would still like to take in stunning Haleakala and its majestic ocean and mountain backdrops, van-only tours are available that cover all of the elements of the two-wheel excursions. In other words, you get the same bike tours without the bike.
Once you have come down the mountain, you will want to do a little sightseeing, beaching, gallery hunting, shopping or dining at some great restaurants in Paia. This charming town is the perfect end to a terrific day.
The Activities Center at the Royal Lahaina Resort can make all of the arrangements for this grand Maui experience that takes you to the top of the world.