The top attraction on Maui is Mt. Haleakala and a journey to see this astounding volcano is an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation experience
From the stunning Mars-like landscape of the summit crater atop Haleakala to the diversity of ecosystems on the volcano’s slopes, a visit to Haleakala National Park is always full of surprises. If you want to see Haleakala you have several different choices on what kind of volcano tour you would like to enjoy.
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Haleakala Volcano tours
You can fly above Haleakala in a helicopter, drive up the volcano in a car, take a narrated charter bus tour or ride down the volcano on a bicycle.
Hike
A hiking trail leads down through the crater atop Haleakala, and out the Kaupo Gap on a trail that goes all the way down to the coast. Backpackers may hike the first part of this 20-mile trail in one day and stay at cabins along the way, finishing the trek to the coast at Kipahulu and Hana on the following day.
Helicopter
From a helicopter tour over Haleakala you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the volcano including lush green valleys, hidden waterfalls, and huge cinder cones in remote areas on the Haleakala’s slopes. This is one of the most thrilling ways to see the volcano as the helicopter experience is exhilarating.
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Bike
If you take a bike tour of Haleakala you will enjoy riding more than 35 miles of easy downhill coasting. The slope is such that you will only need to pedal for less than one-quarter mile. This is also a great way to enjoy all of the flower farms including the beautifully blossoming proteas in the Upcountry region of Kula.
Bus
Charter bus sightseeing tours that visit Haleakala often stop in the majestic and culturally important Iao Valley and usually visit the historic whaling town of Lahaina.
Horseback or ATV
You can also go horseback riding on the slopes of Haleakala, a great way to see this scenic ranch country and enjoy views of Maui. If you are up for a motorized experience try an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tour on the slopes of Haleakala.
No matter which Haleakala Volcano tour you choose the views are spectacular. A highlight is seeing the volcano’s massive summit crater which has been likened to visiting Mars and is 10,000 feet above sea level.
One Haleakala touring option is to drive to the top of the volcano in the early morning to see the summit, and then drive partially back down again at mid-day to enjoy a horseback riding or ATV tour on the middle level slopes of Haleakala.
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Visitors Centers
Haleakala National Park is open 24 hours per day but the park’s Visitor Centers have daily operating hours. At the 7,000 foot level is the Park Headquarters Visitor Center which is open from 6:30 am to 3:45 pm. At the 9,740-foot level is the Haleakala Visitor Center which is open from 5:15 am to 3 pm.
Down along the coastal region of the park near Hana is the Kipahulu Visitor Center which is open from 9 am to 5 pm. This area is known as Oheo Gulch and is the site of numerous swimming pools in the stream which are often called Seven Sacred Pools, a technically incorrect name often perpetuated by Guide Books.
Haleakala tours that include these Visitor Centers allow visitors to see interesting natural history and cultural exhibits that provide knowledge about the area. An on duty naturalist is also available to answer visitors’ questions.