When you first arrive on the island, you are likely to find yourself in Kahului, Maui's commercial center located in Central Maui. Kahului is also known as "Dream City", the first planned city of the islands which was designed with many affordably-priced homes. Despite its name, Kahului is largely residential and industrial, so visitors might consider making their way over to the Central Maui city of Wailuku after getting themselves situated. Wailuku has a vibrant downtown shopping area with a variety of quirky shops and eateries. Visitors to Central Maui might also enjoy participating in eco-tourism with the Pacific Whale Foundation or Aqua Adventures. To get a great feel for the history of Maui and Hawaii itself, stop by the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku. The Bailey House is built on the site of the home of the last ruling chief of Maui and specializes in displaying examples of 19th Century Hawaiian culture, artwork, and furniture. Most guides suggest that one doesn't need to spend more than a day or so in Central Maui to see the sights and Wailuku provides an excellent gateway to Iao Valley.
The natural beauty of Iao Valley provides a much needed relief from the bleak volcanic landscapes and the pace of city life. At Iao Valley State Park the most stunning sight to see is the Iao Needle, a 1200-foot high tower of lava that has been completely overgrown with lush vegetation. This valley was the sight of a fierce and bloody battle by two warring factions of Hawaiians in 1790, with a resulting bloodshed so great that the littering bodies blocked the water ways in the valley and the site was renamed Kepaniwai, or "damming of the waters".
Prices:
Adult $103.12 | Child $64.53 (3-11yrs)
Pick-up Info: Pick-up provided from Maui hotels except Hana
Enter the name of your hotel at time of reservation. Phone our Maui office at 808-877-4242, 24 hours prior to tour to reconfirm your pick-up time and place. We are not permitted to pick up in residential areas or at B&B's.
Highlights
- Travel through Upcountry Maui Kula District
- Visit Haleakala National Park (admission included)
- See unique plants and rare birds such as the Nene goose
- Capture the vista from Pu'u Ula'ula Overlook
- Haleakala Visitor Center
- View the town of Wailuku
- Ka'ahumanu Church
- Iao Valley State Park and `Iao Needle
Departure times and Return: - 7:00-7:10am: Kapalua - Napili area
- 7:05-7:15am: Kahana area
- 7:05-7:15am: Honokowai area
- 7:05-7:15am: Makena area
- 7:15-7:25am: Kaanapali area
- 7:15-7:25am: Wailea area
- 7:25-8:00am: Lahaina area
- 7:45-8:00am: Maalaea area
- 3:30-4:30pm: Return approx
Child Age: 3-11 years old
Address: 273 Dairy Rd, Kahului, HI 96732
