Today’s post is sponsored by TourMaui.com.
If you ask someone what to do in Maui they will tell you to do: the road to Hana, a luau in Old Lahaina, sunset at Black Rock, and a Haleakala tour. Most people will do the Haleakala sunrise tour, which involves getting up at 2am to get to the summit before sunrise.
One of the drawbacks to the sunrise tour is how popular it has become, at one point attracting over 1,000 people a day. This popularity created traffic jams, overflowing parking lots, and unsafe conditions. To solve this challenge, they have implemented a reservation system, which opens up to two months in advance and closes after the 150 allocated parking spots have been reserved. So if you don’t plan ahead or book with one of the four companies permitted to guide sunrise tours, you are out of luck.
And don’t think that sunset is much better. It too has gotten quite popular now and you have the same challenges in reverse. Word is that they may be placing restrictions on sunset visitors too shortly.
The better choice if you want to see Haleakala National Park and Upcountry Maui is to take a daytime tour. Here are seven of the many reasons to take a Haleakala tour during the day!
7 Reasons to take a Haleakala Tour (during the day!)
1 – See more. Tours depart in the early morning (around 6:30-7:30 am) and occur in full daylight, ensuring you will see everything along the tour route.
2 – Smaller crowds. You can enjoy the beautiful surroundings without the large crowds, creating a more enjoyable experience and better photo opportunities.
3 – Guided tours. Get a guided tour of the Park Headquarters and learn the Hawaiian protocol for entering the “house of the sun.”
4 – Enjoy extra stops. You will visit places in and outside of the park that you won’t get on a sunset or sunrise tour, such as the Red Hill Observatory, which offers 360 degree views.
5 – See a different part of Maui than just tropical beaches. Upcountry features ranches, farms and forests, all with their own unique character. You will visit historic Maui towns, picture perfect flower farms, and other historic places.
6 – Visit Iao Valley. Learn why this area is an important historical and spiritual center for the Hawaiian people. You will also visit Paia and Kealia Pond for a truly Hawaiian experience.
7 – Picnic in upcountry. Enjoy an upcountry picnic with beautiful views served on real china with silverware, no boxed lunches.
Valley Isle Excursions is one of four companies permitted to guide tours into Haleakala National Park in 2018 and beyond. The tour starts with a Hawaiian continental breakfast at Maui Lani and includes a picnic lunch in the upcountry. Major stops & sights include (not limited to); Haleakala Visitor Center, Haleakala Summit, Red Hill Observatory, Iao Valley, Kealia Pond, a flower farm & cafe, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, Bailey House, Ka’ahumanu Church and Maui Lani.
Group tours are limited to 12 guests per guide and use custom cruiser vehicles with giant viewing windows, elevated seats, and extra leg room. All their Maui tours feature all you can drink non-alcoholic beverages, classic picnic lunches on china, stunning photo opportunities, professional guides, and clean and well-maintained bathroom stops.
Discounts are available when you book online.
Have you visited Haleakala?
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Note: Photos courtesy of TourMaui.com. This posted is sponsored by TourMaui.com, all opinions are my own.
Going next month! I am so excited, we have our sunrise pass but we plan on making a day of it at the park and getting in some hiking as well.
Good Morning Tamara!
What a great park! this was our first park to visit last October when we set out with our 4th grade pass and it still might be my favorite. Great piece on visiting during the day – we didn’t get to spend a lot of time hiking and exploring (we were there for sunrise) which left me always wanting to go back for more. And being Maui, who wouldn’t want to go back for more!
Thanks for the fun things to do for next time & Safe travels!
Carrick