Guided Tours

This company offers guided tours through some beautiful Upcountry areas. Maui's Upcountry is cooler than the "desert side" and has a less tropical atmosphere. It is also extremely beautiful and well worth exploring. You'll see ocean cliffs, the Haleakala crater, waterfalls, freshwater pools and more. A swimming and picnic break takes place halfway through the ride. Rides start each morning. Only six riders are allowed on the trip, so reserve in advance. Each outing is more than 4 hours long and costs USD185 per person.

People from all over the world travel to Maui to see sights such as the waterfalls and pools of Hana, the Haleakala Crater and the West Maui Mountains. Usually they drive and sometimes they hike...but absolutely nothing allows sightseeing like these quiet, jet-powered, air-conditioned helicopters. This company has been in business for more than 25 years.

If you like to pedal your bike rather than riding the brakes all day, call this company. The tour begins with a leisurely outdoor breakfast at Kula's Rice Park, and then travels to the Haleakala Crater. Plenty of stops are made, including a visit to a large protea farm. Participants are directed to little backroads, rolling hills and other areas off the beaten path. The tour ends with lunch and wine tasting at Tedeschi winery. This is perfect for the cyclist who likes to stop and smell the flowers, literally. Call for pricing information.

If you have two left feet or an unreasonable fear of the ocean, do not worry about it; this surf and kayak company prides itself on "catering to the cowardly or uncoordinated." Located just across from Kihei Cove, the Big Kahuna store is perfectly located for visitors to South Maui. Several different kayaking adventure tours are available, and the company also specializes in surf lessons and scuba trips and operates a rental/retail store. Stop by or call for more information.

This is not your average snorkel cruise. It offers you the opportunity to see the Kanaio Coast and some of the most amazing natural scenery on the island. Lava arches, sea caves, turtles, dolphins and other undersea life are all a part of these half-day tours. The Kanaio tour visits pristine coves and bays, as well as volcanic formations and excellent snorkeling. Molokini tours steer clear of heavily touristed areas, seeking out pristine waters and unique views. Tours depart from the Kihei boat ramp. Tour packages include all equipment, drinks and lunch. Call for reservations and other details.

On clear mornings, participants in this downhill bike journey can enjoy a panoramic view from Oahu in the north to the Big Island of Hawaii in the south. The entire experience lasts six hours and goes for 38 miles. Along the way, you'll see lava flows, beautiful pastures and meadows, and great views of much of Central Maui. You have to be over 12 years of age, above 4 feet-10 inches, and not pregnant. This is not a trip for beginners. You can choose from sunrise, morning and mid-morning tours. Visit their website for discounts and packages.

If you're looking for a knowledgeable tour company with plenty of island spirit, contact this one. See the sun rise over Haleakala or take a half-day to tour Kahakuloa Valley. The Hana tour is a smart way to avoid driving the terrifying Hana Highway. The package includes continental breakfast and lunch. It hits all the major stops on the Hana Highway, including a black sand beach, lava flows, Upcountry Maui and more. Tours are offered daily. Call for more information.

Sail the deep blue seas off the coast of Maui on this sleek, luxurious 54-foot yacht. Three excursions are available daily, and private charters can be arranged. The yacht carries only six passengers, which means any trip is guaranteed to be fairly private. This cruise is perfect for whale watching, exploring Molokini or just enjoying a sunset.

Forget tour buses, walkabouts or boat charters. Forget about all the other tourists, too. This is just for you. Pick up a local guide; tell him or her where you want to go and what you want to see. Make sure one seat in your car is free. Let the guide do the rest. Whether you want a trek through overgrown Keanae or a day of beach-hopping on West Maui, these guides can show you all the best spots. They also take pictures at every conceivable photo op. It is a bit like having a local friend, except for the fact that you have to pay per car for an eight-hour tour. Check the website for Internet specials.

Haleakala ATV Tours will take you where no tour can: to the heart of Hawaii! Navigate the terrain within the scenic 30,000 acre Haleakala Ranch by exploring rolling hills and high mountain forests. These 350cc four-wheel drive quads are easily operated assuring a comfortable ride. As you tour the ranch, be sure to keep an eye peeled for the Hawaiian Paniolo cowboys. Must be at least 16 years of age to operate an ATV. If you prefer to be driven, Hummer and Jeep tours are available.

If you got a good aerial view of Maui while arriving, you may remember the lush, tropical greenery that characterizes this spectacular island. Daredevils can get a better aerial view via a powered hang glider. Fly low over the jungle of Hana, accompanied by a seasoned professional. You'll even get hands-on practice at flying the glider yourself. If you're not staying in Hana, it's best to visit this place while en route to Wai'anapanapa or Oheo Gulch.

Explore the many wonderful things to do on Maui with Hawaiiactive.com. Fly over the Valley Isle and experience its deep, meandering valleys and cascading waterfalls first hand. Check out some of the best snorkeling and dive spots in the world. Watch the sunrise from atop Haleakala Crater. Enjoy the award-winning Old Lahaina Luau - a feast for the senses - or experience the exciting Sky Trek adventure. This magical isle has activities and tours to please the entire family. Reserve your favorite tours early and make the most of your time in the Islands. Get active!

If you cannot manage to move to the island, arrange a tour through this company. With more than 15 years of experience providing adventure/eco-tours, these people are expert guides. They can take you into the heart of the rain forest, under waterfalls, to the summit of Haleakala and down into the crater. Prices are reasonable for a half-day hike. Call or check the website for more information.

These backwoods adventures were designed with the horse lover and nature lover in mind. The farm is set back from civilization, so you will need to catch one of the shuttles to and from the restricted property. Several different excursions are available. All of them are between 90 minutes and two hours. Witness a Maui sunset, or have a picnic in one of the most remote regions of the island. The small groups are always led by an experienced guide. Children under 12 must meet with management approval.

With its warm blue water and stunning natural scenery, Maui is a fantastic place to kayak. This company takes groups to the best kayaking spots around the island. It also runs a surf school on the South Side. Visit the sea turtles at La Perouse, site of ancient lava formations and secluded snorkel spots. Traverse the uninhabited shores of famous Honolua Bay. A sunset kayak tour is also available.

An interactive museum with touch and feel displays, video exhibits on flat-screen TV's, live demonstrations, exhibits and artifacts that grace its newly varnished walls, this museum endeavors to keep alive the rich culture and bonhomie that is native to the Aloha State, Hawaii!!! There are precious curios and other symbols of the native tribe that once ruled the islands. Be sure to visit the Lahaina Visitor's Center and the gift shop, both within this facility. The place has an ancient charm that could bewitch the unsuspecting.

If eco-adventures appeal to you, this paddle and snorkel tour is just your speed. Local guides lead a few people into the open seas of South Maui or West Maui for several hours of snorkeling, kayaking and sightseeing. The kayak tours take place in the waters off Makena, La Perouse or on the other side of the island, just off the "Pali" cliffs. The tours last anywhere from two and a-half to four hours and include snacks and soft drinks. Call for prices and reservations.

Let it be known up front: these caverns are not, as was supposed, an ancient burial ground. If this revelation does not disappoint you too much, then perhaps this is the spelunking experience for you. Excursions range from a quick 50-minute lava tube tour to a six-hour adventure that is advertised as a journey to the center of the earth. You will view some breathtaking sights, including ancient stalactites, ledges and the stunning Dancing Sunbeam Skylight. Two different excursions are available. Call for prices and more information.

This, the oldest company in the downhill bike business, offers five different variations on the Haleakala downhill ride. Starting from Haleakala, participants cruise 30 miles down the mountain, stopping in Paia, Makawao or Kula for a meal and a tour. Of course, a standard Super Sunrise Tour is also offered. Call for reservations or more information. Free hotel pickup is offered in most cases. The company requests that riders have an experience level of intermediate or higher.

Although the beach and jungle may never cease to entertain adults, children sometimes tire of natural wonders. If you are wondering what to do to entertain the kids, here is a solution: Take them to these go-karts and let them...well, go... for a few hours. They will enjoy puttering around the track and you will enjoy one of 16 flavors of shave ice. When go-karts begin to lose their appeal, adventurous kids may want to go for a ride on the "Gyro" machine. After one last round of shave ices, everyone can leave happy.

Forget cruising Front Street. If you want to enjoy the full Jeep experience, this is the way to go. The question is, can you handle it?

As a hardy local guide steers the vehicle up grassy hills and down sandy ravines, the passengers can simply relax and enjoy the ride. But it is a bumpy one. In fact, tours take visitors off any visible roads to places that cannot be reached by most vehicles. Passengers have the option of traveling toward the mountains or the sea. Tours cost $79 per adult, $49 per child age 5-10.

While there are many ways to see the legendary sunrise over Haleakala, the downhill bike ride is perhaps the most memorable one. This bike company has been featured in Sunset and Time magazines, and has attracted a number of celebrity passengers. Two tour options are available. The Sunrise Tour picks you up around 2:15a. The Midday Tour will pick you up around 7:00a, too late to catch the sunrise but early enough to avoid the worst of the mid-day heat. The tours last eight hours and include one meal.

History buffs are encouraged to take "a walking tour through Lahaina's past" with this company. Tours are approximately two hours in length and visit more than 20 sites. Knowledgeable guides give detailed information on the Hawaiian and Western history of each site. Learn about Hawaiian royalty, the original missionaries, the whalers and the origins of surfing. This company operates in partnership with local non-profit organization Friends of Moku'ula. Refreshments are included in the tour cost.

Tour the tropical fields of Maui, where pineapples, coconuts and papaya flourish. A tram travels the property, with a narrator on hand to explain each sight. The tour lasts 40 minutes. It costs USD9.50 per adult, USD3 for children between the ages of 3-12. It can accommodate wheelchair-bound people, although it's best to call ahead of time so the tram driver can make preparations. Afterward, guests are invited to wander through the valley, enjoy fresh local food prepared in the Country Store, and pick up some souvenirs.

This activity broker offers discounts of 20 to 40 percent on many popular island activities. With two Maui locations (the other is in Lahaina, just off Highway 30). Activities include an ocean rafting excursion, a downhill Haleakala journey, a sunset dinner cruise, luaus, dolphin watching trips, snorkeling excursions and more. Call or check the web site for information on activities and current discounts.

Owned and operated by cattle ranchers from the Azores, this ranch offers tours of the scenic, isolated West Maui Mountains. The tour guides lead small groups through taro fields and rain forests, straight down to the Pacific Ocean. A few different tour options are available. Two "Aloha Rides" depart daily; each lasts two hours. A longer ride is also offered for $85, or $130 with a full barbecue lunch. A deluxe helicopter-horseback combination tour is offered in conjunction with Sunshine Helicopters. Call for more information.

Once you are aboard and off from the Mala Wharf, you're sure that you're in for some serious adventure! From the north shore of Lanai, across the AuAu channel, you'll come across sea caves, shipwrecks, sea cliffs, clear waters for snorkeling and the colorful marine life. If the weather's in your favor, you can head to explore the north shore of Moloka'i, which is rarely seen by visitors. Green valleys, waterfalls, hidden caves and a lot to explore on this part of the island. You can be sure to bump into hump—backed whales, that breed in the channels of Maui, Moloka'i and Lanai. Watch out!

The beauty of vacationing on Maui is that your trip can be as cushy or as rugged as you want it to be. Companies like this one appeal to the adventure seeker. The concept is simple: Join a group of up to seven people to tour the back roads of the island. Several different tours are available, including a Haleakala hiking tour, a fishing tour, a Hana tour and a camping tour. Tour costs are inclusive of equipment and meals. Call pricing for information.

Venture out to Molokini or Lana'i aboard these sleek, modern sailing vessels. A number of day and evening cruises are offered, including an all-day Lana'i excursion, an afternoon sail to Coral Gardens, and an evening Sunset Sail. There are two vessels in the fleet, the Paragon and Paragon II. All excursions offer light snacks or meals. See their website for rates and special offers.

If you've spent any time at all on the Hawaiian Islands, the green, pink and blue-striped vans of Polynesian Adventure Tours are probably a familiar sight. These island tours are conducted throughout the state of Hawai'i and offer a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities. Tours conducted on Maui include the Haleakala and Central Maui tour, the Haleakala Sunrise tour, the Haleakala Sunset tour and the ever-popular Hana tour. Excursion prices range from USD56 to USD70.

This boat cruises out to the coral reefs, where passengers can move to the glass-enclosed viewing portal below deck. As the vessel moves from one prime viewing spot to another, scuba divers steer octopi, exotic tropical fish and rays closer to the viewing portals. The shorter narrated tour lasts 60 minutes and costs USD32.95 for adults, USD18.95 for children ages 6-12. The 2:15pm tour visits the sea turtles, lasts 90 minutes, provides refreshments, and costs USD44.95 for adults and USD24.95 for children.

Bus tours take passengers to all of Maui's major attractions including Mount Haleakala, the Iao Valley, historic Lahaina, Wainapanapa State Park, Hana and Hookipa. A number of different tour combinations are available, departing from locations all over the island.

The full-day Magnificent Maui tour visits Haleakala, Iao, Wailuku and Lahaina. The "House of the Sun" tour is a half-day tour of Mount Haleakala and upcountry Maui. The price includes admission to the park. Other tours are available. Call or visit your hotel tour desk for information and reservations.

The roads on Maui are packed with "Maui cruisers" (rickety old rattle-traps that lose pieces on the highway) and rugged-looking jeeps. However, for special events, there's no luxury quite like a stretch limo. This establishment offers everything from airport service to full-day tours. For a great day out, try the Hana & Winery Tour. It is a 10-12 hour tour that goes around the back side of the mountain. Relax and enjoy the ride, as well as all the stops along the way. There is a full bar and plenty of food, and you won't have to do any of the driving.

In the early days of Hawaii's Western colonization, trains were used to haul sugar cane from one spot to the other. Eventually, more modern forms of transportation became popular, and today almost nothing can be seen of the original Hawaiian railroads. However, the tracks between Lahaina and Ka'anapali are still functional, and the cherry-red Sugar Cane Train still travels them regularly. A dinner ride is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

View the natural wonders of Maui from above. The state-of-the-art Black Beauties can get passengers amazingly close to waterfalls, cliffs, craters and other stunning landmarks. Two popular tours are the West Maui Deluxe Tour, which flies over the West Maui Mountains, Lahaina and Ka'anapali, and the Hana/Haleakala Special, which visits the Haleakala Crater, Hana and Ho'okipa Beach. A horseback-helicopter combination tour is offered; call for more information.

The owners of the Teralani recently added a new ship to the fleet: the Teralani II. Departing from Ka'anapali daily, these sailing catamarans take passengers out into the waters around Maui for a variety of sun-soaked adventures. The Picnic Snorkel Sail visits several locations, depending on the day. The Champagne Sunset Sail lasts two hours and is perfect for sweethearts. During whale watching season (December-May), excursions depart twice daily. Varying specialty sails are offered throughout the year. Private charters are also available. Call for prices and further details.

There are six sailing catamarans in this fleet. They depart from Ka'anapali, Lahaina Harbor and the neighbor island of Lana'i. All of the excursions are named "Discover." There is the highly reputed "Discover Lanai," which departs from Lahaina Harbor and sails to breathtaking Hulopo'e Beach, with an afternoon return to Maui. The "Discover Kaanapali" includes five hours of sunning, sailing and snorkeling in the warm waters off the West Maui Coast. "Discover Scuba" caters to novice divers.

Booking a spot on a tour bus such as this one is a very good idea if you want to relax and enjoy the views. Points of interest include the lush Keanae Peninsula, Wai'anapanapa State Park (renowned for its black sand beach) and Hana Town. Swim at Oheo Gulch and enjoy a picnic lunch by the ocean. The tour then continues along the back side of the island, stopping by Tedeschi Winery. Call for prices and reservations. Senior discounts are available.

It is hard to imagine a more dramatic spectacle than the active Kilauea Volcano. Now visitors to Maui can take this company's helicopter tour over to the Big Island to view the volcano. Tours depart from Kapalua, West Maui Airport and Kahului, Maui. The heli-tour also passes over Maunakea, Hilo and Hana. This is a fantastic way to view a few of Hawaii's most amazing attractions within a two-hour period. Charters are also available. It is recommended that you book tours a few days in advance. Call for pricing information.