The 12 Best Haleakala Volcano Tours in Maui

Updated Dec 20, 2023 , ,

Haleakala Crater Cinder Cones

Are you looking for the best Haleakala volcano tours for your trip to Maui? Our favorite is Polynesian Adventure’s sunrise breakfast tour. However, there are many things to do in Haleakala National Park that are worth considering.

The types of tours you can take fall into six different categories and include the following.

In this post, we’ll help you decide which Haleakala tour is for you by covering the best options available and what each has to offer. Let’s jump in!

Haleakala Sunrise Tours

If you’re an early riser and don’t mind waking up at 2 a.m., then a Haleakala Sunrise Tour might be for you. Imagine standing at the summit of Haleakala, surrounded by a sea of clouds, as the first rays of sunlight paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. It’s a breathtaking experience.

You’ll start your day with a hotel pickup by your guide and an early morning drive to the summit. Having a guide makes viewing the sunrise much easier as the road has a lot of turns, and it’s still dark out at that time in the morning. These tours often include breakfast and coffee to warm you up in the chilly pre-dawn air. Be sure to dress in layers, as it can get quite cold up there.

Polynesian Adventure’s Sunrise Tour

Polynesian Adventure is an experienced tour company that has been serving the Hawaiian islands for more than 40 years. They offer a range of activities, including multiple Haleakala tours, so you know you’ll be in good hands. This tour includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to the top of Haleakala. Once there, you’ll be treated to breakfast and unmatched sunrise views.

Valley Isle Excursions’ Sunrise Tour

Embark on an unforgettable Haleakala Sunrise tour in Maui with Valley Isle Excursions. They handle all the logistics, from hotel pickup to a summit visit for the mesmerizing sunrise. Enjoy a continental breakfast, explore the national park, and savor a hearty buffet meal. Your guide will showcase the park’s highlights. Plus, they offer flexible pickup options, so you’re all set.

Skyline Hawaii’s Sunrise Tour

Skyline Hawaii is another experienced tour company that has been operating since 2002. They offer more than just sunrise tours and were actually the first zipline company in the United States. This tour also includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to the top of Haleakala. However, breakfast is had at Kula Lodge after you’ve watched the sunrise and driven back down.

Bike Maui’s Sunrise Bike Tour

Experience the magic of a Haleakala sunrise on a bike tour with Bike Maui. Start your day with a jaw-dropping sunrise at the summit of Haleakala National Park. Afterward, hop on your bike and coast down the volcano’s slopes with all the gear provided. Along the way, capture Instagram-worthy photos and admire the island’s beauty.

Haleakala Sunset Tours

If you’re not into waking up early to see the sunrise, no problem! Viewing the sunset from the top of Haleakala is an equally outstanding experience that makes for some incredible photos. Just be sure to dress warm, as it can get really cold at the summit as the sun goes down.

Some of these tours also offer the opportunity for stargazing. With Maui’s clear skies and limited light pollution, you’ll have ample time to marvel at the stars above after the sun finishes its descent. Haleakala is considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

Maui All-Stars Sunset & Stargazing Tour

Stargazing is another amazing activity you can do while at the top of Haleakala. For all the hype that sunrise and sunset get, stargazing doesn’t get enough! Without competition from city lights or pollution, you can see an incredible number of stars from the top of Haleakala. In fact, it’s so good that Haleakala is one of the most sought-after places in the world for ground-based telescopes.

Polynesian Adventure’s Sunset Tour

In addition to its sunrise tour, Polynesian Adventure also offers a sunset tour. This tour includes hotel pickup for your drive to the top, along with a knowledgeable guide who will share with you facts about Maui’s legends, history, and culture. After viewing the sunset, you’ll briefly stop at the Kula Marketplace for a selection of light drinks and snacks.

Haleakala Bike Tours

One of our favorite experiences at Haleakala National Park has been downhill bike tours. These tours shuttle you close to the top and allow you to coast down slopes and switchbacks while taking in the scenery. It’s a thrilling way to experience Haleakala.

You don’t need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy these tours, as they cater to experienced and novice riders alike. You’ll be provided with all the necessary gear, a safety briefing, and followed closely by the tour van should you need some help.

Easy Riders Downhill Bike Tour

On this bike tour, you’ll start your day by being shuttled to the top by your guide. Once there, you’ll take in the sights at the summit before heading back down to 6,500 ft to start your descent on two wheels. Along the way, you’ll pass by the towns of Upcountry Maui, including a stop at the Kula Marketplace, before making your final stop in Paia for lunch.

Bike Maui’s Self-Guided Bike Tour

A self-guided bike tour is another option for biking down Haleakala Highway. You’ll still be shuttled to the top by an expert guide with time to take in the sights. However, when it’s time to descend, you’ll do that at your own pace! You can stop anywhere you’d like on the way down as you make your way to your final destination and bike drop-off in the town of Haiku.

Maui Sunriders’ Self-Guided Bike Tour

Discover the beauty of Maui’s Haleakala Volcano with Maui Sunriders. This self-guided bike tour begins at 6,500 feet on the upper switchbacks, offering breathtaking vistas as you coast down the volcano’s slopes. Explore Kula, a charming community, and Makawao, steeped in paniolo heritage. You’ll end your adventure in the funky town of Paia, known for its relaxed vibe and fantastic eateries.

Haleakala Zipline Tours

Another thrilling way to experience the slopes of Haleakala is by participating in a zipline tour. There’s only one zipline company that operates here, and it’s a good one. Imagine yourself gliding through the lush treetops of Haleakala National Park with the wind in your hair.

Guides provide expert instruction and ensure your safety, so even if you’re new to zip lining, you’ll feel at ease. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to try something different, Haleakala Zipline Tours are an unforgettable adventure in paradise.

Skyline Hawaii’s Zipline Tour

Get ready to soar as you reach speeds up to 45 mph on five different ziplines and cross a swinging suspension bridge through the treetops along the slopes of Haleakala. This is a family-friendly tour that is great for anyone with children eight years or older.

Haleakala Hiking Tours

For those who prefer to explore Haleakala on foot, Haleakala Hiking Tours are the perfect choice. These guided hikes take you deep into the heart of the volcanic crater, revealing a landscape that looks like it belongs on a different planet.

Picture yourself descending into the lunar-like terrain, surrounded by colorful cinder cones and unique flora found nowhere else on Earth. Knowledgeable guides not only ensure your safety but also share facts about the geological history and cultural significance of Haleakala.

Humble Tours Crater & Summit Hike

Humble Tours is a locally-owned small business that donates 1% of its sales to preserving and improving Hawaii’s land and ocean. On this tour, you will follow two different trails through Haleakala National Park. See the Sliding Sands and Halemauu trails with the help of an expert guide in a small group on this 7-hour tour.

Hike Maui’s Advanced Crater Hike

While hiking anywhere at the top of Haleakala can be a challenge given the thin air, this tour is geared towards advanced hikers seeking more. On this hike, you will embark on a 4-mile, 4-hour trek at the summit and along the 8,000 ft lava trail that will take you to areas not normally seen by visitors. This tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes lunch to keep you fueled while you hike!

Haleakala Helicopter Tours

See a different view of Maui by embarking on a helicopter tour that takes you above Haleakala National Park and other notable landmarks from a bird’s eye view. Knowledgeable pilots provide informative commentary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the island’s hidden gems.

What sets these tours apart is the ability to explore the entire island in a relatively short amount of time. You can witness the dramatic contrast between Haleakala’s barren crater and the lush surroundings of the Hana rainforest all in one mesmerizing journey.

Air Maui’s Complete Island Helicopter Tour

In this complete island tour, you’ll catch glimpses of sights like the Hana Rainforest, the West Maui Mountains, and Iao Valley State Park. You’ll fly along Maui’s picturesque shoreline, passing by towns such as Lahaina, Kapalua, Ka'anapali, Wailea, and Hana, all narrated in-flight by your expert guide.

Air Maui’s Hana and Haleakala Volcano Tour

Explore the raw beauty of East Maui’s Haleakala Crater and the lush Hana Rainforest with this helicopter tour from Air Maui. From the comfort of a forward-facing, air-conditioned helicopter, you’ll experience breathtaking 180-degree views of untouched valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring dormant volcano, guided by an expert narrator.

More About Haleakala National Park

Rising above the island of Maui at 10,023 feet above sea level and making up 75% of its land mass is the East Maui Volcano, also known as Haleakala (“house of the sun” in Hawaiian). This massive volcano is the third-largest in Hawaii and boasts a crater that is 7 miles across, 2 miles wide, and 2,600 feet deep. The 30,000-acre Haleakala National Park near Upcountry Maui, all the way to the southeastern coast, offers numerous hikes and activities with rocky desert landscapes near the frontside Summit District and lush rainforests and waterfalls near the backside Kīpahulu District. There are even places to camp for more adventurous travelers!

Haleakala Summit is the best place on the island to watch an absolutely unforgettable sunrise in the morning or sunset in the evening with an amazing array of colors. During the day, Haleakala Summit offers outstanding views of both the land and ocean in all directions, with incredible views of the universe while stargazing at night. Without any competition from city lights, the number of stars you can see is nothing short of impressive.

Both the frontside summit and backside near the coast can be visited on your own. However, a reservation and permit are required to visit the summit at sunrise if you are driving yourself. Sunrise is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM, meaning you’ll have to depart around 3 or 4 AM as the drive via Haleakala Highway is typically 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on where you’re coming from.

One of the best ways to experience Haleakala is through a tour with a knowledgeable guide. Tour options range from sunset/sunrise viewing, hikes, and our favorite, being shuttled to the top and biking back down to the bottom! Whatever you decide to do, keep the elevation in mind, as it can be much colder with strong winds at the top, so be sure to bring extra layers. Additionally, walking trails can be challenging given how thin the air is at that elevation, so take your time and, above all else, have fun!

Should You Book a Haleakala Tour?

Driving to the top of Haleakala Summit on your own is possible via the 10-mile Haleakala Highway if you have a car and want to drive. However, it’s a road with a lot of twists and turns that make for a slow drive and typically takes between 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Additionally, an entrance fee is required for all visitors to the park. A tour is a great option if you’d prefer to sit back and relax on the way up. Not only do you not have to drive, but most tours are led by a knowledgeable guide that will share with you facts about Hawaiian history, culture, and folklore.

Be Sure to Bring Extra Layers!

As mentioned, the air can be much cooler at the top, as much as 50 °F (-1 °C) cooler than the base with strong winds (it has snowed at the top before). We recommend bundling up or bringing extra layers even when the sky is clear. Additionally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Even though it’s cooler at the top, the sun’s rays are still strong enough to give you a burn!

Take Your Time on Walking Trails

In addition to the cool air, the air is also much thinner, 10,023 feet up at the top of Haleakala. This elevation can make walking trails a challenge for those with breathing problems. So take your time, walk slowly, and stop for breaks often. If you end up with a headache, that could be a sign of altitude sickness that should clear up when you’re back at sea level.

Camping in Haleakala National Park

Did you know that you can also camp in Haleakala National Park? Camping is only allowed in designated areas, including the Hosmer Grove Campground in the frontside district and the Kīpahulu Campground in the backside district. For serious adventures, three historic cabins within the crater are only accessible by trail, meaning you have to hike all of your gear in and out. Visit the National Park Service website for more information on camping in Haleakala National Park.

Is Haleakala Still an Active Volcano?

Technically, Haleakala is still considered active! However, it is a dormant volcano, and radiocarbon dating puts its last eruption close to 500 years ago. By comparison, Mauna Loa on the Big Island has erupted more than a dozen times in the last century. The USGS currently has the Volcano Alert Level for Haleakala at “normal,” meaning it’s in a non-eruptive phase.

What is the Meaning Behind the Name Haleakala?

The name Haleakala comes from early Hawaiians and means “house of the sun.” They believed that the crater at the summit was home to the grandmother of the demigod Maui. According to Hawaiian folklore, Maui lassoed the sun to slow its journey across the sky to make the day longer.

Justin and Katie Busa

Meet the Authors

Aloha! We’re Justin and Katie, the owners of Maui Hideaway. We’ve been visiting Hawaii together with our family for 20 years and would love to share the experience of the islands with you. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just some vacation advice, we’re here to help!

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