Hike Maui · Kahului
A Hike Maui guide drives a small group from Kahului to Haleakala and leads two hikes of about two miles each, one among the cinder cones near the 10,000-foot summit and one on a lava trail at 8,000 feet. Pick it if you want to stand on the crater floor's red cinders, not just look down at them, with someone who knows the plants, birds and stories.
Hike Maui has guided hikes on the island since 1983, and this is its day at altitude. You meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Kahului Park & Ride, a single row of parking along a concrete wall facing Highway 380, just west of Highway 311. The van takes you up the mountain, and the day splits into two hikes of about two miles each: one near the 10,000-foot summit through cinder cone country, one at about 8,000 feet on a lava trail lined with native plants.
The guides know their ground. The listing points out that the park has more endangered species than any other in the U.S., and you may see nene geese and silverswords along the way. The listing promises a snack stop with a view of the crater floor, and lunch and snacks are included. You're back in Kahului in the afternoon, about seven hours after you left.
Know what you're signing up for. Hike Maui rates it challenging: rugged terrain, thin air, steep loss and gain, and time in the van. It runs in all weather, and ponchos are provided. The tour needs four guests to run, so a quiet date can be cancelled after you book, with an alternative or a full refund. There's no hotel pickup. The park warns that climbing back out takes about twice as long as going down.
At the Park & Ride by the intersection of Highways 311 and 380. Park and leave the car for the day.
Through Upcountry and into the park in the guide's van.
Among the cinder cones near the 10,000-foot summit. A snack stop looks over the crater floor.
Lunch with a view, included in the price.
A lava trail at about 8,000 feet with native plants, then the ride back to Kahului in the afternoon.
★★★★★Marko was a very entertaining and informative guide. His able guides in training were also very helpful. The trek was challenging but they gave you all the time needed to complete the journey. Scenery was starkly beautiful
★★★★★Wished the hike was longer and was one continuous hike rather than splitting into two. But otherwise, it was an excellent adventure with great views.
★★★★★Excellent well organised day trip. Just enough hiking with some very nice people ,small group.
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About seven hours from Kahului and back, with roughly 4 miles of walking split into two hikes of about two miles. The rest is the drive, snacks and lunch.
Moderate fitness is the listing's bar; Hike Maui calls it challenging because of the rugged ground, the altitude and the climbing. Guests say the guides give everyone the time they need. See our crater hike guide for the trails.
No. You meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Kahului Park & Ride, by the intersection of Highways 311 and 380, and you're brought back there.
Eight. The listing also caps a single booking at 9 people and the group at 11.
Ready to book
A guided 4-mile hike in the crater at 8,000 to 10,000 feet, with lunch and snacks. Ages 8 and up.
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