Adventures on Haleakala

At over 10,000 feet high, saying that Haleakala is impressive is an understatement. Everyone who visits Maui should make a point of heading to the summit to experience the glorious views and unique landscapes. While catching a sunrise from the summit is worth the trip in itself, the slopes of this dormant volcano are home to other attractions that are also worth a visit.

If feeling cool mountain air on your face while taking in out-of-this-world views is up your alley, you just might enjoy an excursion with Bike Maui . You can sign up for a freestyle guided or self-guided Haleakalā downhill adventures. Tours begin with a luxury van tour of Haleakalā National Park, then continue with either a downhill drive or bike at your own pace. The most popular trip is the Sunrise Special to watch the sunrise at 10,000 feet above sea level then bike down the crater. Visit bikemaui.com to get started!

While Maverick Helicopters technically isn’t located at Haleakalå, they’ll give you an aerial adventure over this mountain that you won’t soon forget. The Maui Spirit Volcano Tour is an exhilarating journey over Haleakalå, soaring over it’s moonlike terrains and jagged cliffs. Follow the famous Road to Hana on the way down and view lush rainforests from above, including glimpses of other remote and far-reaching areas of the island.     Reserve your tour with Maverick Helicopters at (808) 893-7999 or flymaverick.com.  

If that’s not enough thrill-seeking for you, get ready for an aerial ride with NorthShore Zipline . Breathe in the scent of surrounding eucalyptus trees and take in scenic north shore views while airborne on seven ziplines flying up to heights of 70 feet. Enjoy the ride of a lifetime with speeds up to 40 mph on a zipline 900 feet long. The course features multiple platforms and tree-to-tree suspension bridges. Built over the relics of historic Camp Maui, NorthShore Zipline adventures also come with information on the soldiers who trained and rested at the camp from 1944-1945.  

Imagine 13.5 acres on the slopes of scenic Haleakalā, awash in the scent of aromatic lavender. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm is home to 20 varieties of lavender, along with olive trees, hydrangea, succulents and other flora.

Ali‘i Kula Lavender hosts daily walking tours of their idyllic farm, where you’ll learn about their sustainable practices. They can also host weddings and other events. Make reservations for a picnic lunch, including a lavender-infused dessert.

The lavender grown on their farm is used in an array of lavender-based products they produce and sell, like bath and body products and food items such lavender honey, dark chocolate and gourmet seasonings.

Pukalani Country Club is known as the best golf value on Maui, and at 1,200 feet above sea level, it provides the best bi-coastal views on the island. It’s been named in Golf Digest’s list of “best places to play” and featured on Golf Channel’s “Destination Golf Hawai‘i.” If you plan your day right, you can get up early to watch the sunrise at the summit and then still make it in time to catch your morning tee time!

[A version of this article appears in print in This Week Maui]

Keywords: things to do maui helicopter tours maui valley isle pukalani country club golf maui west maui mountains Haleakala national park national park service tour of Haleakala national park sunrise tours west maui