Haleakalā EcoTours Sunrise Tour offers you an opportunity of a lifetime to view the sunrise from atop Haleakalā at 10,000 feet elevation. Mark Twain called the Sunrise at Haleakalā “The Sublimest of all spectacles”. The tour is an exciting and informative vehicle tour of Haleakalā National Park and the Upcountry area. Our NAI Certified Interpretive Guides (CIG) will share with you the thrilling Culture and History of Maui along the way. Once inside Haleakalā National park, our interpretive guides will explore themes such as the unique Geology and Ecology of the surrounding area. After Sunrise, you will have an opportunity to visit the historic towns of Makawao and Paia as we discuss in detail the culture of these towns and their unique place in Hawaii’s history.
Highlights of the tour include:
Haleakalā National Park
As an AUTHORIZED CONCESSIONER for Haleakalā National Park, Haleakalā EcoTours will treat you to Maui’s most extensive and inclusive tour of Haleakalā. Some call Haleakalā the Eighth Wonder of the World. Nowhere else can you climb from sea level to 10,023′ in less than an hour. At the summit, the 3,000′ deep crater you peer down into is 7 miles long, 2 miles wide and 21 miles in circumference.
Encounter the elegant Silversword plant, found nowhere else in the world as well as Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene goose. Haleakalā is home to 100’s of rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Learn the importance of protecting their habitats and upholding the National Park mission of Preservation and Conservation.
Kula
Maui’s rich farming and ranching history is still evident by vast pastures that line the side of the mountain. Kula’s cool weather and rich volcanic soil, makes the area an ideal spot for a number of Lavender, Protea, and Macdamia Nut farms.
Makawao
The Hawaiian Cowboys or Paniolos have roots set deep in the town of Makawao. This small town still has hitching rails at store fronts just as the locals once used to tie up their horses.
Paia
Today Paia is a popular surf destination, however Paia’s history is as intriguing as it is fascinating. Learn about how the Sugar Plantations shaped this town and the culture of the island, and how this small north shore town was once a gathering place for entertainment and fun.
Haiku
Like Paia, Haiku has its roots in agriculture. The Pineapple industry built this small, rural town, with the pineapple cannery as the center of action. Haiku also played a pivotal part in World War 2 by being the home of the Fourth Division Marines during the 1940’s.
Ancient Hawaii
The impressive voyaging skills of early Polynesians changed the course of history by spreading their culture across the Pacific. Learn about this ancient evolving people and culture and the myths and legends that inspired them. From the first arrival of the Marquesans, to the second wave of Tahitians, see how they established a civilization and birthed monarchies, including the Kamehameha dynasty which united the Hawaiian Islands.
What’s Included:
• Interpretive Tour provided by NAI Certified Interpretive Guides (CIG)
• Admission into Haleakalā National Park by Authorized Concessioner Haleakalā EcoTours
• Pickup from Hotel: 1:30am-2:30am depending on hotel location
• Breakfast stop
• Rain Jackets, Rain Pants, Gloves.
