HIKING TOURS
Haleakala waterfall hike
Eons before the first humans set foot here, time and weather carved pristine valleys into the lush windward slopes of Haleakala (House of the Sun), a 10,023-foot dormant volcano believed to be 750,000 years old. Come explore! We’ll follow a meandering stream whose music, along with the area’s lush flora, enhances this fun-filled hike. The excursion ranges from an easy half-day walk to a moderate full-day walk.
The hike begins at an elevation of 500 feet and climbs past groves of guava, koa, eucalyptus and Java plum trees. As we ascend, we’ll see mountain-apple, bamboo and ginger, as well as endemic Hawaiian vegetation, and pass by waterfalls up to 60 feet high.
Be sure to bring a bathing suit and towel for a swim in one of the four or five cool, clear waterfall pools we'll encounter along the trail.
HALF-DAY, 3 MILES - EASY - $49
FULL-DAY, 6 MILES - MODERATE - $79
West Maui waterfall hike
The West Maui Mountains are actually a single extinct volcano, sculpted by more than a million years of wind and water into steep-sided canyons whose forests are vertical. A narrow valley winds its way into the heart of the mountain, with a river charting its course. We’ll hike through stands of bamboo that filter the sunlight green, and follow the trail past thickets of rose apple and mountain apple, guava and ginger, kukui nut and Java plum trees.
On this moderate, half-day excursion, we'll ascend from 700 to 1,200 feet, keeping the river near us for a refreshing wade. The ultimate reward? A plunge into a cool, fresh-water pool for a swim against the spectacular backdrop of a cascading waterfall 30 feet high.
HALF-DAY, 4 MILES - MODERATE - $49
Maui Rain forest hike
Ascend into the center of a vast valley that plunges deep into the windward face of the West Maui Mountains. Rivers, fed by the mountain’s lei of clouds, flank the valley’s tableland and center spur, pouring perennially to the sea. Above the trail, canyon walls soar several thousand feet; waterfalls spill over them in long, glistening ribbons, carving natural amphitheatres over tens of thousands of years.
And we explore, humbled by scale, on a trail that brings us to guava, Christmas berry, loquat, ginger, banana, eucalyptus, koa, mango and ohi‘a lehua.
After the hike, the river invites a refreshing swim.
HALF-DAY, 4 MILES - MODERATE - $49
Combination Maui hikes
Our favorite way to show off Maui’s exquisite diversity is a combination hike. Choose two of the following:
- Maui Rain Forest Hike
- Maui Mountain Hike
- West Maui Waterfall Hike
If time permits, we’ll take a short bonus hike to bluffs overlooking the ocean, and a chance to spot the green sea turtle.
FULL-DAY, 8 MILES - MODERATE TO STRENUOUS - $89
Maui Valley hike
The volcanic range known as the West Maui Mountains rises to a 5,788-foot summit that is among the wettest spots on earth. We’ll trek deep into one of the verdant valleys on the mountain’s windward side on a full- or half-day hike that ranges from moderate to strenuous.
At 500 feet the trail levels out, revealing scenic vistas of the valley, and waterfalls plunging down sheer canyon walls. To the east, we’re treated to a panoramic view of Haleakala volcano and the island’s lush north shore.
Native and tropical flora thrive along the trail: ginger, ti, banana, guava, bamboo, and Java plum, to name a few. You’ll want to bring a swimsuit, as well, for a refreshing dip in one of the naturally formed pools.
HALF-DAY, MODERATE - 4 MILES RT - $49
FULL-DAY, STRENUOUS - 7 MILES RT -$79
Maui Mountain hike
On the windward side of the West Maui Mountains, a ridge trail rises to 2,600 feet, winding its way toward the clouds. The view looking down into Waihe‘e Valley is spectacular.
To the east lie the isthmus, the island’s north shore, Haleakala volcano and the Pacific Ocean. (On a clear day, the island of Moloka‘i is visible to the west.) At lower elevations on this moderate, half-day hike, we’ll encounter guava and thimbleberry before ascending into a forest of eucalyptus and pine. By 1,500 feet, we'll see uluhe (staghorn fern) and endemic flora like the ohi‘a lehuathe tree whose feathery crimson blossoms are steeped in Hawaiian legend.
HALF-DAY, MODERATE - 4 MILES RT - $49
ALL HIKES INCLUDE:
* Informative and informal narrative.
* Waterproof day pack and rain parka.
* Iced bottled water and island snacks (dried fruit and organic chips) on half-day hikes; picnic lunch on full-day hikes.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING:
Tennis shoes, shorts and a T-shirt are acceptable for most of the hikes. A swimsuit and aqua socks or Teva's are suggested for waterfall hikes.
TERMS:
Maui’s wilderness is best explored in small groups. We limit hikes to six clients, except for families and others booking as a group.
*Hikes are limited to six clients; two-client minimum.
*Prices quoted are per person. General excise tax of 4% additional. MC/VISA accepted.
A 10% discount is applied for each of the following:
*hikes booked two weeks in advance
*children 13 and under
*parties of 6 or more |
