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Maui Volcano And Upcountry ExplorationExplore > United States > Maui > Maui Volcano And Upcountry Exploration
OverviewExplore Maui's volcanic origins and discover its rich and interesting Upcountry history. Maui's topography, history, and culture are intricately interwoven. Your knowledgeable local guide will explain this interconnectedness and leave you with a new understanding of the timeless island of Maui. This unique day begins with a light breakfast of pastries, tropical fruit (of course), juice and coffee, with the West Maui Mountains providing the scenery. Since the focus of this tour is Maui's volcanoes, our first stop is Iao Valley State Park, with its famous centerpiece, the Iao Needle. The Needle's core of basalt is a volcanic remnant, having been exposed over millions of years by erosion of the softer surrounding rock. Nearby is Kepaniwai Gardens, a lovely place that celebrates the many cultures that have contributed to the melting pot that is Maui. From Hawaiian to Portuguese, from Japanese to Filipino, each culture is showcased through representative plantings and buildings. We continue on to Haleakala National Park..."House of the Sun", sacred space to all Hawaiians, and home of the dormant Haleakala Volcano, the massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the island. With landscapes ranging from sub-tropical rain forest to stark volcanic landscapes, Haleakala is a place like no other. A visit to the Summit Visitor Center on the ridge of the Haleakala Valley provides a stunning view of this entire area. "Upcountry" is a term used to describe not just the physical locations on Maui away from the ocean, beaches and "big cities", but a way of life. Upcountry Maui is predominantly rural, agricultural and residential with an easy-going attitude and an abundance of pickup trucks. We'll drive through many of Maui's charming, historic upcountry towns and will visit the paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao for some shopping. At the appropriate time, your guide will choose the perfect spot to enjoy a premier upcountry picnic of Chicken with honey dijon BBQ sauce, Asian coleslaw, garden salad, fruit salad, curry vegetable noodles, dinner rolls and unlimited juice, water, and soft drinks, elegantly served on china and silverware. The winding roads pass through towns, ranches, forests, and beautiful flower farms. Keep your camera handy for unique, spectacular flower and panoramic photos. In addition, we'll see some of the most renowned buildings and churches on the island that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Your guide will relate stories of war, drama, and mythology as we pass by. During the return journey, we'll stop in the small town of Paia. Originally a plantation town, Paia is now known for its laid-back vibe and world-class windsurfing. - Pickup times range from 6:15 a.m. in Kapalua (the top of Maui's head) to 7:25 am in Kahului. Cruise ship pier pickup time is 7:15am. - If you are staying at a hotel, you'll be advised of your pickup time when your booking is confirmed. - Length of tour is approximate and includes transfer time. Return time is approximately 4:30-5:00 pm. -If you are on a ship that arrives at 8:00 am and are looking for a great tour, we suggest the ROAD TO HANA LOCAL STYLE...KAHULUI DEPARTURE. - There is a maximum of 12 passengers per van. - This tour includes a picnic lunch. You will be asked about food allergies, dietary restrictions or preferences during the check-out process. - Please note: Divers must allow at least 48 hours between diving and going up to the summit of Haleakala to avoid compressions sickness. - This tour company has a vehicle with a wheelchair lift that can accommodate up to 2 wheelchairs. All bookings for this vehicle must be made at least 1 week prior to the date of the tour. We MUST be notified in advance if you are in a wheelchair. - Please note: Not all sites have wheelchair ramps but all sites can be viewed from the outside. For the safety of its guests, the tour company will decide if it's best to stay in the vehicle at certain stops. Days offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Departures:
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