Your Guide to the Most Unforgettable Volcano Tours on Maui

Exploring the incredible Haleakala Volcano is on most people’s Maui must-do list. At 10,000 feet, this massive shield volcano is the highest point on Maui and forms more than 75% of the island. Deeply sculpted and visually expansive, nothing can prepare you for the experience you will have here. Many visitors choose to traverse the landscape solo, but if you’d rather not go it alone, consider signing up for a guided tour. We promise it will be the highlight of your stay!

Learn more about volcano tours on Maui and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of recommendations for things to do and see during your stay at The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono!

Top 5 Volcano Tours on Maui

1. Sunrise Aventures

Haleakala is arguably the best place on earth to watch the sunrise. After all, it’s called the “House of the Sun” for a reason! Hundreds of visitors head to the volcano each morning to witness an explosion of color as the sun rises above the clouds. Most tour companies will pick you up, take you to the summit, and offer a light snack during your mountaintop visit. Some even include a stop at a local restaurant for breakfast on the trip down.

2. Stargazing Tours

Did you know that Haleakala Volcano has an observation deck that’s perfect for viewing constellations? On a Stargazing Tour, your guide will provide a telescope and instructions on how to use it. You’ll have views of planets and deep-sky objects of the Milky Way, including nebulae, star clusters, and the galaxies beyond. Just be sure to bundle up – the temperature on Haleakala can dip below freezing at night.

3. Summit Hikes

If you’re looking for a great place to hike, you’re in luck! Haleakala National Park has over 30 miles of trails. Take a guided tour into native shrubland in search of native birds, or visit the aeolian cinder desert and learn about the geologic history of the volcano. Keep in mind that hiking is strenuous in the summit area because of the high elevation, so it’s important to be on guard for symptoms of altitude sickness.

4. Downhill Bike Tours

Cycling is another popular way to explore the volcano. Simply contact one of many bike tour guides on the island and they’ll pick you up and outfit you with a bicycle. You’ll head to the peak of Haleakala for an awesome view, then travel by van back down to 6,500 feet to begin your bike tour.

Note: Until 2007, tour companies brought visitors to the summit for sunrise and then launched their multi-hour downhill tour right from the parking lot. However, a string of accidents (including a fatality) caused the National Park Service to ban commercial launching of bikes within the park boundaries. Please remember to be careful during your bike excursion.

Come Home to The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono

There are a number of local outfitters that offer guided volcano tours on Maui! Visit the park’s website for a full list of authorized tour companies, then book your stay at our Inn. Just 28 miles from Haleakala, our property is a great alternative to commercial hotels on the island. You can book one of our Garden Rooms with a private lanai, or stay in the historic Vagabond’s House. We even offer a delicious homemade breakfast each morning. Visit our accommodations page to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations! We look forward to having you.

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