Maui is the second largest in the Hawaiian Island chain. The island, known as ???Valley Isle,??? is covered with lush verdant valleys which are full of tropical foliage and colorful flowers. A visitor to Maui will never want for exciting activities from hiking to swimming to basking in the tropical sun. With so much to do, when will you have time to relax?
1. A scenic drive up toHaleakala National Park takes visitors from sea level to the summit of a massive volcano over 10,000 above the ocean. Watch as the ecosystems change at each turn of the road. Hiking trails through the crater valley offer views of rare plant life and the remnants of volcanic activity from nearly 200 years ago.
2. For the ultimate mountain biking experience, book an amazing Haleakala Downhill Bike Ride. It is the world’s longest downhill bicycle cruise down the slopes of Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world. Cruise down the ever-changing landscape from the lava encrusted top of the crater, to the lush seaside plantation town of Paia, 38 miles away.
3. For the animal lover, try the Haleakala Ranch Horseback Ride. Saddle up “paniolo-style” and ride across the rolling hills of Haleakala Ranch, Maui’s largest operating cattle ranch. Your seasoned wranglers will take you on an uplifting ride across some of the Ranch’s 35,000 picturesque acres, passing some of its 7,000 heads of Hereford/Santa Gertrudis cattle.
4. Drive the road to Hana. Hana is an elegant, yet quiet, community once prized by Hawaiian royalty for its beauty and serenity. The road to Hana is an unforgettable experience, in part because the narrow road twists and turns all the way along Maui??s north coast, but mostly because of the spectacular scenery the drive offers. The drive takes you through a lush green tropical rainforest marked by crystal water-falls and gulches full of tropical plants and flowers.
5. To get your feet off the ground, fly like a tropical bird above two of the most famous sites on Maui - Hana and Haleakala Crater - and everywhere in-between on a Hana-Haleakala Helicopter Tour. Cruise over the alien vista of Haleakala, the “House of the Sun,” and see the terrain change right before your eyes.
6. Driving along the Hana Highway you will find beautiful Wailua Falls in the lush Wailua Valley. A short hike takes you to the base of the 200 foot waterfall for an extraordinary view of the rushing water.
7. Experience the Valley Island from a different perspective as you paddle gently along Maui’s golden coast on an Ocean Kayak & Turtle Adventure. This kayak adventure opens you to the world that exists both above and below the ocean. Safe and wonderfully unique, this paddling adventure is perfect for both first-time and seasoned paddlers.
8. Experience Hawaii’s aquatic journey at Maui’s world-class aquarium with a Maui Ocean Center Tour. Filled with exhibits of colorful marine life and interactive displays and activities, the Maui Ocean Center is the only aquarium devoted solely to Hawaii’s unique underwater world. This extraordinary destination was named “Top-Rated Attraction in Hawaii” and one of the “50 Top-Rated Attractions” in the country by Zagat Survey, “US Family Travel Guide.???
9. Plunge into a world of enchanting beauty and natural wonder aboard a Maui Atlantis Submarine Tour. Departing from Lahaina, you’ll board a specially designed ferry for a scenic sail to the dive site. Once aboard the sub, you’ll dive more than 100 feet below the surface. Relax in air-conditioned comfort as you watch the underwater seascape unfurl through the large portholes. Schools of exotic fish swim by in a rainbow of color among fans of ocean foliage waving gently with the current. Drift past rare coral formations and keep your eyes open for moray eels, giant sea turtles, sharks and other amazing creatures that call the living reef their home.
10. The steam engine of the Lahaina Ka??anapali & Pacific Railroad was once used to transport crops of sugar and plantation workers around the island, but now the ???Sugar Cane Train??? takes its passengers on a scenic 6-mile route up along Hahakea Trestle which offers spectacular views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. The ???Sugar Cane Train??? is fun for young and old.
Maui is full of activities to suit just about anyone. These 10 only scratch the surface! Amazing tours like this book up in advance, so if you have a vacation planned don’t wait any longer to book your Maui tours. If you haven’t yet booked your Hawaii vacation yet…what are you waiting for?
Mahalo!
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