About Polynesian Adventure Tours - Best of Maui Sips, Sites & Bites M1
See Maui's upcountry and valley scenery with Polynesian Adventure Tours on a guided sightseeing day featuring Haleakala, Iao Valley, local stops and island flavors.
Trade beach traffic for mountain air as you wind up the slopes of Haleakala, the dormant giant that watches over Maui. Daylight paints its cinder cones gold, nene geese patrol the sparse terrain, and the rare silversword clings to the rocky soil. From nearly 10,000 feet the island stretches below like a living map, a view few visitors ever forget.
Back in Upcountry, you'll swap altitude for attitude at Pau Vodka, where small-batch spirits are distilled from Maui-grown pineapple and sugarcane. A guided tasting preps your palate for lunch at Haliimaile General Store, a plantation-era landmark turned farm-to-table favorite.
The afternoon belongs to green valleys and ancient stories. In Iao Valley State Park a short walk leads to the emerald spire of Iao Needle, once a natural lookout and sacred burial site. Lush walls rise on every side while your guide fills in the valley's dramatic history.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive to Haleakala summit, the "House of the Sun"
- Visitor center stops and sweeping lookout points at 9,740 feet
- Panoramic views of Upcountry Maui during the descent
- Pau Vodka distillery tour and tasting session
- Lunch at the celebrated Haliimaile General Store
- Drive through historic Wailuku Town
- Guided walk in Iao Valley State Park to view the iconic Iao Needle
Tour Inclusions
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minibus
- Admission to Haleakala National Park and Iao Valley State Park
- Three-course lunch at Haliimaile General Store
- Distillery tour with spirit tasting at Pau Vodka
- Live narration by a knowledgeable local guide
Activity Notes
Where & When
Pick-ups start at 6:00 am depending on your hotel location. The exact pick-up time will be in your confirmation email. Hotel drop-offs end at 5:30 pm.
Restrictions
This tour is not recommended for guests with heart or respiratory conditions that may be exacerbated due to high altitude.
People who have gone scuba diving should wait 72 hours before going on this tour.
No refunds due to inclement weather conditions impacting visibility.
This tour is operated on rough, winding roads. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or motion problems.
Guests under age 21 must wait outside during tastings at Pau Vodka (15-20 minutes). A valid ID is required to consume alcoholic beverages.
Requirements
Dress warmly (important) to be prepared for the Haleakala summit area where the temperature can be as low as around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 C).
Operation Days
Wednesday & Friday
Duration
11.5 hours
Capacity
Maximum of 24 guests
Equipment
Air-conditioned luxury minibus with Polynesian Adventure Tours
Vendor
This activity is operated by Polynesian Adventure Tours.