Crater Hike With Meal

Haleakala Crater Hiking Experience runs through Hike Maui. Rated 4.8 across 74 reviews. Runs 7 hours. From $208.

Overview

This is a seven-hour guided hike into the Haleakala crater with Hike Maui, starting at 08:30 from the Kahului Park & Ride lot at the intersection of Highways 311 and 380. There is no hotel pickup, so everyone drives themselves to the meeting point and the day finishes back at the same spot.

A local guide leads the walk and handles the interpretation: reviewers repeatedly praise the guides' knowledge of the park, the geology, the birds and plants, and Hawaiian culture and language. One reviewer's children called it their best day on the island, and several mention learning a great deal along the trail. Lunch and snacks are provided as part of the package, while gratuities are not.

The trip suits reasonably fit walkers aged 8 and over. The operator asks for moderate physical fitness, caps the group at 11 travellers, and runs in all weather, so the crater's stark scenery comes with a genuine workout. It is not suitable for pregnant travellers, people with serious heart or back problems, or wheelchair users.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kahului Park & RideArrive at the lot along a large concrete wall with a single row of parking facing Highway 380, just west of Highway 311 before entering Kahului. The start time is 08:30.
2. Guided crater hikeA local guide leads the hike inside Haleakala National Park. Reviews mention stops for wildlife, rare plants and geology.
3. Lunch and snacksLunch and snacks are included in the tour price and are provided during the day. One reviewer called the lunch great.
4. Return to meeting pointThe activity ends back at the Park & Ride lot in Kahului. Total duration is 7 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this hike fits your group and your fitness level.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to drive to the Kahului Park & Ride at the intersection of Highways 311 and 380. The tour starts at 08:30 and ends back at the same lot.
• Fitness and pace. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, and one reviewer described the trekking rhythm as sustained enough that light training beforehand is advisable. Others called it challenging but said the guides allow all the time needed to finish.
• Weather and clothing. The tour operates in all weather conditions and the listing says to dress appropriately. One reviewer ran into poor weather and had the itinerary altered, so check conditions on the day and dress for them.
• Group feel. The tour runs with a maximum of 11 travellers and needs at least 4 passengers to go ahead. One reviewer mentioned a small group and very nice fellow hikers.
• Food and drink. Lunch and snacks are included, along with a local guide. Gratuities are not included, so budget separately if you want to tip.
• Learning on the trail. Reviewers often mention how much the guides teach, covering the park, wildlife, bird and plant species, island history, Hawaiian culture and even pronunciation of the Hawaiian language. Expect plenty of interpretation between hiking segments.

Common issues. The hike is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems or serious heart conditions. The minimum age is 8, and the tour needs a minimum of 4 passengers, so it can be cancelled after confirmation if numbers are not met, though you would then be offered an alternative or a full refund. One reviewer was disappointed when bad weather led to the hiking time being replaced with drives through small tourist towns rather than an early return. A few hikers also wished the walking were one continuous hike instead of split into two segments.

Before You Book A Seat