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Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Kihei by exploring Haleakala National Park, its top attraction that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your Kihei tours and excursions!
Kihei Tours: Exploring Haleakala National Park
Close your eyes and imagine a place where the sky meets the sea. When rugged cliffs give way to lush valleys, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers. This is Kihei, Hawaii — a paradise on earth that beckons every adventurous traveler and nature lover from around the globe to give Kihei tours and excursions a try.
At Hotala, we’re committed to connecting travelers with hot deals in the hottest destinations, and Kihei is certainly one of them. With its pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, this beautiful town is the perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking natural beauty.
But there’s one attraction in Kihei that truly stands out: Haleakala National Park. This majestic park is home to a dormant volcano that rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. Boasting stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the park is also home to a wide variety of hiking and biking trails that wind through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to the summit of the volcano.
As you explore the park, you’ll see that every moment spent in Haleakala National Park is a moment of pure magic. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing how you can make the most of Kihei tours in Haleakala National Park. Come join us as we explore the beauty of Kihei and Haleakala National Park, and discover the adventure of a lifetime.
Why Haleakala National Park is Kihei’s Top Attraction
Haleakala National Park is home to a dormant volcano that last erupted over 500 years ago. Despite its inactivity, the volcano remains a popular attraction for visitors who wish to explore the summit and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In 2021 alone, at least 850,000 people visited the park. And if the numbers aren’t enough to convince you, here are the top three reasons why Haleakala National Park is Kihei’s must-visit destination:
Unique Natural Beauty
The park boasts a unique natural beauty that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. From the summit of its dormant volcano to the lush forests and cascading waterfalls, the park’s stunning landscapes will surely take your breath away.
When making plans for your trip to the park, be sure to include these in your itinerary:
- Haleakala Summit: At an elevation of over 10,000 feet, the summit offers breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding ocean. The sunrise and sunset at the summit are particularly spectacular.
- Pipiwai Trail: This four-mile round-trip hike leads visitors through lush bamboo forests, past cascading waterfalls, and to the base of the 400 ft. tall Waimoku Falls.
- Kipahulu District: Located on the eastern end of the park, the Kipahulu District is home to one of Hawaii’s most otherworldly natural wonders. The so-called “Seven Sacred Pools” of Oheo Gulch is nestled within a vast, jungle-covered ravine. In reality, this enchanting location comprises approximately 20 swimmable pools. Intricately formed along the meandering Palikea stream, these series of cascading waterfalls and pools are a must-see attraction.
Diverse Activities
No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone at Haleakala National Park. The park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to help maximize your trip.
We have narrowed down the top three activities to do when visiting Haleakala National Park:
- Sunrise or Sunset Viewing: Witnessing a sunrise or sunset at the Haleakala Summit is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just remember that viewing spots can get a bit crowded. And for sunrise viewings specifically, you will need to book tickets for reservations.
- Hiking: With over 30 miles of hiking trails, Haleakala National Park offers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world. Visitors can hike the Sliding Sands Trail, Halemau’u Trail, or Pipiwai Trail to experience the park’s natural beauty up close.
- Biking: The park offers bike rentals that allow visitors to bike down the winding trails of the volcano. The Haleakala bike ride is a must-try activity that offers a thrilling and unique way to experience the park.
Rare Flora and Fauna
Exploring the park also gives visitors a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful species up close. The island is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, some of which are endemic in the park.
Here are three species to set your sights on when at Haleakala National Park:
- The Hawaiian Goose: Also called the Nene, this goose breed is a rare bird species found only in Hawaii. Haleakala National Park is home to a significant population of the Hawaiian Goose, which is already endangered.
- The Hawaiian Petrel: Also known as the ‘Ua’u, these birds are nocturnal in nature and can only be seen at night during certain times of the year.
- The Silversword plant: Known for its unique and striking appearance, this plant is endemic to Haleakala National Park. It is also considered an endangered species and is protected by law. So be cautious when you encounter one in one of your trails.
Tips for Exploring Haleakala National Park
Exploring the natural wonders of Haleakala National Park is an unforgettable experience for any nature lover or leisure traveler. But to make the most of your Kihei tour or excursion, it’s important to plan ahead and take steps to optimize your nature adventure.
- Dress appropriately: The weather at Haleakala National Park can change quickly, so it’s important to dress in layers. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks: Take note that there are limited facilities inside the park. So, it’s important to bring enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day.
- Know the park’s rules and regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations. These include where you can and can’t park, where you can camp, and where you can hike.
- Travel with caution: The roads inside the park can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to drive with caution. If you’re traveling with kids or pets, make sure to keep them safe and supervised at all times.
- Book in advance: If you’re planning to go on a guided tour or excursion, make sure to book in advance to ensure availability.
If you’re traveling with children, keeping them engaged while also learning about the park can be a rewarding experience. Consider having them participate in the Junior Ranger program, which allows kids to earn badges and learn about the park’s history and ecosystem.
Pets are allowed but with restrictions. Be sure to follow the rules to avoid any fines or penalties. Make sure to keep your dear pets on a leash at all times. Clean up after them and consider their safety, especially if you’re hiking or biking. Don’t forget their water and snacks, too!
To Get Up Close Maui’s Natural Beauty, Stay With Hotala
To truly experience the natural beauty of Maui, booking through Hotala is the way to go.
With our wide range of vacation rentals and reliable booking process, you can plan your Kihei tours and excursions without setbacks.
We understand that finding the right place to stay can make or break a trip. So as a trusted UpNext travel brand, we offer a reliable platform that allows travelers to compare deals and reviews from multiple sources. With access to over 180,000 locations around the world, Hotala can help you find the perfect place to stay that gives more value for your money as you travel in style.
Using Hotala also helps you save time and money. Our easy-to-use filters get you the hottest deals on offer out of 10 million accommodation alternatives. From private villas, hotels, resorts, and vacation homes, you can spend more time exploring Maui’s natural beauty and less time worrying about logistics.
With Hotala as your trusted travel partner, you can avail yourself of awesome Kihei tours and excursions with confidence, knowing that you have reliable accommodations to come back to after a day of adventure.
Stay with Hotala to get your hot Kihei adventure started!
TLDR
Kihei, Hawaii is a paradise that offers outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes. Haleakala National Park is one top must-visit destination in Kihei that features a unique natural beauty that can’t be found anywhere else.
Visitors can witness the sunrise or sunset, hike the trails or bike down the winding volcano trails. The park is also home to some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful species, such as the Hawaiian Goose, the Hawaiian Petrel, and the Silversword plant.
Hotala is the perfect partner to make the most out of your Kihei tours and excursions. With access to over 180,000 locations, using Hotala to find the best deals and accommodations can save you time and money.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels
