One Day, Two Icons: Road to Hana by Day, Haleakala Above the Clouds at Sunset

KIHEI GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

One Day, Two Icons: Road to Hana by Day, Haleakala Above the Clouds at Sunset

A compact, guided 10-hour loop from Kihei that threads the Road to Hana’s waterfalls and black-sand beaches before ascending Haleakala for a sunset above the clouds—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

One Day, Two Icons: Road to Hana by Day, Haleakala Above the Clouds at Sunset.

Duration
10 hours
Location
Kihei
Operator
Magic of Maui Experience
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Experience the ultimate Maui adventure in a single day: journey along the storied Road to Hana—stopping at waterfalls, black sand beaches and a secret sea-turtle spot—then ascend Haleakala to catch a sunset above the clouds, complete with hot chocolate and sweeping views.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Road to Hana’s Waterfalls and Beaches

The Hana Highway is the spine of the day: expect curated stops to see roadside waterfalls, dramatic black-sand shorelines and the little towns that dot the coast.

THE WILDLIFE

A Secret Sea Turtle Spot

The itinerary includes a visit to a concealed coastal spot where sea turtles are known to haul out—an intimate wildlife moment along the Hana route.

THE SUMMIT

Haleakala at Sunset—Above the Clouds

After the Hana exploration the tour climbs to Haleakala for a sunset viewed from the summit—sitting above the clouds with hot chocolate and expansive color on the horizon.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

This guided loop compresses two of Maui’s signature experiences into one long day: a winding coastal drive punctuated by natural stops on the Road to Hana, followed by a high-altitude ascent to Haleakala to watch the sun fall below a sea of clouds—the pace is scenic and varied, from roadside strolls to a quiet summit vigil.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.

1
Active Day TrippersGood for travelers who want to compress the Road to Hana’s highlights and a Haleakala summit sunset into one full day—be prepared for a long outing and the altitude at the summit.
2
Families with Older KidsSuitable for families who can handle a long day of travel and short walks; note the high-altitude summit may affect some children and adults with medical issues.
3
Those with Heart or Respiratory ConditionsNot recommended: the high elevation at Haleakala can pose risks for people with heart or respiratory problems.
4
Recent Scuba DiversNot a match until 48 hours have passed since your last dive—divers must wait 48 hours before joining this tour.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat, your camera or phone for photos, and cash for roadside stands that may not accept cards.

Clothing for the Summit

Bring layered clothing for Haleakala: long pants, socks and a jacket—temperatures at the summit are significantly cooler than at sea level.

Money & Extras

Carry cash for roadside stands along the Road to Hana, as many vendors do not accept credit cards.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour runs approximately 10 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Jersey Mike’s in the Target shopping center in Kahului: 140 Ho'okele St., Kahalui, HI 96732.

What does the tour include?

The itinerary covers the Road to Hana—waterfalls, black sand beaches, coastal towns and a secret sea-turtle spot—followed by an ascent to Haleakala for sunset with hot chocolate.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat, your camera or phone, layered clothing for the summit (long pants, socks, jacket) and cash for roadside vendors.

Are there health or activity restrictions?

Yes—this tour is not recommended for individuals with heart or respiratory issues due to high altitude; anyone who has been scuba diving should wait 48 hours before participating.