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The 14 Best Maui Tours

Maximize your island time with these top excursions.

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To make the most of Maui's natural splendor, consider taking a guided tour of the island. Analyzing both traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News determined the following excursions to be the best available. Whether you want to watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park, go snorkeling around Molokini, take to the water on a whale watching adventure , experience the island from above in a helicopter or sample some of the Hawaiian island's best pineapple, there's a tour on this list that fits your interests and budgets. Each one of these Maui tours features experienced guides eager to share their insights about the Valley Isle's scenery, cuisine, history and culture.

Hike Maui – Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure

Price: From $159 Duration: 5 hours

See waterfalls measuring up to 40 feet on this hike through a valley in East Maui that's located off the Hana Highway. You'll also have the option to swim and jump into the large pools beneath several of the falls. Along with the spectacular rainforest scenery, you'll enjoy commentary from your naturalist tour guide, as well as snacks and lunch. According to reviewers, the hike is suitable for all fitness levels and the guide is excellent. Travelers describe the experience as memorable and a must-do in Maui.

Tours, which are generally available daily starting at 9:30 a.m., are capped at 12 people. Transportation is available from major resorts, hotels and condominiums for an additional fee. Note: Hikers must be at least 6 years old. The company also conducts a hike along the Haleakala Crater.

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Air Maui – West Maui & Molokai Tour

Price: From $346 Duration: 1 hour

West Maui and Molokai boast some of the island's most stunning waterfalls, along with tall sea cliffs and mountains. Helicopter tours provide an excellent vantage point from which to admire these natural wonders. From Air Maui's six-passenger helicopter, tourgoers might also glimpse humpback whales during wintertime. Two-way headsets are used onboard so flyers won't miss a word from their pilot/guide. In addition to marveling at the amazing views, passengers consistently note the pilots' skill and good humor, and many recommend booking the doors off option.

Air Maui operates several other helicopter tours of the region, including shorter 45-minute flights. Departure times may vary and weight restrictions apply.

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• Bike Maui – Cruiser Phil's Sunrise Guided Tour

Price: From $230 Duration: 8 hours

The sunrise lures many visitors to the summit of Haleakala National Park's namesake peak, but this tour stands out for blending a dawn-of-day viewing with a 23-mile bike ride down Haleakala and through the park's volcanic landscape to Haiku (where Bike Maui is based). Early morning cyclists cheer the beauty of the sunrise and also praise the knowledgeable, helpful ride leaders.

The tour usually begins between 3 and 4 a.m., depending on the time of year. For an additional fee, Bike Maui has a sunrise tour package including round-trip transportation, access to rain gear and use of mountain bikes and helmets. Riders must be 15 or older and taller than 4 feet 10 inches. Self-guided bike tours are also an option. For those who'd rather skip the sunrise, Bike Maui offers the same ride with a slightly later departure of 8 a.m.

Temptation Tours – Hana Ultimate Tour

Price: From $279 Duration: 11 hours

If you don't want to navigate the hairpin turns of the Road to Hana yourself, consider this tour. You and up to seven other travelers will board a luxury van to begin your journey on the legendary highway. Along the way, you'll stop at Kaumahina State Park, Waianapanapa State Park (home to a stunning black sand beach), Waikani Falls and Hookipa – a world-class windsurfing beach. Reviewers say this is a great way to see the sights along the Road to Hana thanks to the experienced drivers, who also double as guides. Travelers are also complimentary of the food stops and the comfortable vans.

The ticket price covers transportation, including round-trip hotel transportation, as well as breakfast and lunch. Tours generally depart Tuesday through Saturday at 7 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. Temptation Tours also offers private charters, as well as a Road to Hana tour that includes a helicopter ride.

Skyline Hawaii – Kaanapali 8-Line Adventure

Price: From $190 Duration: 3 hours

Soar up to 150 feet above the Kaanapali Resort area on this zip line tour. As you glide down the zip lines, you'll be treated to views of the ocean and the Iao Valley's West Maui Mountains. Guides will also share information about Hawaiian culture and history. Reviewers praise the entertaining, safety-conscious guides and say the views are beautiful.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh under 260 pounds. Tours are generally offered daily at multiple times a day starting at 8 a.m. Skyline Hawaii also offers tours that combine a visit to Haleakala National Park with zip lining.

Courtesy of Maui Pineapple Tours

Maui Pineapple Tours – Pineapple Farm Tour

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $65 Duration: 1.5 hours

Pineapple is one of the must-sample fruits in Hawaii, so why not see where they're grown? During the walk through Maui Gold's fields and facilities, guides impart facts about the crop's cultivation and production, which participants find both informative and entertaining.

Prices include a pineapple for each participant to take home. Tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. You can also opt to take a distillery tour located on the property that uses Maui Gold's pineapples in its spirits.

Maui Easy Riders – Haleakala Maui Bike Tour Small Group with Late Morning Start Time

Price: From $350 Duration: 4 hours

This small-group tour is designed to be virtually effortless. The cycling portion of the tour starts at about 6,500 feet above sea level just outside Haleakala National Park. From there, a maximum of six cyclists coast downhill on single-speed cruisers with wide seats. A van follows behind to ensure protection from motor vehicles – a feature many riders greatly appreciate. Tours start and end at the beach in Paia and cyclists are driven to the ride's starting point. The 25-mile route passes cattle ranches and pineapple farms, with stops in a few small towns like Makawao and Paia.

Tours generally depart Thursday through Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Riders must be at least 15 years old. Maui Easy Riders also offers a private version of this tour.

Courtesy of Redline Rafting

Redline Rafting Co. – Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Snorkel Tour

Price: From $189 Duration: 5 hours

On this snorkel tour, you'll visit La Perouse Bay for a chance to see the bay's resident spinner dolphins and Molokini. Crescent-shaped Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera, is regarded as one of the best Maui snorkeling spots because it's sheltered from powerful currents and waves. Snorkelers may also spot sea turtles and (in winter) humpback whales. The crew consistently wins high marks for being helpful, personable and entertaining. Reviewers also appreciate the chance to see the crater before the afternoon crowds, and the manageable group size (up to 24 participants are welcome in each tour).

Tours take place daily from 7 a.m. to noon. The ticket includes the boat ride, use of snorkeling equipment, a light breakfast and lunch. Be aware that this tour is not suited for pregnant women or kids younger than 8 years old. Kihei-based Redline Rafting also provides a two-hour snorkeling tour, seasonal whale watching tours and private boat tours.

Pride of Maui – Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise and Luau

Price: Adults from $159; kids from $99 Duration: 2 hours

This single cruise checks several items off a traveler's Maui to-do list. During the cruise, you'll see traditional Polynesian dancing, enjoy a luau dinner and watch a beautiful sunset over the ocean. As an added bonus, the outing may also double as a whale watching tour from December through March (when whales are present in Maui's waters). Trip-takers typically describe this tour as a great value with tasty fare, excellent views and an adept crew.

Boats depart from Maalaea Harbor at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, though exact availability varies by month. Tickets, which cover dinner and access to an open bar. Travelers should note, that ticket prices differ during peak season, which is from June through August. Children 5 and younger always sail for free. Pride of Maui also offers a snorkeling excursion to Turtle Town and private charters.

Courtesy of Four Winds II

Four Winds II – Morning Molokini Snorkel Tour

Price: Adults from $160; kids from $125 Duration: 5 hours

Aboard the Four Winds II catamaran, you'll sail 3 miles to Molokini Crater where you'll have time to snorkel and see ample marine life, including turtles. As an added bonus, from December through March, humpback whales may be glimpsed too. Reviewers often call this trip one of the best snorkeling tours they've taken and praise the crew for their insight and professionalism. However, others warn of rough waters and a lackluster breakfast selection.

Tickets for these daily excursions, which last from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., cover the use of snorkeling equipment as well as breakfast, lunch and drinks (including wine and beer). Four Winds II also offers an afternoon snorkeling outing, as well as trips to Coral Gardens – one of the island's best snorkeling locations.

• Maui Bombers – Cycle to the Sea

Price: From $225 Duration: 4.5 hours

Biking enthusiasts appreciate the ride leaders' energy and passion for this 30-mile downhill ride. The Cycle to the Sea ride starts on the Haleakala volcano at 6,700 feet above sea level, then rides down the mountain along hairpin turns and winding roads. You'll pass by pineapple and sugar cane fields and through towns, such as Kula, Makawao (where the group stops for lunch) and Paia. The trip concludes at the beach at Lower Paia Park.

The ticket price includes transportation to the Haleakala Ranch and the use of bikes, as well as lunch. Rides are generally offered Thursday through Tuesday beginning at 8 a.m. and ending around 12:30 p.m. (availability may vary by month). The tour does have weight and height restrictions. Know that Maui Bombers caters its tours to experienced bikers. Maui Bombers also offers an unguided version of this tour, as well as a 40-mile ride called Cycle Supreme.

Courtesy of Alii Nui Sailing Charters

Alii Nui Maui – Royal Sunset Sail

Price: From about $239 Duration: 2.5 hours

Alii Nui Maui's Royal Sunset Sail is an adults-only affair. The sailboat ride features a buffet dinner and an open bar. The highlight, however, is watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The crew, the meal, the boat and the sunset views all receive plaudits from passengers.

Sailings depart Friday through Monday and Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. Ticket prices include food and drinks and optional round-trip transportation to area hotels. Alii Nui Maui also offers several other sailing excursions and private charters.

Kapalua Ziplines – Six Line Zip Line Tour

Price: From $220 Duration: 3.5 hours

Despite its name, the Six Line Zip Line Tour entails more than zip lines. While the roughly 3.5-hour activity does involve nearly 8,500 feet of travel via zip lines, it also incorporates a walk across a 360-foot suspension bridge and all-terrain vehicle rides through the West Maui mountains. Along the way, guides share information about local plants and animals. Tour-takers invariably describe the excursion as great fun and the staff as highly professional.

Participants must be at least 10 years old. There is a 250-pound maximum weight restriction. Tours are offered Monday through Friday multiple times a day starting at 7:30 a.m. Kapalua Ziplines also offers shorter tours that traverse four zip lines.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures – Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Ma'Alaea

Price: Adults from about $225; kids from about $150 Duration: 5 hours

This tour combines a visit to the clear waters of the Molokini conservation area with an additional stop at Turtle Arches for more snorkeling and a chance to spot sea turtles. You'll also get plenty of fuel throughout the day as a continental breakfast and barbecue lunch are included. Naturalists serve as guides and are generally deemed friendly and helpful. Travelers also say this outing is great for novice snorkelers.

Boats depart daily at 7 and 8 a.m.; there's an additional 8:30 a.m. tour during the summer. PacWhale also offers a dolphin-watching snorkel excursion along Lanai's coastline and a seasonal whale watching trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, visitors can tour Haleakala National Park on Maui . Some of the best volcano tours on Maui are:

• Haleakala Eco Tours – Haleakala Sunrise or Sunset Tour
• Maui Easy Riders – Haleakala Maui Bike Tour Small Group with Late Morning Start Time

See all of the top tours in Maui .

Maui's best helicopter tours are:

• Air Maui Helicopter Tours – Hana Rainforest & Haleakala Crater
• Maverick Helicopters – Molokai Voyage
• Sunshine Helicopters – Molokai Deluxe Helicopter Tour

See the full list of the best Maui helicopter tours .

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Things to Do in Maui
• The Best Hotels in Maui
• Top Hawaii Beaches to Visit
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Hawaii: Hotels With Awesome Amenities
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Hawaii

World's Best Places To Visit

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