maui helicopter tours volcano

Big Island Volcano Helicopter and Ground Tour

(from maui with air ticket).

Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Tour the most geologically active environment on earth which has been continuously erupting since 1983. Tour emphasis is on the most current areas of volcanic activity. View lava flows, tropical rain forests and cascading waterfalls while learning about the history and culture of Hawaii.

Ground Tour Highlights

• Visitor Center
• Kilauea Iki Crater
• Chain of Crater’s Road
• Kilauea Craters
• Volcanic Steam Vents
• 1983 Lava Flow
• Goddess Pele’s Crown
• Goddess Pele’s Profile

Note:  If you want your infant to have a separate seat on the flight, please choose Infant Seat option.

• Tour Information
• Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary :

• 8:13am flight to Big Island
• 9:15am check-in helicopter
• 10:00am  helicopter tour (45-50 minute ride)
• Tour narration by pilots who are State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides
• 11:00am meet tour guide for guided ground tour
• 5:13pm flight back to Maui
• 6:00pm arrive in Maui

Please Prepare :

• Passport is needed for foreign citizens.
• U.S. Government Issued photo ID (for U.S. residents)
• Covered shoes and warm clothing

Exclusions :

• Gratuity is recommended
• Lunch is not included(tour guide will stop for your to purchase lunch)

Actual experience and  interaction with the most active volcano in the world at the Volcanoes National Park

• Volcanoes National Park – Admission included.  Established in 1916, is a United States National Park located in the U.S. State of Hawaii on the island of Hawaii. It encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa.
• Volcanic Steam Vents :  Ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks in this area and returns to the surface as steam. While standing at the Steam Vents, take a good look around. The area between the caldera’s edge and outer cliffs of Kīlauea Caldera is a treeless plain.
• Kilauea Crater : The most active volcano crater in the world.
• Mount Kilauea :   is a currently active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands, and the most active of the five
• Chain of Crater’s Road
•  Lava Fields

Tours for :

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Big Island Tours

Kauai Tours

Helicopter Tours

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Hana Haleakala Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 40-50 minutes
• Checkmark Weight Capacity: Maximum combined weight for two passengers on FX STAR First Class is 400 lbs., and Whisper STAR First Class is 490 lbs.
• Users Seating Options:
• Open Seating Passengers – Seating is determined based on weight & balance for all passengers.
• First Class Passengers – Guaranteed Front Seats Next to Pilot.
• Mandatory Comfort Seat – Guests over 240lbs must purchase an extra Comfort Seat.

Hana Maui and Haleakala Helicopter Tour

This helicopter excursion offers generous views of Haleakala’s magnificent crater. Travel through Maui’s most remote areas with views of Hana Town, amazing rainforest waterfalls and the famous Ho’okipa windsurfing beach. Look for humpback whales (when in season).

Climb above central Maui and ascend the largest dormant volcano in the world, Haleakala (“house of the sun”). Explore its immense moonlike crater with pure iron oxide cinder cones reaching over 1,100 feet tall. See Kaupo and Ko’olau Gaps, the huge lava flows from the crater to the sea.

Hana’s almost uninhabited “back side” is home to Lindberg’s grave and the “Seven Pools.” The Hana rainforest extends for over 180 square miles along Maui’s northern coast and is the largest tropical rainforest in our nation.

The tour includes views of fabulous coastline waterfalls, Old Hana Town, the taro fields of Ke’anae, Haleakala National Park, Kipahulu, and the world-famous Ho’okipa windsurfing beach on the return.

Helicopter has four seats in the back and two seats in front for guests. Open seating is determined based on weight & balance for all six passengers. First Class seating is guaranteed two front seats next to pilot.

Related Tours

• Map Marker Maui
• Hour Glass 60-70 minutes

Circle Island Deluxe Tour

Take in the highlights of West Maui, Haleakala and Hana with its unforgettable hidden valleys, rugged coastline, lush green jungle vegetation, and spectacular vistas of the unique landscape.

• Hour Glass 55-65 minutes

Molokai Deluxe Tour

See the highlights of West Maui, then fly across the Pailolo channel to discover Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls along Moloka’i’s remote and isolated north shore.

Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities

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• Maui Helicopter Tours (11)

Maui Helicopter Tour - Haleakala Volcano & Hana Rainforest Waterfall Flight

Maui islamd full circle.

Buddy walker, 1.5 - 2 hour(s), available daily, pick-up not available, not accessible, what to expect, open seating - standard helicopter [fx-star].

Price per Adult/Child :

First Class Seating - Premium Helicopter [FX-STAR]

Open seating - premium helicopter [whisperstar], first class seating - premium helicopter [whisperstar].

Check-in at Kahului Heliport

Sights include: ・Haleakala National Park ・Beautiful Hana Coast ・Seven Pools of Oheo ・Ke'anae Peninsula ・Tropical Rainforest & Waterfalls ・Ho'okipa Windsurfing ・Kaanapali & Kapalua ・Old Lahaina Town & Pineapple Fields

Recommended add-ons

Fx-star first class seating upgrade.

To enjoy first class seating next to the pilot, this add-on must be purchased for two passengers in your party. The maximum combined weight for these two passengers must not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg).

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Start time :

• Hangar #107 at the Sunshine Helicopters Office

08:30-08:40

09:00-09:10, 09:30-09:40, 10:00-10:10, 10:30-10:40, 11:00-11:10, 11:30-11:40, 12:00-12:10, 12:30-12:40, 13:00-13:10, 13:30-13:40, 14:00-14:10, 14:30-14:40, 15:00-15:10, 15:30-15:40, 16:00-16:10, 16:30-16:40, 17:00-17:10, important activity information, restrictions.

• Guests may not fly within 24 hours of a two-tank scuba dive due to the high risk of decompression sickness.
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
• Hats and over-sized bags are not permitted on the aircraft.
• Guests weighing over 240lbs (109 kg) on the FXStar, or those unable to fit into a standard airline seat belt, will be required to purchase an additional seat.
• The maximum combined weight for first class seating is 400lbs (181 kg) for two passengers.

Other requirements

• Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 6.

Required items to bring & attire

• A valid government-issued photo ID

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.
• If you are driving on your own, you will be required to pay a parking fee.

• You can book a minimum of 2 and maximum of 2.

WhisperSTAR First Class Seating Upgrade

To enjoy first class seating next to the pilot, this add-on must be purchased for two passengers in your party. The maximum combined weight for these two passengers must not exceed 490lbs (222 kg).

• The maximum combined weight for first class seating is 490lbs (222 kg) for two passengers.
• Guests weighing over 290lbs (132 kg) on the WhisperStar, or those unable to fit into a standard airline seat belt, will be required to purchase an additional seat.

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Overall rating

It was absolutely an amazing experience. I would recommend anyone that can do this flight please do it. You will never forget the adventure.

It was a wonderful trip, a wonderful experiance. We have a wonderful time on the helicopter.

Great time!!

The Sunshine ground crew were efficient and welcoming. Steve was a great pilot and guide. He's very funny and knowledgeable about the islands, history, marine life, etc. Really a smooth ride. We had the front seats and w ... ell worth the unobstructed views. Highly recommended on all accounts.

Activity Provider Sunshine Helicopters, Inc. (Maui)

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 4 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 4 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, is giving a tip (gratuity) required.

Gratuity is never required, but if you enjoyed your experience a tip is always greatly appreciated!

If I don't get a window seat, what will the visibility be like?

These helicopters are built specifically for sightseeing, so visibility should be great wherever you are seated.

How far in advance should I book this activity?

We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings are often possible, but availability is limited.

Is there a safe place to store my belongings while on tour?

You will be able to store your belongings at the office.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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Are you looking for the best Haleakala volcano tours for your trip to Maui? Our favorite is Polynesian Adventure’s sunrise breakfast tour . However, there are many things to do in Haleakala National Park that are worth considering.

The types of tours you can take fall into six different categories and include the following.

• Sunrise Tours – For people that can wake up at 2 am.
• Sunset Tours – Also enjoy stargazing on certain tours.
• Bike Tours – Ride down the Maui volcano.
• Zipline Tours – Experience the treetops of Haleakala.
• Hiking Tours – Guided hikes including down into the crater.
• Helicopter Tours – See all of Maui including the volcano.

In this post, we’ll help you decide which Haleakala tour is for you by covering the best options available and what each has to offer. Let’s jump in!

Our Pick: Sunrise or Sunset

Seeing the sunrise is the most popular thing to do at Haleakala National Park. However, if you don’t like waking up super early, watching the sunset is the next best thing.

• Best For Sunrise – Polynesian Adventure’s Sunrise Breakfast Tour
• Best For Sunset – Maui All-Stars Sunset and Stargazing

Haleakala Sunrise Tours

Haleakala sunset tours, haleakala bike tours, haleakala zipline tours, haleakala hiking tours, haleakala helicopter tours, should you book a haleakala tour, be sure to bring extra layers, take your time on walking trails, camping in haleakala national park, is haleakala still an active volcano, what is the meaning behind the name haleakala.

If you’re an early riser and don’t mind waking up at 2 a.m., then a Haleakala Sunrise Tour might be for you. Imagine standing at the summit of Haleakala, surrounded by a sea of clouds, as the first rays of sunlight paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. It’s a breathtaking experience.

You’ll start your day with a hotel pickup by your guide and an early morning drive to the summit. Having a guide makes viewing the sunrise much easier as the road has a lot of turns, and it’s still dark out at that time in the morning. These tours often include breakfast and coffee to warm you up in the chilly pre-dawn air. Be sure to dress in layers, as it can get quite cold up there.

Polynesian Adventure’s Sunrise Tour

Polynesian Adventure is an experienced tour company that has been serving the Hawaiian islands for more than 40 years. They offer a range of activities, including multiple Haleakala tours, so you know you’ll be in good hands. This tour includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to the top of Haleakala. Once there, you’ll be treated to breakfast and unmatched sunrise views.

Valley Isle Excursions’ Sunrise Tour

Embark on an unforgettable Haleakala Sunrise tour in Maui with Valley Isle Excursions. They handle all the logistics, from hotel pickup to a summit visit for the mesmerizing sunrise. Enjoy a continental breakfast, explore the national park, and savor a hearty buffet meal. Your guide will showcase the park’s highlights. Plus, they offer flexible pickup options, so you’re all set.

Skyline Hawaii’s Sunrise Tour

Skyline Hawaii is another experienced tour company that has been operating since 2002. They offer more than just sunrise tours and were actually the first zipline company in the United States. This tour also includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to the top of Haleakala. However, breakfast is had at Kula Lodge after you’ve watched the sunrise and driven back down.

Bike Maui’s Sunrise Bike Tour

Experience the magic of a Haleakala sunrise on a bike tour with Bike Maui. Start your day with a jaw-dropping sunrise at the summit of Haleakala National Park. Afterward, hop on your bike and coast down the volcano’s slopes with all the gear provided. Along the way, capture Instagram-worthy photos and admire the island’s beauty.

If you’re not into waking up early to see the sunrise, no problem! Viewing the sunset from the top of Haleakala is an equally outstanding experience that makes for some incredible photos. Just be sure to dress warm, as it can get really cold at the summit as the sun goes down.

Some of these tours also offer the opportunity for stargazing. With Maui’s clear skies and limited light pollution, you’ll have ample time to marvel at the stars above after the sun finishes its descent. Haleakala is considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

Maui All-Stars Sunset & Stargazing Tour

Stargazing is another amazing activity you can do while at the top of Haleakala. For all the hype that sunrise and sunset get, stargazing doesn’t get enough! Without competition from city lights or pollution, you can see an incredible number of stars from the top of Haleakala. In fact, it’s so good that Haleakala is one of the most sought-after places in the world for ground-based telescopes.

Polynesian Adventure’s Sunset Tour

In addition to its sunrise tour, Polynesian Adventure also offers a sunset tour. This tour includes hotel pickup for your drive to the top, along with a knowledgeable guide who will share with you facts about Maui’s legends, history, and culture. After viewing the sunset, you’ll briefly stop at the Kula Marketplace for a selection of light drinks and snacks.

One of our favorite experiences at Haleakala National Park has been downhill bike tours . These tours shuttle you close to the top and allow you to coast down slopes and switchbacks while taking in the scenery. It’s a thrilling way to experience Haleakala.

You don’t need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy these tours, as they cater to experienced and novice riders alike. You’ll be provided with all the necessary gear, a safety briefing, and followed closely by the tour van should you need some help.

Easy Riders Downhill Bike Tour

On this bike tour, you’ll start your day by being shuttled to the top by your guide. Once there, you’ll take in the sights at the summit before heading back down to 6,500 ft to start your descent on two wheels. Along the way, you’ll pass by the towns of Upcountry Maui, including a stop at the Kula Marketplace, before making your final stop in Paia for lunch.

Bike Maui’s Self-Guided Bike Tour

A self-guided bike tour is another option for biking down Haleakala Highway. You’ll still be shuttled to the top by an expert guide with time to take in the sights. However, when it’s time to descend, you’ll do that at your own pace! You can stop anywhere you’d like on the way down as you make your way to your final destination and bike drop-off in the town of Haiku.

Maui Sunriders’ Self-Guided Bike Tour

Discover the beauty of Maui’s Haleakala Volcano with Maui Sunriders. This self-guided bike tour begins at 6,500 feet on the upper switchbacks, offering breathtaking vistas as you coast down the volcano’s slopes. Explore Kula, a charming community, and Makawao, steeped in paniolo heritage. You’ll end your adventure in the funky town of Paia, known for its relaxed vibe and fantastic eateries.

Another thrilling way to experience the slopes of Haleakala is by participating in a zipline tour . There’s only one zipline company that operates here, and it’s a good one. Imagine yourself gliding through the lush treetops of Haleakala National Park with the wind in your hair.

Guides provide expert instruction and ensure your safety, so even if you’re new to zip lining, you’ll feel at ease. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to try something different, Haleakala Zipline Tours are an unforgettable adventure in paradise.

Skyline Hawaii’s Zipline Tour

Get ready to soar as you reach speeds up to 45 mph on five different ziplines and cross a swinging suspension bridge through the treetops along the slopes of Haleakala. This is a family-friendly tour that is great for anyone with children eight years or older.

For those who prefer to explore Haleakala on foot, Haleakala Hiking Tours are the perfect choice. These guided hikes take you deep into the heart of the volcanic crater, revealing a landscape that looks like it belongs on a different planet.

Picture yourself descending into the lunar-like terrain, surrounded by colorful cinder cones and unique flora found nowhere else on Earth. Knowledgeable guides not only ensure your safety but also share facts about the geological history and cultural significance of Haleakala.

Humble Tours Crater & Summit Hike

Humble Tours is a locally-owned small business that donates 1% of its sales to preserving and improving Hawaii’s land and ocean. On this tour, you will follow two different trails through Haleakala National Park. See the Sliding Sands and Halemauu trails with the help of an expert guide in a small group on this 7-hour tour.

Hike Maui’s Advanced Crater Hike

While hiking anywhere at the top of Haleakala can be a challenge given the thin air, this tour is geared towards advanced hikers seeking more. On this hike, you will embark on a 4-mile, 4-hour trek at the summit and along the 8,000 ft lava trail that will take you to areas not normally seen by visitors. This tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes lunch to keep you fueled while you hike!

See a different view of Maui by embarking on a helicopter tour that takes you above Haleakala National Park and other notable landmarks from a bird’s eye view. Knowledgeable pilots provide informative commentary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the island’s hidden gems.

What sets these tours apart is the ability to explore the entire island in a relatively short amount of time. You can witness the dramatic contrast between Haleakala’s barren crater and the lush surroundings of the Hana rainforest all in one mesmerizing journey.

Air Maui’s Complete Island Helicopter Tour

In this complete island tour, you’ll catch glimpses of sights like the Hana Rainforest, the West Maui Mountains, and Iao Valley State Park. You’ll fly along Maui’s picturesque shoreline, passing by towns such as Lahaina, Kapalua, Ka'anapali, Wailea, and Hana, all narrated in-flight by your expert guide.

Air Maui’s Hana and Haleakala Volcano Tour

Explore the raw beauty of East Maui’s Haleakala Crater and the lush Hana Rainforest with this helicopter tour from Air Maui. From the comfort of a forward-facing, air-conditioned helicopter, you’ll experience breathtaking 180-degree views of untouched valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring dormant volcano, guided by an expert narrator.

More About Haleakala National Park

Rising above the island of Maui at 10,023 feet above sea level and making up 75% of its land mass is the East Maui Volcano, also known as Haleakala (“house of the sun” in Hawaiian). This massive volcano is the third-largest in Hawaii and boasts a crater that is 7 miles across, 2 miles wide, and 2,600 feet deep. The 30,000-acre Haleakala National Park near Upcountry Maui, all the way to the southeastern coast, offers numerous hikes and activities with rocky desert landscapes near the frontside Summit District and lush rainforests and waterfalls near the backside Kīpahulu District. There are even places to camp for more adventurous travelers!

Haleakala Summit is the best place on the island to watch an absolutely unforgettable sunrise in the morning or sunset in the evening with an amazing array of colors. During the day, Haleakala Summit offers outstanding views of both the land and ocean in all directions, with incredible views of the universe while stargazing at night. Without any competition from city lights, the number of stars you can see is nothing short of impressive.

Both the frontside summit and backside near the coast can be visited on your own. However, a  reservation and permit are required  to visit the summit at sunrise if you are driving yourself. Sunrise is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM, meaning you’ll have to depart around 3 or 4 AM as the drive via Haleakala Highway is typically 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on where you’re coming from.

One of the best ways to experience Haleakala is through a tour with a knowledgeable guide. Tour options range from sunset/sunrise viewing, hikes, and our favorite, being shuttled to the top and biking back down to the bottom! Whatever you decide to do, keep the elevation in mind, as it can be much colder with strong winds at the top, so be sure to bring extra layers. Additionally, walking trails can be challenging given how thin the air is at that elevation, so take your time and, above all else, have fun!

Driving to the top of Haleakala Summit on your own is possible via the 10-mile Haleakala Highway if you have a car and want to drive. However, it’s a road with a lot of twists and turns that make for a slow drive and typically takes between 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Additionally,  an entranc e fee is required for all visitors to the park. A tour is a great option if you’d prefer to sit back and relax on the way up. Not only do you not have to drive, but most tours are led by a knowledgeable guide that will share with you facts about Hawaiian history, culture, and folklore.

As mentioned, the air can be much cooler at the top, as much as 50 °F (-1 °C) cooler than the base with strong winds (it has snowed at the top before). We recommend bundling up or bringing extra layers even when the sky is clear. Additionally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Even though it’s cooler at the top, the sun’s rays are still strong enough to give you a burn!

In addition to the cool air, the air is also much thinner, 10,023 feet up at the top of Haleakala. This elevation can make walking trails a challenge for those with breathing problems. So take your time, walk slowly, and stop for breaks often. If you end up with a headache, that could be a sign of altitude sickness that should clear up when you’re back at sea level.

Did you know that you can also camp in Haleakala National Park? Camping is only allowed in designated areas, including the Hosmer Grove Campground in the frontside district and the Kīpahulu Campground in the backside district. For serious adventures, three historic cabins within the crater are only accessible by trail, meaning you have to hike all of your gear in and out. Visit the  National Park Service  website for more information on camping in Haleakala National Park.

Technically, Haleakala is still considered active! However, it is a dormant volcano, and radiocarbon dating puts its last eruption close to 500 years ago. By comparison, Mauna Loa on the Big Island has erupted more than a dozen times in the last century. The USGS currently has the Volcano Alert Level for Haleakala at “normal,” meaning it’s in a non-eruptive phase.

The name Haleakala comes from early Hawaiians and means “house of the sun.” They believed that the crater at the summit was home to the grandmother of the demigod Maui. According to Hawaiian folklore, Maui lassoed the sun to slow its journey across the sky to make the day longer.

Meet the Authors

Aloha! We’re Justin and Katie, the owners of Maui Hideaway. We’ve been visiting Hawaii together with our family for 20 years and would love to share the experience of the islands with you. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just some vacation advice, we’re here to help!

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6 of the Best Islands To Visit in Hawaii

H awaii is home to some of the most sought-after tropical waters in the world. The islands of Hawaii have lush rainforests, world-class beaches, and stunning volcanoes that attract millions of visitors every year . Marked by clear turquoise waters and vibrant green mountains, these islands provide picturesque views that are unparalleled.   

Along with the many environmental attractions and attributes of Hawaii, its culture is one of the most incredible features that travelers can experience. The Aloha Spirit, which many travelers get to experience as soon as they land, is a significant aspect of Hawaiian culture derived from Polynesian heritage. The term comes from the greeting “aloha,” which means the coordination of both the mind and heart (or compassion and harmony with mankind). This spirit exists across each of the islands of Hawaii. 

Hawaii’s many different islands offer unique features and gorgeous views. Travelers can have many different types of vacations, depending on their preferred island. While there are a total of eight main Hawaiian islands, only some of them are accessible to visitors. Check out these six Hawaiian islands that are the best to visit; whether a bustling tropical paradise or secluded getaway sounds ideal. 

Popular Tourist Islands 

These islands are tourist hot spots and provide convenient central locations. These locations come with top-notch hotels, delicious food spots, and metropolitan cities close to the water. The islands are a must-see for travelers aiming to get acquainted with the city and locals.  

The Big Island

The Big Island is full of hiking trails and beautiful parks and is known for its size. In fact, it has plenty of space for visitors with varying interests since it is the largest island in the United States (with over four thousand square miles of land). Beaches are one of the most beautiful spots to visit on the Big Island and a place for visitors to lounge, sunbathe, and have fun. A highly favored white sand beach is Mauna Kea, which is a half-mile long and extremely family-friendly. Mauna Kea is also the name of the nearby dormant volcano that is the world’s tallest mountain from (base to the summit), not to be confused with Mt. Everest (which is the tallest above sea level).

There are volcano sightseeing tours, stingray snorkel tours, and ship excursions on the Big Island. These activities, along with hiking, are the most popular. The Pololū Valley Trail is considered one of the most beautiful big island hikes since its overlook provides panoramic views of the nearby black sand beach. 

The best time to visit Hawaii’s big island is between September and November. This is technically due to the price changes for rooms, which change because of lower volumes of visitors. Since Hawaii has generally consistent weather, there is not too much to be worried about in terms of sunshine. Hawaii’s temperatures usually range from the 70s to the 80s. Surfers may want to visit between December and March, although this time period is when prices surge.

The island is beloved for its glorious coasts and unique experiences . Haleakala National Park has Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala, which is the largest dormant volcano in the world. Many visitors opt to book sunrise and sunset tours at the Haleakala National Park, which must be booked well ahead of time since they are so popular. There is even an adults only luxury resort in Maui. This island may be an ideal option for travelers who want to prioritize romance or quiet environments. 

Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours are another popular excursion that travelers can book to explore the island. With a helicopter tour of the island, travelers can get an aerial view of all the mountainsides and the scenic views of Maui. 

Travelers should visit Maui during the shoulder season, that is, during spring or fall. In spring (between April and May) and fall (from September and November), visitors can experience moderate weather while also avoiding the higher prices and crowds that visit during summer and winter. 

Oahu is well known since it is the site of Pearl Harbor and has one of the best shores for surfing. The tourism industry is thriving in Oahu, reflected in the quality of amenities and experiences it offers.  

Some of the most exciting things to do in Oahu include nature and historical landmarks. In fact, some of the most popular sights of Oahu are unique nature sites like China Walls or Electric Beach , which seem to exist miraculously. Of course, there are also historical sites that can be traced back to distinct events. There are Pearl Harbor tours that visit the museum, memorial and visitor’s center to provide more in-depth information regarding the events of Pearl Harbor. Many of these tours depart from Waikiki, which is a popular district of the city of Honolulu , Oahu.

Between April and June and September and December, attractions are less crowded, temperatures are moderate, and prices for travel decrease. The shoulder season is the best time to visit since the summer and surfing season crowds have not hit yet. 

Secluded Islands 

These islands of Hawaii are great options for those who want to reconnect with nature and have a sense of solitude. With more sprawling land than people, these locations will surely be the fix that tropical travelers need. 

Molokai 

Molokai is one of the four islands within Maui County and is one of the least visited of the major Hawaiian islands. The island is only 38 miles long and has a proudly undeveloped coastline. Molokai provides an off-the-beaten path and small-town feel, so large-scale tourism will not be found here. People planning to visit Molokai must be cognizant of the island’s people and resources since environmental and cultural preservation are local concerns. 

Molokai is a great place to have a relaxed and slow-going trip. Since the island is not commercially developed, there is a lot of wilderness. Enjoying the surrounding nature and the Aloha Spirit is the best way to spend time on Molokai. The most popular attractions are the Kalaupapa National Historical Park and Pāpōhaku Beach Park. The remote northern national park is a place of education and preservation and is actually only accessible by a mule ride, hiking tour or a small airplane. Pāpōhaku Beach Park (or three mile beach) has campsites, showers, and picnic facilities. Visitors will find that there is an abundance of space at the site since it is one of the longest white-sand beaches in Hawaii. 

The best time to visit Molokai is during the dry season when there are moderate temperatures and less rain. Between April and June, visitors can expect temperatures between the high 70s and 80s. Generally, since Molokai has no crowds, travelers will not have trouble visiting the island throughout the year. 

Kauai is the northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain and is known as the garden island since it is covered by tropical rainforest. The island also has breathtaking cliffs on the sea and beautiful flora and fauna. This destination has plenty of natural beauty and is a tropical paradise welcoming smaller towns like Waimea.

Travelers who love adrenaline-surging activities will appreciate the expanded possibilities that a less populated island provides. Travelers of Kauai enjoy things like exciting zipline journeys through the jungle, ATV backroads tours or kayaking trips on the Wailua River.

Visiting Kauai is better during non-peak seasons even though there is not a high volume of visitors compared to trendy tourist islands. Between September and December or April to June, there are lower prices on excursions and local accommodations . 

Lanai offers a luxury and remote experience that many romantics enjoy. Lanai has a historic town named Lanai City with small restaurants and shops for travelers to explore. The city is technically more like a small village since the community is so small. This island is a popular day trip destination, allowing tourists to experience authentic island living. 

Although the island is mainly uninhabited, there is plenty for visitors to see. There are unique sites to see on Lanai, including a well-known shipwreck at Shipwreck Beach (or Kaiolohia) that travelers go to see often. The 1940s shipwreck is a testament to how Hawaii’s windy and rocky beaches can be dangerous. Even though the beach has incredible views, visitors are not advised to swim there. 

The best time to visit Lanai is between June and November since those months are the warmest and driest months. Lanai is a secluded island, so travelers do not have to be concerned with crowds and can spend their time relaxing.

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Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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This extraordinary island is truly bursting with life and there’s no better way to witness its beauty and majesty than from the sky! Our Big Island helicopter tours take you on epic sightseeing adventures—from the steep coastal cliffs and ancient settlements of the Waipio Valley to the jaw-dropping lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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