Maui Adventure
(The WILD side of Hawaii!)

Hawaii's Natural Paradise Tour (June 8-12, 2005)

Tour price includes: all meals, all activities*, all land transportation, housing (backcountry cabins), excursions and adventures! Professional tour director accompanies you for the entire trip. This adventure is for those looking for adventure. If you enjoy hawaii for its relaxing beautiful beaches and you prefer to lounge, this trip is NOT for you. We will be backpacking into the heart of the jungle secluded from the commercialized side of Maui. A large emphasis is on the Hawaiian culture and native plants and local wildlife.

5 Days 4 Nights from $699pp
1st day - Arrive in Maui (Explore Polipoli State Park)

This first day we arrive on this tropical island and relax. Two different pick up times at the airport will give you the option to come earlier and explore Polipoli State Park. The park sits at about 6200 feet in elevation. You may hike the various trails while waiting for others in our party to arrive. You can find wild plum trees, mountain raspberries, and beautiful misty redwood forests.

This night we prepare for the rest of the trip by packing our backpacks and looking at trail maps and pictures from past trips. Our group will stay this night at the Polipoli State Park backcountry cabin after initial group briefing.

 

Waterfalls

 
2nd day - Haeleakela National Park (Hike to Backcountry Cabin)

We wake up early and catch the sunrise at the 10,023 summit. This inactive volcano looks more like a Mars landscape picture from the NASA Mars Rover than something on earth. We then have breakfast and take off down the Sliding Sands trail through a red-sand wonderland filled with cinder cones, lava formations, and silversword plants. Hawaii's State Bird the Nene is often seen around here.

We then arrive at a backcountry cabin that is said to be the most enchanting spot in the park, with it's massive rainfall and wonderful views down the Kaupo Gap. Surrounding the cabin are many Ohelo plants with tasty red berries. This cabin houses us as we cook our dinner and relax.

 

Haleakala Crater
3rd day - Hike through Rainforest to Black Sand Beach

With our naturalist guides, we leave in the morning descending 6,000 feet in 8 miles. This is a gorgeous hike as you leave the volcano rim and cruise through the Kaupo Gap. We will most likely be able to see exotic birds, wild pigs, mongooses, and a number of waterfalls. You may be able to hear wild goats in the surrounding heavy brush.

This stretch of trail warrants a lot of camera shots. Be ready for the stunning views to the south. As we meet the south shore of the island, we find miles and miles of tropical Lantana flowers.

As we arrive at the trail head, our van picks us up. We then travel along the east side of the island passing by many waterfalls and secluded beaches. The side of the island is much more lush with tropical rainforests galore. Bamboo forests and wildlife are abundant. We travel through the small community of Kipahulu and Hana finding ourselves at Wai'anapanapa State Park.

Once at Wai'anapanapa State Park, we move our luggage and packs into our cabin. For those looking for a little night life and restaurant style meals, the town of Hana is an option for the evening.

 

Hiking down the Gap
4th day - Exploration day (Caving adventure, beach going, cliff jumping, hike to waterfalls)

The fourth day of our adventure consists of many "free choice" activities to suit your desires. This area of the island is rich in outdoor recreation activities. Activities with an asterisk may have additional charges. Options for the day include but not limited to:

Snorkeling/Kayaking trip*

Cliff Jumping and swimming at "Venus Pools" (Recommended)

Black Sands Beach Exploration

Natural Botanical Garden (Short Hike)

Red Sands (clothes optional) Beach

Lava Tube Caving Adventure* (Recommended)

White Sands Hamoa Beach day with Body Boarding

Enjoy Authentic Hawaiian "Plate Lunch" Meal (Recommended)

Hike to 200 foot Waimoku Falls (Recommended)

Relax at Park Cabin With Nearby Beach

Horseback Riding Trip*

 

Waterfalls on the Road to Hana



 
5th day - Travel famous "Road to Hana" back to airport

The Road to Hana is one of the most breath taking drives. Multiple waterfalls, gardens, forests, hidden coves and beaches are found. We will be stopping at different scenic areas while traveling toward the city. The small farming community of the Keanae Peninsula is a quaint picnic spot for our lunch.

For those who are itching for souvenirs we will be stopping in the fishing town of Pa'ia on the drive to the airport.

 

 

Keanae Peninsula
Package Includes:

5 Days/4 Nights, Van Transportation, Naturalist/Hiking Guide, 12 Meals, Housing 4 Nights. Airfare is NOT included in the total price. Discounted airfare rates are available. Average airfare from Los Angeles is $450.

Additional Policies:

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied with an adult or legal guardian. Airport pick-ups on June 8th will be at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Many people choose to extend their trips with resort stays before or after the backpacking trip. If this is the case, you will need to make it to the Kahului Airport at the pick-up times.

Extras:

If reservations are made by April 1st 2005, a free day of caving will be included. ($40 value)

Cancellations:

Cancellations must be made by May 23rd, 2005. Cancellations after May 23rd 2005 forfeits any deposits made