Lahaina Best of Maui Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned and licensed round trip transportation from your Lahaina Maui cruise pier!
  
• English speaking, local and trained Maui shore excursion guides!
  
• Visit Maui Tropical Plantation!
  
• Included tram ride of the plantation!
  
• Visit Iao Valley State Park and Iao Needle!
  
• Visit Maui Ocean Center!
  
• All fees and taxes included!

This amazing day begins when you meet your excursion guide just next to your Lahaina cruise ship pier. You'll board comfortable, and air conditioned transportation and have a scenic 20 minute ride to your first stop at the stunning Maui Tropical Plantation.

Once you are at the plantation you'll board a tram and enjoy a fully narrated ride through amazing tropical beauty. The plantation is covered in flowers, vines, and trees along with flower orchards and fruit fields. You'll see where they grow mangoes and papayas, coffee and sugarcane, kalo (Hawaiin taro), coconut and macadamia nuts. All your senses can get involved since there are often samples at the end of the ride.

During the 40 minute tram ride, you will be treated to a coconut husking demonstration and learn more about the benefits and uses of coconuts. After the tram ride, there will be time to browse through the Kumu farmers market and the large gift shop where there are usually some local homemade or locally grown samples for tasting

Then you're off to see one of the island's most famous attractions, the Iao Needle located approximately 20 minutes away in the 4,000-acre (1618 hectare) Iao Valley State Park. Here, you will take a pleasant walk on a 3000 foot (914 meter) paved path to one of Maui's most striking rock formations, the 1,200 foot tall (365 meter) Kukaemoku or Iao Needle. Over millions of years, erosion has carved it into its current day form. Lush green vegetation has covered most of it giving it a nice green coat.This is a tower that was formed naturally by lava and is covered in vegetation. It rises to 2,250 feet above sea level and is just spectacular to see, and photograph. It's important to mention that this formation is also quite important to native Hawaiians. To them this formation represents the beginning of all life and the cooperation of the two gods, Kane and Kanaloa.

Next you'll take a scenic 20 minute drive down to one of the highest rated attractions on the island, the Maui Ocean Center. You've seen the beauty of the land here, but just wait until you see what's under the water's surface. Known as "The Aquarium of Hawaii" it has some great areas to visit including The Living Reef, which is where the center carefully works to keep the coral healthy because it is necessary to act as a buffer from the sea. You'll learn there are 7,000 species of marine life that can only be found in Hawaii and much of that can be seen here.

You'll get a chance to visit Turtle Lagoon and see the green sea turtles, possibly basking in the sun. Then head over to the Hammerhead Harbor and the open ocean wonders. Possibly one of the best experiences is the 750,000 gallon (2,839,058.84 liter) tank that offers a 240-degree acrylic tunnel view of a carefully grown coral garden that is home to countless marine life. There is even a fun touch tank to experience!

What is included?

• Air-conditioned and licensed round trip transportation from your Lahaina Maui cruise pier
  
• English speaking, local and trained Maui shore excursion guides
  
• Visit Maui Tropical Plantation
  
• Included tram ride of the plantation
  
• Visit Iao Valley State Park and Iao Needle
  
• Visit Maui Ocean Center
  
• All fees and taxes included

Excursion Notes

• Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and sturdy comfortable shoes.
  
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended.
  
• Please note that there is a minimum of 4 guests required to operate this excursion. If the minimum is not met, the excursion will be cancelled but your payment is refundable.

Where we meet

For the Lahaina Best of Maui Excursion, you will meet your guide at your Lahaina Maui cruise tender pier. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is ADA accessible with limited access at some stops. A notice must be made at the time of booking if special arrangements are needed and your request will try to be accommodated.
• Guests must be able to step into and out of transportation.
• Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel and uneven surfaces, some on inclines.
• Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Infants 3 years old and under are free of charge if seated on their parent's lap, otherwise, they pay the child fee.
• This excursion is for cruise ship guests only.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.