Haleakala Sunset Tour
The Celestial Navigation Experience
We are currently not running sunset tours.
We hope to have them running as early as Spring 2019. Let us know you are interested and we will email you as soon as they are available.
Right now enjoy our Sunrise, Hana Or Haleakala Daytime tours. Great experiences that create wonderful vacation memories.
Mahalo for your interest in our sunset tours and we hope to see you on them soon!
The Celestial Navigation tour (or.. Our Haleakala sunset tour) is an immersive journey into Hawaiian culture and Maui history. Starting well before sunset, guests are treated to a number of stops where we introduce early ocean voyaging techniques. As we wind our way through Haleakala National Park, sunset at the mountain’s summit takes on a whole new meaning.
Like sunrise, sunset from the summit of Haleakala National Park is very special. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to watch as the sun dips below the horizon and fills the sky with incredible colors. But the setting sun is only the beginning, as an intricate “map” of stars begins appearing in the sky. These stars, along with a deep-rooted knowledge of ocean currents, formed the basis of Polynesian ocean voyaging.
Further connect with the stars and the history of Polynesian navigation during a beautifully prepared, Upcountry dinner. Throughout dinner, enjoy stories and interactive demonstrations that bring the history of Hawaii alive.
Sunset within Haleakala National Park is a special experience and only available to a few guided tour companies. Explore Haleakala National Park as the sun sets over Maui.
Once we arrive at the Park, we learn about ocean navigation, what it means to the land, and it’s importance to Hawaiians. Using traditional Hawaiian chants, we make declarations before we enter the “House of the Sun.”
Looking East, we watch the last rays of sun reach into the depths of Haleakala Valley thousands of feet below. With the sun still high in the sky, we then explore Haleakala’s western facing slopes.
The Summit Observatory, on top of Red Hill, provides stunning 360 degree views of Haleakala. Soak in the incredible views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Our storytelling journey begins at a traditional Hawaiian fishpond in North Kihei. Watch paddlers in outrigger canoes practice their ancient form of voyaging, and learn about early fishing practices
The Upcountry areas contained forests enough to supply the people of Maui with materials to build their outrigger sailing canoes. See examples and learn about canoe building up-close.
Enjoy the fragrant smells and surroundings of Upcountry Maui as we make our way to an evening dinner. Learn about important “canoe plants” like ulu (breadfruit) and niu (coconut) that traveled with Polynesians across the ocean.
On this tour, you’ll be treated to our renowned picnic in the Upcountry. We typically find a spot that has a scenic view as well as favorable weather conditions to make sure it’s a relaxing part of the trip!
Our group sizes are limited to 12 guests per guide. Our custom cruisers come in both 12 and 24 passenger sizes. A second guide is added on our larger vehicles to increase your comfort, safety, and experience.
All this means you won’t just see Maui, but you’ll actually enjoy it!
After pickup at your hotel or condo, we make our way along the coastline of Maui to experience examples of outrigger canoeing at an ancient fishpond. From there we venture up the mountain and into Haleakala National Park to view sunset from the summit. A romantic evening dinner then follows, hosted at one of our Upcountry locations. Free cold (non-alcoholic) drinks are available (except within the Park boundaries).
Stops include (not limited to); Haleakala Visitor Center, Haleakala Summit, Red Hill Observatory, Ko’ie’ie Fishpond, a flower farm & café, and our Upcountry Evening dinner location.
Pickup for tours begins between 3:30pm and 4:30pm, and returns between 9:30-10:30pm Please consult your confirmation email for exact times and pickup location within your hotel / condo complex.