The Haleakalā Visitor Center situated at an elevation of approximately 9,740 feet (2,970 meters) near the summit of Haleakalā volcano, it serves as a key point for visitors to learn about the park's unique ecosystems, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. The center offers educational exhibits, park information, and ranger-led programs, providing insights into the area's native wildlife, geology, and the cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people.
Haleakalā Crater is a massive, dormant volcanic crater located at the summit of Haleakalā mountain. The crater is a prominent feature of Haleakalā National Park. Despite being commonly referred to as a crater, it is actually a geological depression formed by erosion rather than a traditional volcanic crater formed by explosions. The landscape within the crater is dramatic and diverse, featuring cinder cones, volcanic rock formations, and rare native plant species. The area is known for its breathtaking beauty, offering stunning vistas, hiking trails, and unique ecological zones. The summit area, including the crater, is sacred to Native Hawaiians and is a place of significant cultural importance.
At the Summit of Haleakala you will get 360 degree views of Maui and see other islands in the distance. The Haleakalā Observatory is a complex of astronomical observatories located near the summit. The site is renowned for its exceptionally clear and stable viewing conditions, making it one of the world's premier locations for astronomical observation. The observatory complex is home to a number of advanced telescopes and instruments operated by various research institutions and government agencies. These facilities are used for a wide range of scientific research including the study of the sun, stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena. One of the most notable facilities at the site is the Pan-STARRS, which is designed to scan the sky for potentially hazardous asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth. Additionally, the site hosts solar telescopes, space surveillance telescopes, and instruments dedicated to studying the Earth's atmosphere.
Kula Botanical Garden is a serene oasis that spans over 8 acres of lush landscape. Established in 1968 as a native Hawaiian plant reserve, the garden has grown to include a diverse collection of over 2,000 plant species, including native Hawaiian flora, exotic tropical plants, and unique hybrids. The garden's elevation provides a cooler climate that supports a variety of plants not commonly seen in other parts of Hawaii. Visitors can meander through beautifully landscaped pathways that showcase colorful blooms, ancient lava rock formations, water features, and a koi pond, creating a peaceful environment for relaxation and nature walks. The garden also features a conservatory, an aviary, and a display of nene geese. Kula Botanical Garden is not just a place to admire the beauty of plants; it's a sanctuary that promotes environmental awareness and conservation. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to experience the tranquility and beauty of Maui.
Ali'i Kula Lavender on the slopes of Haleakalā mountain spans 13.5 acres. This picturesque farm is home to around 55,000 lavender plants and over 45 different varieties of lavender. Beyond its lavender fields, the farm also boasts an assortment of other plants, including olive trees, hydrangea, and protea, contributing to its diverse botanical beauty. The farm offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insights into lavender farming, the properties of lavender, and the farm's history. These tours often include walking through the beautifully landscaped gardens and lavender fields, offering breathtaking views of Maui's central valley and the West Maui Mountains.
MauiWine, is a unique winery that blends traditional winemaking with the island's rich agricultural heritage. Established in 1974, it has pioneered the production of wines using both classic grape varieties and the native Hawaiian pineapple, offering a distinctive range of flavors that capture the essence of Maui. The winery's estate-grown wines highlight the unique terroir of its Ulupalakua vineyards, while its tropical wines showcase the vibrant taste of local pineapple. Visitors can explore the historic grounds, including the King’s Cottage, and enjoy tastings in a welcoming atmosphere. MauiWine stands as a testament to innovative winemaking and the island's diverse ecosystem, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers. Its commitment to sustainability and deep respect for the land are evident in every bottle, making each sip a true taste of Maui.
Worcester Glassworks is known for its exquisite hand-blown glass creations. Situated on the slopes of Haleakalā, this studio embodies the unique artistic spirit of the area, blending the natural beauty of its surroundings with the intricate art of glassblowing. Worcester Glassworks are renowned for their vibrant colors, fluid shapes, and the incorporation of local themes and inspirations. The studio produces a wide range of glass items, from functional pieces like vases, bowls, and glasses to purely artistic sculptures that capture the essence of the Hawaiian landscape and culture. Each piece is handcrafted, making it unique, with the variations in color and form that are characteristic of hand-blown glass. Visitors to Worcester Glassworks can often see the glassblowing process firsthand, offering an insightful glimpse into the skill and creativity involved in this art form.
Nestled in the lush heartland of Maui, this sprawling estate offers visitors a unique glimpse into the cultivation and uses of Hawaii's tropical crops, including coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and more. The plantation's centerpiece is a tram tour that winds through fields of vibrant flora, providing educational insights into the agricultural practices and history of the region. Beyond its agricultural tours, the plantation features the Mill House, where guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences that highlight the freshness and flavors of locally sourced ingredients. The grounds also host a variety of activities, including zipline adventures, shopping at artisan boutiques, and cultural demonstrations, making it a comprehensive destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Maui's natural beauty and agricultural traditions. Maui Tropical Plantation celebrates the island's bounty and offers an enriching experience for all ages.
The ride overall was very fun! For anyone going up the mountain, the rain was real intense and cloud cover makes it difficult to see. Dress in layers, wear long sleeves, have a rain coat, have some sort of eye protection for rain visibility. If you know how to drive a manual car ask for the manual slingshot. Manager was an awesome guy! Would do it again!
Such a fun experience! We took the Slingshot to the top of Haleakala We ran into rain on the way back down and a bit in upcountry, but that made the experience all the more memorable. The only caveat I would give is that the GPS in the Slingshot isn't great. It had us turning on dead-end roads a couple of times, but if you have Waze or another app, you'll be fine.
Helpful service and advise. Great Experience! We rode up to Haleakala Volcano. The views are out of this world. Cruising in the Slingshot got a lot of attention from others at the various stops.
It was an exciting experience driving the slingshot up and down Haleakalā. It was amazing when the path started up the Volcano. The road directs you towards the clouds. Before you know it, you're going through and above it. The views are spectacular. The first 40 minutes of the drive get a little sweaty because it's warm at sea level. When you start the path up the volcano, the temperature drops 20 degrees, and the wind screams in your ear. Pro Tips: A LOT OF SUN PROTECTION. This car has no top so you are at the mercy of the sun. There is no escape. If you fall short in preparation, you will burn for it. I did it in a long sleeve and shorts. It was not adequate. A hat/visor and clothing covering your arms and legs is the best way since it is cold and windy at the top. You must apply sunscreen and re-apply often. The sun intensifies as you drive through the clouds. When you're at the rental and dressed based on this review, you will feel that you are overdressed and that it's hot. Congratulations, you arrived correct. Double-apply sunscreen before you drive off to all exposed body parts (don't forget the ears!). Reapply at the Welcome Center. Reapply at the summit. Reapply Reapply Reapply. It will get COLD. No matter how hot it is when you leave. It is much much colder once the elevation rises. If the cold doesn't get you, the chill will. Bring a sweater. Altitude sickness is real at above 10,000ft where the summit is. I didn't see any supplemental oxygen sold up there so be careful. I was okay, but my partner could only last about 30 minutes before the dizziness and nausea kicked in.
Driving the slingshot was so much fun. The tour to the top of the volcano was pre-loaded in the gps and this was way better than being on a tour bus. Callan was polite and explained how everything worked. He even gave some great restaurant suggestions. It was well worth it.
Aloha Motorsports made it a great experience! Lots of helpful tips from which path to take to how to get the best out of the Slingshot.
Beautiful experience, we saw some beautiful places like beaches, trees, volcanoes, I definitely recommend it and the attention of the company employees was excellent, thank you very much
Aloha Motorsports had really friendly staff with excellent service. I forgot my phone and the manager (Calvin I think) was very helpful in getting it back to me. The slingshot was a lot of fun and provided the FULL experience to see the amazing views. I also felt more comfortable on the narrow roads with a smaller vehicle. Would recommend taking at least a light sweater because it was chilly going up.
The most fun you will have on Maui! An exhilarating experience with fabulous views and a well-planned satnav route that means even the most clueless (such as me) won’t get lost. Add to that very helpful staff and you get something I cannot recommend highly enough. Just don’t expect to maintain a hairstyle that is anything other than windswept!
We took a slingshot up to Haleakala and it was absolutely incredible. We had so much fun. Definitely recommend!
This was a great experience. The gps was preloaded with great spots to stop. We really enjoyed the drive up the volcano. A few tips. Bring a sweatshirt. It gets chilly as you climb the mountain. Wear lots of sunscreen. We under estimated how much sun we would get. Our next day we felt pretty rough but we are from the Midwest so we underestimated how much sunscreen to use.. we will definitely do this again
Driving around Maui in a slingshot was the best part. For future drivers, definitely try to pick a good day especially when going to the volcano.
Go up the volcano, skip Hana and do the north road of Maui. This was one of the most fun times we had. Go fast, hit the corners hard and be heavy on the gas.
Rented the Slingshot for the day to see Haleakala Volcano. It was raining when we picked the car up but after a short drive out of Lahaina we were in sunshine enjoying the sun. It was nice to know that they would have let us reschedule as well because of the weather but we only had the day to see everything and while the rain did appear a couple of later times in the day, the car drove great!
The Haleakala Volcano Slingshot was amazing! There are no words to describe the thrill of driving the Slingshot and experiencing the breathless view and breathing fresh air. The Slingshot was great overall when driving up to the top of Haleakala. The breaking is great in the mountain turns. Although it takes a bit to pick when pressing the gas pedal, be patient. Let go of pedal and press again and you will see the difference. I fell in love with the Slingshot, if I ever visit Maui again, I am definitely renting it again and explore other places.💚
The slingshot was a great opportunity to get a great view of the island. The drive was amazing filled with beautiful sights to see! Kalan was the best! Definitely would recommend this.
We had a blast driving up to Haleakala, stopping on the way at Kula botanical gardens and Kula Lodge for lunch. The slingshot was very easy to drive - rides like a convertible sports car. It handled the windy roads just as well as the highways. This was a much better way to see Haleakala - no groups, no waking up at 1am - we went at our own pace and did what we wanted. We’d rent the slingshot again and we highly recommend it.
Friendly and helpful staff. They have an amazing variety of vehicles to rent. I had a blast with the slingshot!!
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