See all the
beauty of Hawaii both on land and sea on this unique combo
excursion. Sightseeing, plantation tram ride, rainforest park, Maui Ocean Center visit and much more!
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!
After your visit to
the Maui Ocean Center, you will board your transportation to return to your
meeting spot just next to your Lahaina Maui cruise ship pier.
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