Maui Sunrise Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome

  Your tour starts at Hana Highway, Maui’s top attraction!

• Aloha Spirit

  Embrace the deeper meaning of Aloha, embodying kindness, unity, agreeableness, humility, and patience as you explore.

• Pa’ia Town

  Discover the quirky charm of Pa’ia, attracting bohemians and boasting celebrity flair, like Willie Nelson's occasional impromptu concerts.

• How Hawaiians Came To Be

  Uncover the ancient origins of Hawaiians, with the first settlers arriving from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti, forming a unified culture.

• Ho'okipa Beach Park

  Witness the world-famous windsurfing destination, Ho'okipa Beach, renowned for its perfect conditions and hosting the prestigious Aloha Classic.

• Jaws Beach

  Encounter the legendary surf break at Jaws, where massive waves up to 50 feet draw daredevil surfers and awe-inspiring rescue operations.

• The Demigod Maui

  Learn about the mythical demigod Maui, renowned for lifting the sky, snaring the sun, and raising the Hawaiian islands from the ocean.

• A Long History of Surfing

  Trace Hawaii's surfing heritage back to the first wave of people arriving in canoes and the birth of the world's first surfboards.

• Kapu Systems

  Explore the complex system of kapu, which regulated Hawaiian life with sacred laws, taboos, and strict social interactions.

• Pi’ilani

  Understand the significance of King Pi’ilani, who unified Maui and ushered in a golden age for the island, leaving a lasting legacy of reverence.

• Mile Marker Zero of the Road to Hana

  Embark on the scenic Road to Hana, a historic road connecting east and west Maui, originally built in the 1400s by King Pi'ilani to unite the island and paved with lava rocks.

• The Many Kingdoms of Hawaii

  Discover the diverse kingdoms of Hawaii before the 19th century, each ruled by an ali'i nui, or ruling chief, living as respectful neighbors with occasional skirmishes and interdependence through trade.

• Twin Falls Maui Waterfall

  Indulge your taste buds at Twin Falls Farmstand, a delightful stop offering local fruits, juices, and baked goods grown and made on Maui, supporting land preservation efforts alongside delicious treats.

• Hawaiian Music

  Dive into the rich history of Hawaiian music, blending chants and percussion with the introduction of string instruments like the guitar and ukulele, resulting in a unique sound that combines traditional hula music with beachy vibes.

• Captain James Cook

  Learn about the significant impact of Captain James Cook's arrival in 1778, marking the first formal contact between Hawaiians and Europeans, his initial visit for resupply, and the later exploit of a misunderstanding during a harvest festival, leading to exploitation by Cook and his crew.

• Rainbow Eucalyptus

  Admire the remarkable Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, shedding their bark to reveal vibrant strips of green, blue, purple, orange, or maroon, creating a natural rainbow effect that adds beauty to Hawaii's landscape.

• Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

  Experience the mesmerizing voice of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, a renowned Hawaiian singer who captivated audiences with his unique talent from a young age, becoming an iconic symbol of Hawaii's spirit through his soulful music.

• Waikamoi Ridge Trail

  A serene and scenic hiking trail offering a mile-long journey through nature's beauty, inviting you to embrace the tranquility and listen to the whispers of the trees.

• Garden of Eden Arboretum

  A breathtaking botanical garden and arboretum with stunning ocean views, boasting a collection of over 700 plant specimens, including those donated by George Harrison of the Beatles.

• Tickets and Hours

  The Garden of Eden Arboretum welcomes visitors from 8am to 4pm daily, offering tickets priced at $15 for adults and $5 for kids (ages 5-16), with discounts available for students, military personnel, and groups.

• The End of Kapu

  A pivotal moment in Hawaiian history when the kapu system was abolished, paving the way for the arrival and influence of missionaries, ultimately transforming the traditional Hawaiian way of life.

• Waikamoi Ridge Trail

  A serene and scenic hiking trail offering a mile-long journey through nature's beauty, inviting you to embrace the tranquility and listen to the whispers of the trees.

• Garden of Eden Arboretum

  A breathtaking botanical garden and arboretum with stunning ocean views, boasting a collection of over 700 plant specimens, including those donated by George Harrison of the Beatles.

• Kaumahina State Park

  A picturesque park offering stunning views of Maui's renowned coastline, ideal for picnics and capturing Instagram-worthy photos, providing a tranquil escape amidst natural beauty.

• Missionary Resistance

  Despite the influence of missionaries, native Hawaiians fiercely resisted the cultural changes, particularly through the preservation and practice of hula, which became a symbol of resistance against oppression.

• Nua'ailua View Point / Bay

  Marvel at the captivating views of Nua'ailua Bay, a testament to the significance of fishing in Hawaiian culture, showcasing the skill and techniques employed by ancient Hawaiians to catch various marine creatures.

• Ke’anae

  A unique peninsula formed by ancient lava flows, known for its fertile soil and cultivation of taro, a root vegetable essential to the Hawaiian diet, offering a glimpse into the island's geological history.

• Ke’anae Arboretum

  An enchanting arboretum featuring a diverse array of tropical plants, including taro, gingers, and hibiscus, providing a vivid showcase of Hawaii's rich plant life.

• Ke’anae Peninsula

  Embark on a detour to Ke’anae Peninsula, where the indigenous people once carried baskets of dirt to transform the rocky terrain into fertile farmland, displaying their resourcefulness and determination.

• Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread

  Visit the renowned Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread, a humble bakery known for its delectable banana bread, even earning praise from acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay during his visit.

• Ke’anae Lookout

  Capture stunning views of Ke’anae's rugged coastline, adorned with striking basalt rocks formed by ancient lava flows, while witnessing the resilience of the community, as demonstrated by the surviving stone church after the devastating 1946 tsunami.

• The 1946 Tsunami

  Reflect on the tragic events of the 1946 tsunami that struck Ke’anae, causing significant loss of life and reshaping the landscape, forever leaving a mark on the community's history and resilience.

• Kauikeaouli

  Learn about Kauikeaouli, also known as Kamehameha III, a young ruler who played a pivotal role in shaping Hawaii's future by embracing western influences and transitioning the monarchy into a constitutional system.

• The Great Māhele

  Delve into the transformative impact of the Great Māhele, a land distribution system introduced by Kauikeaouli, which changed the concept of property ownership in Hawaii, leading to both positive and negative consequences for the native Hawaiians.

• Wailua Valley Lookout/Park

  Ascend the stairs to the Wailua Valley Lookout, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the secluded Wailua Valley, where the native Hawaiian culture has remained relatively intact amidst the changing times.

• Taro - Hawaii’s Purple Vegetable

  Discover the significance of taro in Hawaiian culture and cuisine, rooted in ancient mythology and used in a variety of delicious dishes.

• Sugar Plantations

  Learn about the rise and influence of sugar plantations in Hawaii's history, driven by profit and labor exploitation, shaping the island's economy and leaving a lasting impact.

• East Maui Irrigation Co

  Explore the impressive engineering feat of redirecting water through tunnels and ditches, ensuring irrigation for sugar cane plantations and raising questions about water distribution on Maui today.

• Pua'a Ka'a State Park

  Stop by this charming park featuring a picturesque waterfall and a glimpse of mongooses, introduced to control rats but unintentionally wreaked havoc on local wildlife.

• Luau

  Uncover the origins and cultural significance of the traditional Hawaiian feast, symbolizing community, togetherness, and the breaking of ancient taboos.

• Nahiku & George Harrison

  Visit the serene town of Nahiku, once home to the reclusive George Harrison, where he found solace and embraced the company of local Hawaiians.

• Kamehameha IV and V

  Learn about the reigns of Kamehameha IV and V, their efforts to protect Hawaiian sovereignty, improve infrastructure, establish relationships with other countries, and the tragic circumstances that befell them.

• Hana Lava Tube

  Venture into the fascinating Hana Lava Tube, a natural wonder formed by ancient lava flows, providing a unique underground experience amidst the island's volcanic history.

• Kahanu Garden

  Discover the captivating Kahanu Garden, home to diverse exotic plants and the grand Pi'ilanihale Heiau, an ancient structure representing Hawaiian spiritual and political power.

• The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom

  Witness the pivotal event of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893, led by American sugar plantation owners, resulting in the loss of Hawaiian sovereignty and eventual annexation.

• Waiʻānapanapa State Park

  Experience the beauty of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, featuring a stunning black sand beach formed by volcanic activity and intriguing tide pools shrouded in ancient legends.

• Hana Tropicals

  Explore a paradise of tropical flowers at Hana Tropicals, where you can find an array of vibrant blooms from Maui and beyond, ready to be shipped to your home.

• Maui Flora

  Discover the unique and diverse plant life of Maui, shaped by its isolated island environment and offering a glimpse into Hawaii's rich botanical heritage.

• Hāna Bay Beach Park

  Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Hāna Bay Beach Park, offering a beautiful beach for relaxation, picnicking, kayaking, and swimming, surrounded by the tranquil town of Hāna.

• The Last Monarch of Hawaii

  Learn about the fate of Queen Liliʻuokalani after the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, her resistance, imprisonment, and eventual abdication, marking the end of Hawaiian sovereignty.

• Koki Beach Park

  Experience the striking beauty of Koki Beach, adorned with red cinder from a legendary battle between the volcano goddess Pele and her sister, offering a unique and captivating sight.

• Hāmoa Beach

  Discover the pristine beauty of Hāmoa Beach, considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches, cherished by locals and even attracting the attention of Oprah Winfrey.

• What Makes the Waves So Big?

  Uncover the secrets behind Hawaii's impressive waves, influenced by the wind and the vast distance they travel across the ocean, resulting in their immense size and power.

• Haleakalā National Park

  Discover the majestic Haleakalā volcano, reaching 10,000 feet above sea level, and explore the unique landscape shaped by its eruptions.

• Tsunamis

  Learn about the powerful and potentially destructive tsunamis that can occur in Hawaii due to underwater disturbances, but also how the islands have adapted to these natural phenomena.

• Volcanoes

  Uncover the geological wonders of the Hawaiian islands, formed by volcanic activity that continues to shape the landscape, with a staggering 19 volcanoes spread across the eight main islands.

• Pīpīwai Trail

  Embark on a scenic hike along the Pīpīwai Trail, experiencing breathtaking views of waterfalls, a magnificent banyan tree, and a captivating bamboo forest that invites photography and exploration.

• Kīpahulu Visitor Center

  Reach the Kīpahulu Visitor Center, concluding the tour with a deeper understanding of Maui's history and the opportunity to provide feedback and explore other tours in the area.