SEE THE MAUI RAINFOREST ON TOUR
Leaving the beautiful Maui Lani Clubhouse behind means the adventure begins as we cruise past the sugar cane fields of central Maui, through the small, “hippy-chic” beach town of Paia, then it’s the world-famous Road to Hana.
The exotic jungle along the Hana Highway is just overflowing with tropical flora. You’re guaranteed to get unforgettable photos because where else can you find this kind of diversity? Maui has been gifted with incredible natural beauty that can be found all over the island. It has it all! A dry, sunny side of the island and a wet, lush side makes it perfect for visiting year round.
Maui’s volcanic peaks, Pu’u Kukui and Haleakala, provide up to 10,000 ft. of elevation so the island has plenty of variety in the microclimate department and considerable protection from even the biggest storms. Where else on the planet can you experience climates normally spanning from Mexico to Canada all on one small island? Having 17 climates on one island is a truly unique feat of nature! Our Road to Hana Tour winds through, and frequently stops in, Maui’s diverse environment including lush rain forests, dry savannas and mountain pastures with incredible views. This gives our guests the opportunity to not just see, but to feel, smell and hear Maui’s amazing array of flora and fauna. It’s a botany lovers’ dream!
WHERE IS MAUI'S RAINFOREST?
Maui has a lot of rain forest dispersed across the island, but the rainy northern sections of the West Maui Mountains and Mount Haleakala have the most. These areas usually get enough consistent precipitation to keep hundreds of streams flowing even during the dry months. The terrain is incredibly steep. When the water gushes down the mountain it forms some of the worlds highest, most notable waterfalls (up to 400 feet tall).
The tropical rain forest in Maui’s steep mountain slopes and valleys engulfs nearly 6000 vertical feet of Haleakala (from sea-level to the tree-line). Similar to other pristine rain forests scattered across the world, Maui’s tropical paradise has many plant and animal zones layered one on top of another beneath a thick tropical canopy which protects these treasures from the elements.
SPECIAL REMINDER
Things become more lush, (and usually considerably wetter) by the mile so don’t forget to pack:
- a rain poncho
- some sunscreen
- your favorite bathing suit
- a quick drying towel
- a sun hat
- any medication you may need
- closed-toe sneakers (to avoid getting cuts or scrapes on the rocks)
Larger trees, like the Koa, help make up the canopy and provide shelter from inclement weather to the many smaller flora such as ferns, shrubs and other smaller trees growing closer to the ground. Over the last few hundred years many non-native species, (invasive plants and weeds), have been introduced into the Hawaiian ecosystem. There are some non-native plants that are popping up on a small scale. Foreign flora like eucalyptus, guava, coffee, bamboo and ginger have flourished in Maui’s rich soil and tropical environment, forcing some of Hawaii’s ancient native species out while providing new food sources and even building materials in return.
Remember, VIE’s expert guides are there to give you their take on Maui. While on our tour don’t be shy, feel free to ask questions! Our knowledgeable drivers will know the answer, or they’ll make the effort to find out. It’s our daily mission to show VIE’s guests the true meaning of “Maui No Ka ‘Oi” (Maui is the best) while cruising through tropical paradise in style -on the Road to Hana and beyond.