Tours

Guided tours are a good option when you don’t want to do it all yourself. You travel along with a group (sometimes large, sometimes small), stay in prebooked hotels, eat with your fellow travelers (the cost of meals is sometimes included in the price of your tour, sometimes not), and follow a schedule.

Tours can be just the thing for first-time travelers to Maui or those who enjoy the group-traveling experience. None of the companies offering general-interest tours in Hawaii include Molokai or Lanai. When you book a guided tour, find out what’s included and what isn’t. A "land-only" tour includes all your ground transportation but not necessarily your flights. Most prices in tour brochures don’t include fees, taxes, and tips.

Tour Companies

Atlas Cruises & Tours. This escorted-tour operator, in business for more than 25 years, partners with major companies such as Collette, Globus, Tauck, and Trafalgar to offer a wide variety of travel experiences. Tours run 7–12 nights, and most include Maui. 800/942–3301; www.atlastravelweb.com. From $2,219.

Globus. Founded in 1928 by a man who transported visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland, in a rowboat, this family-owned company grew to become the largest guided vacation operator in the world. Globus offers four Hawaii itineraries that include Maui, running 9–12 nights; two include a 7-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines. 866/755–8581; www.globusjourneys.com. From $2,260.

Tauck Travel. Begun in 1925 by Arthur Tauck with a tour through the back roads of New England, Tauck has since spread its offerings across the world. Its 11-night multi-island "Best of Hawaii" tour includes 3 nights on Maui and covers noteworthy sights such as Iao Valley and Haleakala National Park. 800/788–7885; www.tauck.com. From $6,550.

Trafalgar. This company prides itself on its "Insider Experiences," defined as visiting hidden places not found in guidebooks, meeting local people, and sharing traditions you may not discover on your own. Trafalgar offers several itineraries that include Maui, running 7–12 nights. 866/544-4434; www.trafalgar.com. From $2,499.