Out of the Ordinary
When a company offers a “joke of the day” as part of its tour amenities, you know you’re in for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Maui Eco-Adventures specializes in out of the ordinary excursions, with a focus on the West Maui mountains.

One of the more inspiring trips is a nature hike through Maunalei Arboretum. Tucked into a rainforest region above famed Honolua Bay and below the pristine Puu Kukui preserve, Maunalei is owned by Maui Land & Pineapple Company and was begun over 70 years ago by D. T. Fleming, one of Honolua’s first pineapple plantation managers.

Fleming traveled the world collecting plants and trees to bring back to his arboretum, with the end result being a staggering variety of introduced species co-existing with West Maui’s endemic plant life. The hike is easy enough for people of all ages, but tree roots make for uneven terrain. Along the way, guides provide insight on the interplay of ecosystems, and are able to name just about every species in sight. A panoramic view at the summit of Puu Kaeo caps the two-and-a-half hour hike, which is offered daily — try it with a kayak tour of Kapalua Bay for a full day’s workout. Call (877) 661-7720 or visit www.ecomaui.com