Maui: Audio Driving Tour
Overview
Don't miss a thing as GuideAlong's Maui Audio Driving Tour takes you on an incredible journey across Hawaii's “Valley Isle”. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the island's famous highlights and includes the Road to Hana, Haleakala, Iao Valley, the best spots for seeing whales and turtles and more lessor known spots across the island.
You'll hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that play automatically along the routes.
And enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t.
✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location
✅ Travel at your own pace
✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed
✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use
✅ One-time purchase, no time limits or expiry, free updates
✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.
Meeting and Pickup
Maui, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Open in Google MapsCommentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where you want to start and end your tour.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Description
Stop At: Maui, Maui, Hawaii
As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule.
Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi day itineraries.
Some of the many highlights are listed below;
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: Ohe'o Gulch, Hawaii
At the end of the Road to Hana drive lies the Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu. This is the ocean level extension of the Haleakala National Park, which spans from the summit at over 10,000 feet, down to this location at sea level.
The favorite location in the gulch are the Oheo Pools, which are also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Pools are opened and closed for swimming and wading depending on conditions, so best to check ahead. There are also short walks available, including views to the wild ocean shore that is typical at this location. This is also the location of the trailhead for the Pipiwai Trail.
Since the Oheo Gulch is within the National Park you must pay for entry, or show your existing National Park Pass.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hana Hwy. near mile marker 32, Hana, Hawaii
Wai'anapanapa State Park is home to Maui's most famous black sand beach and a park that includes several excellent examples of Maui's volcanic coast. Follow the signs to explore along the beach to spot the sea arch off shore and find the blowhole. This is also a place steeped in Hawaiian legend. It's a must-stop on the tour, with reservations required for entry.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Haleakala Crater, Hawaii 96768
You will be amazed at the moon-like and yet colorful rock and sand landscape that is the summit of Haleakala. When you arrive at the summit Visitor Center you'll be at 9,700 feet! There are several excellent viewpoints that allow you to see right into the enormous crater area with its numerous smaller cinder cones. If you are prepared to hike, there are excellent trails.
From the visitor center, another 2 minutes of driving gets us up to the highest elevation of 10,023 feet on Red Hill. From here, the views sweep in every direction.
Reservations are required to visit at sunrise, but you can visit at any other time of day without a reservation. Just remember that no matter when you're visiting you will need to pay the National Park entrance fee if don't already have a pass.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Iao Valley, Hawaii 96793
The Iao Valley is blessed with usual natural beauty and an important place in Hawaiian history. It is located west of Wailuku and Kahului.
Stop At: Makawao, Makawao, Hawaii
Makawao is one of the last Paniolo towns in all of Hawaii. Paniolos are the Hawaiian cowboys, taught horsemanship and cattle ranching by Mexican cowboys who were invited to come and help control the livestock that was beginning to run rampant across the island. It's fun to explore the town's galleries and eateries after visiting Haleakala.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kepaniwai Park & Heritage Gardens, 870 Iao Valley Rd, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Kepaniwai Park celebrates the true ethnic diversity of Maui and Hawaii. Stroll the many buildings and gardens that celebrate the different cultures that contributed to modern Maui.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Iao Valley State Monument, 54 S High St, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
The valley is the location of the photogenic Iao Needle, a granite spire remnant from the days of active volcanoes in the region. The steep walls of the valley and constant tradewinds turn the valley into a rainmaking machine and it is one of the wettest places on earth. It's well worth a visit, and rain is usually in the afternoons, and often as a downpour that will stop as quickly as it starts.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Hana Lava Tube, 205 Ulaino Road, Hana, Hawaii 96713
The Hana Lava Tube is a location where you can enter Maui's most accessible lava tube. You don't have to go all the way inside if you find caves claustrophobic - but if you are comfortable with it, its lots of fun to explore.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kalahaku Overlook, Haleakala Crater Highway, Kula, Hawaii
There are several excellent viewpoints along the climb to the Haleakala summit - each one offering a different perspective of the formation, erosion and effect of the volcano. This viewpoint gives us two views - into the erosion crater, and outwards across Maui.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Papawai Scenic Lookout, Lahaina, Hawaii
Whale season on Maui lasts from November until April, when thousands of humpback whales come and winter in Hawaii - like millions of frozen mainland sun-seekers! During this time they mate and birth in the waters, especially on the protected western side of the island. After they finish in Maui, they continue on their migration path to Alaska where they focus their energies on feeding.
It is possible to see whale's blowholes, fin slapping and even breaching out of the water, from practically any vantage point that has a view to the water. You can lie on your deckchair on the beach and watch them play! On the drive between Ma'alaea and Lahaina, turnoff into the Papawai Scenic Lookout (Whale Lookout Point) for excellent elevated viewing.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Twin Falls Maui, 6300 Hana Hwy, Hawaii 96708
Twin Falls is usually the first location along the Road to Hana drive where you will want to get out of the car and enjoy a short hike. The falls are picturesque, you can cross the stream in many places and bamboo forest is seen along the 1.5 mile trail. There are choices about how far you want to go and what to see. Trail is frequently muddy so wear appropriate footwear. The farmstand is a great place to grab a morning tropical fruit smoothie.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Koki Beach, Hawaii
On the same turnoff that takes us to Hamoa Beach, we can stop and enjoy the view to the ex-cindercone that created the quirky-looking Alau Island, that sits about a quarter mile off Koki Beach. Not just a fun photo, this location is also steeped in Ancient Hawaiian legends about Pele - the Goddess of Volcanoes, and the demigod Maui.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Polo Beach, Wailea, Hawaii
You can have good luck spotting Hawaii's famous sea turtles, or Honu, at just about any beach, but one of the best places is Polo Beach. This is the beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort - remember the beach is a public space - everyone is welcome. Just snorkel close to the rocks at the north end of the beach.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Highway, Hawaii
Waikani Falls is also called the 3 Bears Falls and it is one of the most popular falls on the Road to Hana because of its fun interpretation.
After heavy rain, water cascades over the falls in one big, thick stream - one big bear. But when less water is flowing, it turns into 3 separate falls, one large, one medium and one small.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Ke'anae Arboretum, Hana Hwy., mile marker 17,, Ke'anae, Hawaii 96708
The Arboretum at Keanae is an easy, no-cost location where you can see a collection of tropical plants and trees. It takes less than 30 minutes to see and get pictures of the golden-stemmed bamboo, ginger, papaya and hibiscus. Continuing along the trail the follows the Piinaau Stream, leads walkers to to terraces that were created by ancient Hawaiians for taro cultivation.
Perhaps the star of the show at the Arboretum is that you can get up close to the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees with its brightly colored bark, that looks too good to be true.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pipiwai Trail, Mile Marker 41 Hana Hwy, Hawaii 96713
Pipiwai Trail would have to be the favorite hiking trail on the Road to Hana. It is located at the Oheo Gulch area of Kipahulu, at the end of the drive. Since it is inside Haleakala National Park, be aware that you will need to show your NPS pass for entry, or purchase one on arrival.
The full hike is a 4-mile loop trail, that climbs 650 feet of elevation. This is a moderate hike, but if conditions are hot, it can feel strenuous. Part of the way along the trail, you will be rewarded with views of the Makihiku Falls. If finding the hike difficult, this is a good place to turn back. Most will continue the hike to Waimoku Falls, the highlight and furthermost point. Sections through bamboo forest are especially peaceful.
Expect the hike to take 2+ hours depending on your fitness level. So as long as you arrive at the trail by 2pm, you will have lots of time to hike and then drive back.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Ho‘okipa, Ho‘okipa, Hawaii 96708, USA
Not recommended for swimming due to constant winds and currents, but a spectacular place to chill and watch world class windsurfers.
At the far right of the beach you’ll often find turtles snoozing on the beach. Did you know they can also sleep in the water? Give them plenty of space and remember - never touch. There's also washrooms, showers and some picnic areas.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Hamoa Beach, Hawaii
Yes, you have your choice of beaches on the Road to Hana, but this little crescent shaped sandy beach is timed perfectly on the drive to stretch your legs and cool off or rest under a tree.
While there are public bathrooms and showers, there are no lifeguards. When conditions are calm, it's family friendly, but always keep a close eye on the younger members of your party.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Wailua Falls, Hana Highway, just past Koali Ranch Cottage, Hana, Hawaii 96713
There are almost countless waterfalls along the Road to Hana drive, as it winds its way through gulches and ravines along the side of the Haleakala Volcano. Beauty can be arbitrary, but for many, Wailua Falls is the most picturesque.
Located between Hana and the Oheo Pools, be sure to stop and capture some classic pictures at this beautiful location.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kihei, Kihei, Hawaii
South Maui's original resort area that sits on long stretches of sandy beach. This part of Maui often dodges afternoon rain showers that sprinkle on other parts of Maui, making it a sunseekers' paradise.
Kihei runs a distance of 6 miles from one end to the other, and there are 5 beach parks located in the best swimming areas. Being on the protected side of the island, the water is essentially always calm with no more than a gentle wave except during the stormiest conditions.
There are many shopping and dining areas along the strip of Kihei Road, and many more condominium properties than full resort-style hotels. Kihei enjoys beautiful sunsets and views to Molokini and Kahoolawe are superb. It's well worth spending at least a 1/2 day exploring Kihei if you are not staying on this part of the island.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Kahanu Garden, 650 Ulaino Road, Hana, Hawaii 96713
Kahanu Garden is a botanical garden located on the Hana Highway, nestled in the one of the largest native Hala (Pandanus) forests in the Islands with plant collections from the Pacific Islands. Visitors to Kahanu Garden will learn about the cultural relationships between people and these remarkable plants that were transported around the Pacific on ancient voyaging canoes. The garden is home to Pi’ilanihale Heiau, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest ancient man made structure in Polynesia.
It's a fantastic place to visit and rich in Hawaiian culture if you have the recommended 2 hours to join a guided tour, or 90 minutes to self-tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pi'lanihale Heiau, Hawaii
Located at Kahanu Garden, Pi'ilanihale Heiau is a type of Ancient Hawaiian temple and a registered National Historic Landmark.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kamaole Beach Park I, Kihei, Hawaii 96753
This is one of three beaches are located on the South Side of Maui, along Kihei. All three are great family friendly beaches with good snorkelling. There's restrooms, showers and grassy areas for picnicking, and lifeguards are on duty.
Take a chair, towel or just your favourite people to share a sunset and watch for the green flash. You’ll see visitors and locals enjoying watching the sun go down together at Kam 1, 2 & 3.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: La Perouse Bay, Hawaii
If you are the type of person who loves to explore all the way to the end of the road, then continuing south past Kihei, Wailea and Makena Beaches to La Perouse Bay could be just your kind of adventure.
Towards the end of the road there are several excellent snorkelling bays and coves. The coastline is rocky here, so pick locations where there are other snorkelers, which means there are easy places to get in and out of the water.
Following all the way to the very end of the road is La Perouse Bay. It is easy to see where the last active lava flow on Maui took place and reshaped the coastline one last time. With good footwear, it can be fun, though very exposed to the sun, to follow the Kings Trail through the lava fields. Take care if you plan to snorkel here as this is a very isolated area.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Kapalua, Hawaii
Beautiful ironwood trees provide plenty of shade for those who want to filter the sun. This beach can have great waves for bodysurfing or boogie boards but beware, it can also have a wicked shore break that wipes out many unsuspecting swimmers. You'll also find lifeguards, restrooms, showers and BBQ grills.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Makena Beach, Wailea, Hawaii
If you want to visit the beaches that are popular with the locals, than head down to the Makena Beaches south of Wailea.
Most popular is Big Beach, which has a generous sandy strip. The water is often calm enough for easy swimming, but be aware that the shore break waves can be a little dumpy, so take care getting in and out of the water. Never turn your back to the ocean! There are shady trees if you can find a prime spot. There is lifeguard service on Big Beach.
Take the trail at the north end of Big Beach, to cross the headland and access Little Beach. You will find a more "free-spirited" crowd here and it's important to know this is a clothing-optional beach. Impromptu drum circles and fire-dancing often take place through dusk on Sundays.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Wailea Beach, Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Hawaii 96753
Framed beautifully with stunning views of West Maui, Molokini, Kaho’olawe, and some swanky resort hotels, Wailea Beach has the best beachside walk.
The sandy beaches and rocky coves that start here and continue south down along the coast are some of the best places to see turtles while snorkelling. Beautiful hiking boardwalks and the Shops at Wailea are a short detour. Showers, restrooms and picnic areas.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Honolua Bay, Hawaii
This protected turquoise bay has exceptional snorkelling and diving with an abundance of fish and coral reef formations. The shoreline is quite rocky on the north and west sides of the bay.
Part of the same Marine Life Conservation District is neighbouring Mokule’ia Bay. When the ocean is calm, there is very good snorkelling around the point and into Honolua Bay.
Deeper out on the headland, you’ll find one of the most popular surfing spots on the island. It’s where the Billabong Pro surfing contest is held, which you can watch from the rocky cliffs in December.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Lahaina, Lahaina, Hawaii
The very first capital of the unified Hawaii, under King Kamehameha the Great, was established at Lahaina. It was also the first active port serving whaling and trading ships. Having such historical significance, Lahaina has a surprising number of heritage buildings and sites, in contrast to the holiday economy of today.
Being a busy and popular area, it's nice to explore Lahaina on foot, where you'll enjoy the mix of old buildings, stores and restaurants as you walk along the waterfront. Market stalls are often set up under the giant Banyan tree.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
A couple miles of golden sandy beaches in front of the luxury hotel row that includes the Sheraton and Hyatt hotels is Ka'anapali Beach which is ideal for families.
Perfect for snorkelling, walking the boardwalks, and taking in sunset cocktails. There's also washrooms, showers, picnic areas and lifeguards.
Stay late for the nightly diving ceremony and watch a diver light tiki torches along the cliff and dive off Puu Kekaa or Black Rock.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Nakalele Blowhole, Highway 30, Between Mile Marker 38 And 39, Hawaii
Continue driving around the top of West Maui, past Honolua Bay and you will reach the popular Nakalele Blowhole.
Visiting the blowhole requires walking down a 10 minute trail through the rocky environment. You can get a close view of the blowhole - but its strongly recommended to stay a a smart distance back from the hole and chamber, and is always the case in Hawaii, never turn your back to the ocean and waves.
If you don't feel like the walk down to the blowhole level, you can still see it from the elevated carpark area and there are also excellent views of the sea cliffs on the wild, windward side of Maui here too.
Duration: 30 minutes
What To Expect
- Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
- Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
- Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
- Duration: 8 to 16 hours (Approx.)
- Departure Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Maui
5/16/2023 - 12/27/2025Monday - Sunday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM - Return Details: Returns to original departure point
What's Included
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
- One-Time Purchase: No time or date use limit or expiry
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 465+ Points
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup not offered
- National Park Passes
- Timed Entry & Reservations
What To Bring
- Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
- Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
- A Smile!
Additional Info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum mobile OS version iOS 15 / Android 9 (Pie). iPad models with GPS chip.
Reviews
Average 4.61 out of 5 stars based on 18 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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