Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Maui

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8 to 16 hours (approx.)

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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
✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates.
✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive

Purchase one tour per vehicle.

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
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 465+ Points

National Park Passes
Timed Entry & Reservations

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Maui
Hawaii, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Maui

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;

8 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Ohe'o Gulch

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Wai'anapanapa State Park

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Haleakala Crater

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Iao Valley (Pass By)

The Iao Valley is blessed with usual natural beauty and an important place in Hawaiian history. It is located west of Wailuku and Kahului.

Makawao

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Kepaniwai Park & Heritage Gardens

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Iao Valley State Monument

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hana Lava Tube

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kalahaku Overlook

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Papawai Scenic Lookout

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Twin Falls Maui

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Koki Beach

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Polo Beach

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Upper Waikani Falls

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ke'anae Arboretum

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Pipiwai Trail

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Ho‘okipa

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hamoa Beach

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wailua Falls

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kihei

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.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Kahanu Garden

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Pi'lanihale Heiau

Located at Kahanu Garden, Pi'ilanihale Heiau is a type of Ancient Hawaiian temple and a registered National Historic Landmark.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kamaole Beach Park I

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

La Perouse Bay

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Makena Beach

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wailea Beach

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Honolua Bay

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Lahaina

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Ka'anapali Beach

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nakalele Blowhole

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.

Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
Tsunami Warning Issued: A powerful earthquake in the Pacific Ocean has triggered a tsunami warning for Hawaii. For real-time updates and safety information, visit tsunami.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Maui?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST). Read more Apr 2025