Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour worth booking?
Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour is a 12-hour experience in Maui, United States, from $20 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (41)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Experience the full Road to Hana loop with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through waterfalls, rainforest, black sand beaches, and Maui’s rugged back road beyond Hana. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, Hawaiian stories, local tips, and directions as you drive. Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing Maui to life through Hawaiian history, legends, local stories, and practical tips. Stop where you want, skip what you don’t, and customize the day around your interests and available time. One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the full Road to Hana loop with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through waterfalls, rainforest, black sand beaches, and Maui’s rugged back road beyond Hana. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, Hawaiian stories, local tips, and directions as you drive. Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing Maui to life through Hawaiian history, legends, local stories, and practical tips. Stop where you want, skip what you don’t, and customize the day around your interests and available time. One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
What's included
Included
- Full clockwise loop from Kahului through Hana and Maui’s back road
- Offline map and audio after download
- Stories, Hawaiian history, legends, and local recommendations
- Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes
- Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
- Tour access does not expire
- One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
- Access to the Road to Hana Loop Tour in the Shaka Guide app
Not included
- In-person tour guide
- Transportation or rental vehicle
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Paia town is home to several restaurants, art galleries, surf shops, and other tourist-oriented businesses. We recommend filling up your gas here prior to tackling the Road To Hana.
30 minutes here
Ho'okipa Beach Park
Ho'okipa Beach is a world-renowned windsurfing destination. It's a beautiful white sand beach and is perfect for watching sunsets at.=
10 minutes here
Peʻahi is a place on the north shore of the island of Maui in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It has lent its name to a big wave surfing break, also known as Jaws.
10 minutes here
Twin Falls Maui
Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It's the best way to kick off your Road to Hana adventure in style!
30 minutes here
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Waikamoi Ridge Trail is an often unnoticed attraction along the Road to Hana. It's located just past mile marker 9 between Twin Falls and the Garden of Eden Arboretum before Ke’anae.
30 minutes here
Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Lush botanical gardens set on 26 acres, with trails, picnic spots, waterfalls & coastal views.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Kaumahina State Wayside is a scenic area rest area where you can picnic where you can see the Maui coastline.
10 minutes here
Honomanu Bay is a picturesque bay located between mile markers 13 and 14 along the Hana highway.
5 minutes here
Pullover to view sheer cliffs and crashing surf at Nua’ailua Bay.
5 minutes here
Ke'anae Arboretum
Perhaps you’ve heard of the rainbow eucalyptus trees on the Road to Hana. If you’re looking to see these colorful trees up close, here’s the spot! And even better, the Ke’anae Arboretum is free and open to the public.
30 minutes here
The Ke'anae Peninsula is a short detour off of Hana Highway, but it’s well worth the time for its stunning views of the ocean ripping through jagged lava rock. There are public restrooms at Ke'anae Park by the softball field.
10 minutes here
As you’re leaving the Ke'anae Peninsula, you’ll spot Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread on the left side of the road. Aunty Sandy’s serves up warm loaves of banana bread that are made fresh daily. We highly recommend you stop for a bite.
15 minutes here
Now, pull over at an amazing overlook of the Ke’anae Peninsula that we drove down. You will see a large shoulder on the left that you can pull in for a great bird' s-eye view of the peninsula. Notice the many taro patches that dot the landscape.
5 minutes here
Halfway to Hana
This snack shop also has fresh banana bread, shave ice, lunch items like burgers and sandwiches, and small bites like fruits and chips.
20 minutes here
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park
Wailua Valley State Wayside offers an excellent view of little Wailua Town and a famous church called the “Coral Miracle Church.” From the overlook, you can also see the Haleakala Volcano behind you.
15 minutes here
Waikani Falls
Waikani Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls, also known by its nickname -- the Three Bears Falls. Don’t worry, there are no bears in Hawaii. The falls likely got this nickname because the three falls have varying heights: short, medium, and tall, just like the family of bears in the children’s story Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Pass by without stopping
Hana Lava Tube
This cave was formed when hot lava from an eruption cooled and hardened on the exterior, while it continued flowing in the inner core. After the lava drained out, the hardened exterior shell remained, forming a cave.
Pass by without stopping
Makapipi Falls is one of the most interesting falls on the tour. Not only does the highway cross over the cascades, but the water flows from a lava streambed into a beautiful pool below.
1 minutes here
Kahanu Garden & Preserve
Kahanu Garden is a National Tropical Botanical Garden outside of Hana featuring native plants of value to Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. You’ll learn about the connection between the ancient Hawaiians and the land.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Visit one of Maui’s only black-sand beaches. Created when hot lava shattered in contact with the ocean, this beach is unlike any others on the Road to Hana. Optional stop: Visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park and its famous black sand beach. Advance parking and entry reservations are required for non-Hawaiʻi residents and are purchased separately from the state park. Same-day reservations are not available.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Hana
We recommend you grab a bite to eat here in Hana. There are loads of options to choose from. Just note that many restaurants close at 5 p.m.
60 minutes here
Hasegawa's General Store
This general store has been owned and operated by the same family since 1910. It has everything from snacks to souvenirs. It’s a great place to stop to pick up food and drinks for the road.
5 minutes here
Koki Beach
Hawaiians have a name for this spot – it’s called Ka Iwi o Pele, which means "the bones of Pele." The hill is a cinder cone that erupted lava just before Mount Haleakala went dormant.
30 minutes here
Hamoa Beach
This is a perfect family beach because of the protected cove and the large sandy area. If the waves aren’t too strong, there is some pretty decent snorkeling on the far left side of the cove. To access the beach, park next to the road and take the set of stairs down to the sand.
30 minutes here
Wailua Falls
As you continue driving towards Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park), look out for Wailua Falls along the road. It’s a breathtaking, 80-foot waterfall. The best view is from the right of the bridge. Be mindful of other drivers on the road as you keep an eye out.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Maui
Start the tour in Kahului near the airport.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shaka Guide Apps
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
- The tour follows a clockwise loop beginning in the Kahului area, traveling through Hana and continuing along Maui’s remote back road before ending near Kula.
- Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
- Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you begin. Cell service is limited along much of the Road to Hana. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
- Plan approximately 10–12 hours for the full loop. Start before 8:00 a.m. to allow enough time for stops, hikes, and changing road conditions.
- The itinerary is flexible. Stops, viewpoints, and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops or stay longer based on your interests and available time.
- Due to temporary weekday roadwork at Kālepa Point on the back road beyond Hana, the full Loop Road to Hana route is currently recommended on Saturdays and Sundays only. Road access can change, so check current Maui County road conditions before your tour.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park requires advance parking and entry reservations for visitors who are not Hawaiʻi residents. Reservations and fees are not included with the Shaka Guide tour, and visitors without the required reservation may be turned away.
- Haleakalā National Park’s Kīpahulu District requires a separate entrance pass. Park admission is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
- The Pools of ʻOheʻo are currently closed to swimming and entry. The area can still be viewed from designated trails.
- Hana Lava Tube is currently closed to visitors. The tour continues past the area, but entry is not available while the attraction remains closed.
- The Loop Road to Hana continues along a remote section of road beyond Kīpahulu. Conditions can include narrow one-lane sections, rough pavement, potholes, blind curves, and unpaved areas. Check your rental-car agreement before driving this route, as some companies restrict travel on remote or unpaved roads.
- Road and stop access can change due to construction, weather, flooding, landslides, or other local conditions. Always follow posted closures and official instructions.
- Swimming conditions at waterfalls, beaches, and streams can change quickly. Never enter the water during flash-flood conditions or when access is closed.
- Hiking is optional. Trail difficulty, terrain, and conditions vary, so choose activities that match your ability and available time.
- Accessibility varies by stop. Some beaches, trails, waterfalls, and roadside locations are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Bring water, food or snacks, sun protection, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, and a fully charged phone. A car charger is strongly recommended.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 40 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
40 verified traveler reviews for Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
100/10– A MUST DO
We used Shaka Guide for the Road to Hana, and I am still absolutely bewildered by the app and how it functions! Downloading this guide was the best decision that we have made on our trip. There is truly no way we would have survived the Road to Hana without it. Our phones were in SOS Mode for 99% of the trip, so we could not use our own map/navigation, but somehow the app still knew exactly where we were and what we were passing. The guide was so spot on, it was as if he was sitting in the car with us– right down to the people illegally parking by the bamboo path and trespassing on the land– the accuracy was unbelievable. We are so grateful to Shaka Guide for getting us through those winding, and sometimes treacherous, roads while feeding us information on everything from the land to the fruit stands and best places to stop for food. 100/10. I have been raving about it to our fellow tourists, and I will continue to spread the word when I hear people are coming to Maui!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful content, but technical issues caused stress!
The actual content of this tour is fantastic— The turn-off suggestions led us to some of the most beautiful sites on the road to Hana. The narration itself was engaging and insightful. However, the apps functionality was a major source of frustration for us. We frequently dealt with the narration, cutting off entirely after a stop, leaving us to wonder if it was broken or just a long silence. We found ourselves restarting the app constantly just to check. Additionally frustrating was that if we arrived at a destination mid-story or with a promise of hearing the history of a particular church or building, we needed to sit in the car to finish it. There was no way to resume or hear the ending once we stepped away. We often left a spot to the sound of beautiful Hawaiian music, and we loved that! But then it would go mute for a long stretches, making it impossible to tell if the app was still working. When it works, it’s a 5-Would we recommend the road to Hana app to a friendstar experience. But the technical gaps makes the drive much more stressful than it needed to be. I hope the developers can add a “resume” feature or clearer “silent mode” indicator soon.!
Response from the operator: Aloha Karen, Thank you for laying this out so clearly. I’m glad the content, stops, and narration landed the way they should. That road deserves good context, and it sounds like that part worked. The technical side you described would absolutely add stress, especially on Hāna where you’re already managing a narrow, winding drive. Long silent stretches can make it hard to tell whether the app is paused or just between audio segments. And you’re right, once a story finishes, it doesn’t automatically replay if you step away mid-segment. Feedback like this is useful. Clarity around resume behavior and better indicators between narration and music are things we’re actively improving. When the tech disappears into the background, the experience feels completely different. I appreciate you calling out both the strengths and the gaps. That balance helps us keep tightening things up. Mahalo for exploring with Shaka Guide 🤙
via Viator
Shaka Guide Maui
Shaka Guide made our Maui trip GREAT. I’m an engineer and tend to over-research our vacation planning. We desided to take a last minute trip to Hawaii so I didn’t have time to plan out our day trips as I typically do. We got the Shaka Guide Maui bundle and it was terrific. The audio description we got while driving was entertaining and informative. The app’s use of GPS tracking to coordinate the audio was spot on and the guide’s tips gave us way better info than would have found on my own. Headed to Oahu next and getting that bundle too.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Shaka Guide helped make your last-minute Maui trip smooth and enjoyable—especially from a detail-oriented planner like yourself! 🌺 We think you’ll love the Oahu bundle just as much. Safe travels and happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Shaka Maui is the BEST way to see all Maui has to offer
The Shaka Maui driving tours APP was the PERFECT compliment for our Hawaiian vacation. We did the Road to Hana, Sunset at Halelakala and The West coast tour. When we were planning our trip these individual tours were an average of $200 per person for each separate tour. We decided to rent an off road Jeep and purchased the Shaka Maui tours. Saved us a fortune !!! The rental Jeep cost $400 for 5 days, from Enteprise and $20 for the APP. For the price of just the Road to Hana tour we were able to see the ENTIRE coastline of Maui at our pace !!! Guided tours have time limitations that we didn’t have because of the Shaka Maui App. It truly is the only way to see Maui !!! I can’t recommend this enough.
Response from the operator: So happy to hear you had an amazing time on your Shaka Guide tour. Hope to see you all again on more Shaka Guide adventures. 🤙😍🤙
via Tripadvisor
Survived the road to Hāna!
We would have missed things if we hadn’t gotten the tour. Worth the $20. One of the few things on Maui that is $20.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the awesome review. Don't forget to tell all your friends about Shaka guide and let them know they are missing out on the best Aloha experience 🤙😍🤙
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shaka Guide Apps, who run 105 experiences we rank across 47 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.9.
See everything Shaka Guide Apps runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Maui.
How much does Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour cost?
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Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Maui usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Maui is not rushed.
Is Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 41 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Maui, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Maui can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Maui and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Maui within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Maui?
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Maui's three signature days are the Hana road, the Haleakala summit sunrise and the Molokini snorkel sail, and all three are logistics problems as much as experiences. Sunrise summit entry is permit-controlled, Hana is a ten-hour driving day, and Molokini boats vary wildly in size. Our ranking rewards operators who handle permits and keep boat capacity low. On Outty we rank every Maui experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Molokini Crater + South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei, Maui, Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina, West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka'anapali. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Maui?
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April to May and September to October. Whale season runs December to April. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Maui?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Included: Full clockwise loop from Kahului through Hana and Maui’s back road; Offline map and audio after download; Stories, Hawaiian history, legends, and local recommendations; Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes; and Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive. Not included: In-person tour guide; Transportation or rental vehicle; Food and drinks; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Start the tour in Kahului near the airport. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Accessibility varies by stop. Some beaches, trails, waterfalls, and roadside locations are. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Maui. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Maui Loop Road to Hana Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
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Across 41 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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