Road To Hana: Discover Maui's Scenic Route with an Audio Driving Tour
4.5
36 Ratings
Kula
Embark on a scenic road trip along the Road to Hana in Maui with an engaging audio driving tour. Discover hidden gems, famous highlights, and local tips along the way.
Duration: 16 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hana Highway - Road to Hana - 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;

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Ke‘anae Point - Ke’anae Point is on a flat peninsula that juts out into the ocean was created by an outflow of volcanic lava from Haleakala which looms above us. It left behind a little oasis, ideal for taro farming.

There is a picturesque small church made out of coral and lava rock, more than a century and a half ago.

It’s nice to watch the waves pound away at the spire-like rocky outcrops for a while and you are almost guaranteed of being able to find some coconuts along the shore.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

What's Included
  • Support available via toll-free phone, chat, and email
  • Download tours in advance for offline use
  • Access trip planners on the app, web, and in PDF format
  • Enjoy location-based stories, tips, and directions with autopay
  • Experience GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour with 140 points of interest
  • Purchase once and enjoy with no time limit or expiration date
  • Choose from suggested itineraries or customize your own route
What's Not Included
  • National Park Passes
  • Timed Entry/Reservations
Additional Information

Get your hands on GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) self-navigated audio tour for an enriched experience of your Road To Hana journey. Listen to captivating stories from behind the scenes, local advice, and directions that autoplay based on your whereabouts.

You’ll be directed to all renowned landmarks as well as lesser-known treasures which include Maui’s renowned black sand beach, scenic waterfalls, beaches where you can spot green sea turtles, and a great spot for observing the vibrant Rainbow Eucalyptus trees.

Relish the liberty to tour offline at your chosen speed, lingering longer at locations that captivate you, and bypassing those that do not.

✅ Location-based auto playing stories, advice, and directions
✅ Leisurely travel
✅ GPS-enabled offline tour, no need for mobile network or WiFi
✅ Proposed itineraries for half-day, full-day or multiple days
✅ No expiration, complementary updates
✅ Includes 3 alternative driving routes

Buy one tour for each vehicle.

Location
Road to Hana
Hana Highway
Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(36 Ratings)
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1 star
Mario_c
Jun 25, 2024
Great audio tour on the way to Hana - This audio tour was amazing. Pointing out great stops and sites along the road to Hana. The stories provided kept our attention and made the drive a lot of fun. We have 16 year old twins who were also following along and enjoying the tour. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to make the drive.
Review provided by Viator
Dianacg4551wq
Apr 3, 2024
Marriage and Vacation Saver! The best money you'll spend if you're on a budget but want a local guide. - The Road to Hana has a reputation of being scary, difficult, and long. With my husband driving, we were able to enjoy the twists, turns, views and the kids were thoroughly entertained by the narrator. Using your GPS, it will let you know when a turn is coming up with a point of interest. It tells you local history, describes towns and neighborhoods, and picks up where you left off if you get out of the car and explore one of the many suggested stopping spots. For a few dollars, this was the best buy we could have purchased for a self guided tour that created no stress, was on our time table, and made our first time visiting Maui and conquering The Road to Hana a do-able feat. It is exciting to note that the narrator is an actual resident of Maui, so local knowledge was shared throughout. There are many stops that you won't know about, even if you had a guide book. You can skip a "point of interest" and the audio will move on based on your GPS location. The narrator/guide will even say, "Ok, you can come back and visit this on your way out". Worth every penny--and the best part is my husband and I didn't fight on navigation issues. Marriage and vacation saver! Hahaha.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine
Apr 2, 2024
Awesome!!! - Wonderful tour guide, I can’t imagine the trip without out it! Even my teenage daughters were asking when is he going to talk again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann_k
Jan 9, 2024
Easy to use and follow - Great narrative, very interesting. We went on a Sunday so a lot of things were closed. Easy to use and follow.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_k
Jan 6, 2024
Information Highway - Spot on directions. The narrator offered a lot of very knowledgeable information. He has a great sense of humor too. We really appreciated our road trip to Hana so much more with this guide.
Review provided by Viator
Mommyvv
Apr 11, 2024
Not a great suggestion - This was a great app to take along on a drive to Hanna. Very entertaining and informative. I would suggest that you don't follow all their recommendations. We went to the Fish Market in Paia for dinner as suggested by this app. It was not a great place to eat and I would not go there again. The service was rude, the food was cold and the fish tacos were not very good and the tables were dirty. I would not take this apps suggestions again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garret_k
Mar 29, 2024
Definitely worth while - Loved the operation of the app and all the information. I think it would have been better if the narrator was native Hawaiian. The explanations may have been a bit more real.
Review provided by Viator
Heathercp4838ol
Nov 23, 2023
We didn't stop at all the sites. The black beach does require RSVP, at least 24 hours in advance....we didn't know that - I was the driver, and personally enjoyed it. Very long drive. Not for the inpatient. 3 kids, 16, 10, and 7 all fell asleep.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joan_p
May 6, 2024
We loved the waterfalls.... - We loved the waterfalls. Audio tour did not work. Link would not open therefore wasted $14.99. Very disappointed customer.
Review provided by Viator
Smithsfromky
Jan 24, 2024
Needs to be more user friendly! - This was too difficult to load and use. Ended up using another app. There should be one link not two steps to utilize! Gives you a qr code but no ability to link to the application.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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