Maui · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Good self-guided tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet in Haiku before dawn for a drive to Haleakala’s summit, sunrise above the clouds, and a self-guided ride from 6,500 feet. You’ll tackle 29 switchbacks, pause in Makawao, and may enjoy breakfast in town. Guides such as Corey and Eddie Buddy add history and humor.
“Beyond breath taking! Its a bucket list experience for a reason! And Eddie our guide was amazing and incredibly funny!”
Start at 6,500 feet on Haleakala, coast through Maui’s upcountry roads, and finish in Paia. Maui Sunriders provides bikes, helmets, warm layers, maps, a van shuttle, and roadside help. Guides such as Remy, Dane, Roy, and Matthias handle safety and local insight while you ride at your own pace.
“Easy ride down the mountain. Great customer service and helpful hints. Any experience level works since you go at your own speed.”
Start in Haiku at 9:30 a.m., ride from Haleakala’s 6,500-foot level, and coast through switchbacks toward Makawao and Haiku. Bike Maui supplies the Kona mountain bike, helmet, wind gear, backpack, and shuttle. Guides such as Kimo, Dan, and Tim add local stories, but lunch and water are your responsibility.
“Kimi was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable! The top part of the ride is exhilarating, super fun.”
Drive Maui’s famous Hana Highway with Shaka Guide’s GPS-triggered audio tour. You’ll hear Hawaiian history, local stories, music, and practical stop advice while exploring waterfalls, black-sand beaches, Hana, and Pipiwai Trail at your own pace.
“Great information. Very good stories and all the tips Travellers needs. The road is very windy so if you get car sick be cautious. Leave early morning”
Drive Maui’s Road to Hana with the History with Action audio guide and its unnamed narrator. The app uses GPS to trigger stories and directions along 70-plus miles, from Paia to Kipahulu. Download it before leaving Wi-Fi, then stop for waterfalls, beaches, gardens, hikes, and Hawaiian history at your own pace.
“We loved it! It was so informative and enjoyable! Our only con was that when we made a wrong turn, it didn't play the audio for a while and it skipped a few of the things it was supposed to say. Other than that, it was fantastic, worth the money, and so much more enjoyable than a timed tour with strangers. We learned so much about the history of Hawaii from this app and we highly recommended!!!”
Start at 8 a.m. in Haiku, ride an air-conditioned shuttle to Haleakala’s summit, then coast 15 miles downhill on a Kona bike. An NAI-certified guide, often Kimo, explains Maui’s history and safety. You’ll ride through switchbacks, Makawao, and Haiku, with lunch on your own.
“Was probably the best part of our trip. My daughters were nervous but in the end they both loved it.”
Drive Maui’s Road to Hana with a GPS-guided GuideAlong audio tour narrated in a warm, conversational style often nicknamed Uncle George. Download it before leaving service, then hear directions, Hawaiian history, stop suggestions, and practical tips as you pass waterfalls, beaches, lava tubes, and black sand shores.
“Very detailed and was right in step with wherever we were on the highway. Great recommendations and insight. You need to start early…so many great places and requires plenty of time if you want to see most of them.”
Use the Shaka Guide app for six GPS-triggered audio drives across Maui. Hear Hawaiian legends, local history, music, directions, and stop tips while driving the Road to Hana, Haleakala, Upcountry, and West Maui. Tours work offline and can be paused across several days.
“We loved the Shaka Guide! We loved the ease of use and the stories and history we enjoyed while driving the routes.”
Pick a harbour, a mountain road or a reef.
