About All ToursSmall Group ToursSelf-Guided Audio ToursHelicopter ToursPrivate ToursLuxury ToursWith Pickup ToursHalf Day ToursFrom Lahaina Tours Directions Hours & Fees
Find Tours 
Drive Maui's famous Hana Highway at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. These GPS-triggered apps provide offline maps, local stories, and directions directly to your smartphone.
Free Cancellation A self-guided GPS audio tour of the Road to Hana, covering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and local landmarks.
Free Cancellation Explore Maui’s 65-mile Road to Hana at your own pace with an offline audio guide for your entire vehicle.
Free Cancellation A GPS-triggered audio tour for Maui’s Road to Hana featuring local stories, hidden gems, and offline navigation.
Free Cancellation Drive the full Road to Hana loop, including the remote back side, with GPS-led stories and offline navigation.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Road to Hana — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Driving the Road to Hana with a self-guided audio app transforms a beautiful, winding drive into an immersive Hawaiian adventure. Using your phone's GPS, the audio automatically plays fascinating historical stories, cultural legends, and turn-by-turn directions without needing a cell signal. You'll navigate 620 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges while discovering hidden waterfalls, ancient taro patches, and dramatic coastal cliffs at your own pace.
Walk along the dramatic volcanic black sand beach, explore sea caves, and take in the striking contrast of dark basalt against lush green foliage and bright blue ocean waves.
Hike this spectacular 4-mile roundtrip trail through a towering, dense bamboo forest that clacks in the wind, ending at the base of the jaw-dropping 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Take a self-guided underground walk through a massive, dark tunnel hollowed out by ancient flowing lava. Flashlights are required to view the unique geological formations.
Easily accessible right off the side of the highway, this stunning 80-foot waterfall cascades into a freshwater pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
Experience rugged volcanic beauty where powerful ocean waves crash against jagged black lava rocks. See traditional taro ponds and historic stone churches that survived the 1946 tsunami.
Stroll through 26 beautifully curated acres of tropical flowers and rare trees. Don't miss the Rainbow Overlook for incredible photographs of the surrounding rainforest canopy.
Before you hit the road, it's essential to understand how self-guided audio tours work and what you need to prepare for this 64-mile journey. Proper planning will ensure a smooth, stress-free drive along Maui's rugged northeastern coast.
Self-guided audio tours use your smartphone's GPS to trigger narration automatically as you drive. Because cell service is practically non-existent on the Hana Highway, you must download the app and the specific tour over strong Wi-Fi before you leave your hotel.
Unlike guided bus tours that charge per person, audio tours only require one purchase per vehicle. You simply connect your phone to your car's stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or an Aux cable so the whole family can listen together.
The audio tour apps do not cover entrance fees or parking costs at specific stops. For example, Garden of Eden charges $20 per adult, Kahanu Gardens is $18, and parking at Twin Falls is a flat $10 fee.
If you want to visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), you absolutely must book reservations weeks in advance. Same-day bookings are not allowed. It costs $5 per non-resident and $10 per vehicle.
While a straight drive takes about 2.5 hours, a proper sightseeing trip takes 10 to 12 hours. Audio tours give you the freedom to start, stop, and pause whenever you want to hike, swim, or take photos.
You need your own rental car for these tours. Make sure your device is fully charged and pack a USB car charger. Also, fill your gas tank completely in Pa'ia, as there is only one very expensive gas station in Hana.
Audio tours are great for elderly visitors or those with limited mobility, as you can hear the stories and see much of the coastal scenery directly from the car. Accessible stops include Pua'aka'a State Wayside and Hana Bay Beach Park.
Most audio tour apps offer a full refund if you cancel your purchase at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. However, many apps offer lifetime access, meaning the tour never expires once downloaded.
| Classic Audio Tour | Loop Audio Tour | Ultimate Self-Driving Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route Coverage | Kahului to Kipahulu and back | Full circuit including the rugged back side | 65-mile route with lifetime access |
| Best For | First-time visitors wanting the traditional route | Adventurous drivers exploring the remote southern coast | Families wanting budget-friendly flexibility |
| Offline GPS Use | Yes (Download required) | Yes (Download required) | Yes (Download required) |
| Price from | $24.99 per vehicle | $19.99 per vehicle | $16.99 per vehicle |
The Hana Highway (Routes 36 and 360) is a public state road that remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, driving the road at night is highly discouraged due to the lack of streetlights, 620 sharp curves, and potential hazards like rockslides.
Specific attractions along the route have their own operating hours:
Note that roving road maintenance and lane closures for weed control or tree removal often occur on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
The Road to Hana begins in the city of Kahului near the OGG Airport. From there, you will follow Route 36 and then Route 360 along Maui's lush northeastern coast. The official highway stretches 64.4 miles to the remote town of Hana.
Driving this route requires intense focus. You will navigate exactly 620 hairpin curves and cross 59 narrow one-lane bridges. It is crucial to drive slowly and yield to oncoming traffic at the bridges.
Important tip: Fill up your gas tank completely in the town of Pa'ia before you start. There are no gas stations along the highway until you reach Hana, and fuel prices there are exceptionally high due to the remote location.
The absolute best time to drive the Road to Hana is during the shoulder seasons when the weather is drier and more stable, significantly reducing the risk of flash floods and road closures.
Mid-week days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) are highly recommended. Weekends are heavily packed with local residents and tourists, making the narrow road congested and parking spots scarce.
Time of Day: You should aim to leave Kahului extremely early, between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. Getting a head start allows you to enjoy the morning light, secure parking at popular stops like Twin Falls, and stay ahead of the slow-moving commercial tour buses.
Avoid the peak winter rainy season, as heavy downpours frequently trigger flash floods and rockslides that can trap you on the highway.
The Road to Hana is a rugged, natural environment, meaning many hiking trails and waterfalls are not wheelchair accessible. However, an audio tour is an excellent way for elderly visitors or those with limited mobility to enjoy the scenery directly from the comfort of a vehicle.
There are several accessible stops along the way:
Visitors with mobility issues should avoid steep, muddy trails like the Pipiwai Trail and focus on easily accessible viewpoints.
Facilities along the Road to Hana are sparse, so preparation is key to a comfortable trip.
Strict rules are enforced along the Hana Highway to protect local residents, preserve the environment, and maintain traffic flow.
The audio tour apps use your smartphone's internal GPS chip to track your location and automatically trigger stories and directions. Because cell service is non-existent on the highway, you must download the app and the tour data over Wi-Fi before you begin your drive.
No, you only need to purchase one audio tour per vehicle. You can connect your smartphone to your car's stereo using Bluetooth, a USB cable, or an Aux cord so everyone in the car can hear the narration.
No, the audio tours only provide the digital guide and offline maps. You are responsible for purchasing any separate entrance fees, such as the $20 adult fee for the Garden of Eden or the $10 parking fee at Twin Falls.
Yes, advance reservations are strictly required for all non-residents visiting Waiʻanapanapa State Park. It costs $5 per person and $10 per vehicle, and same-day bookings are not permitted, so you must book weeks in advance.
While a non-stop drive from Kahului to Hana takes about 2.5 hours, a realistic roundtrip itinerary with an audio guide takes a full 10 to 12 hours. This allows plenty of time for hiking, swimming, and listening to the stories.
Yes, the road past Hana, known as the Piilani Highway, is currently paved and open for a complete loop. However, heavy rains can cause rapid closures, so you must check Hawaii DOT conditions on the morning of your trip.
You should fill your gas tank completely in the town of Pa'ia before starting the drive. There are no gas stations along the highway until you reach the remote town of Hana, where gas prices are exceptionally high.
No, stopping in the middle of the road or parking illegally on the shoulders causes severe traffic hazards and blocks emergency vehicles. You must pull over completely into designated turnouts, or risk a hefty $235 illegal parking fine.
You should pack plenty of water, healthy snacks, and comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on sharp lava rocks. Don't forget a USB car charger to keep your phone powered while running the GPS audio app all day.
Yes, visitors should avoid cliff jumping entirely and refrain from swimming in exposed coastal areas like Honomanu Bay due to strong currents. Always exit freshwater pools immediately if water levels begin to rise, as flash floods are common.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
This self-guided audio tour guides you along the Hana Highway, using GPS to trigger stories and directions automatically as you drive. The route winds through Maui’s rainforests and past coastal cliffs, stopping at landmarks like Twin Falls, Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach, and Hana Town. The narration provides cultural and historical context, highlighting the best spots for scenic views or a stop for local banana bread. The app works entirely offline, which is essential for the remote sections of the drive where cell service is limited. You have the flexibility to set your own pace, allowing time for swimming in natural pools or hiking to the Seven Sacred Pools at O‘he‘o Gulch. Your purchase includes lifetime access to the tour, so you can start at any time and stop whenever you choose without the pressure of a tour bus schedule.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 65-mile self-guided audio tour covers the full length of the Hana Highway, Maui’s most famous scenic drive. As you navigate the winding road, the guide provides commentary on the island’s natural landmarks, including hidden waterfalls, black sand beaches, and coastal vistas. You will also learn about the local history, from ancient Hawaiian legends to the region's industrial past and sugarcane heritage. The tour is priced per vehicle rather than per person, allowing everyone in the car to listen together. After booking, download the Action Tour Guide app and enter your password while connected to Wi-Fi or data. Once the tour is downloaded, it works entirely offline using GPS to play audio automatically as you reach specific points of interest. This purchase provides lifetime access with no expiration date, so you can use it as many times as you like. Please note that this is a digital guide only and does not serve as an entrance ticket to parks or attractions. We recommend checking the opening hours of any specific sites you plan to visit along the way.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, French
This audio guide uses your phone's GPS to trigger stories and directions automatically as you drive the Road to Hana. It works completely offline, so you can navigate to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and bamboo forests without needing a cell signal. Along the way, you'll learn about local history and find specific spots for seeing Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, lava rock formations, and sea turtles. The tour offers three different route options and suggested itineraries for half-day, full-day, or multi-day trips. You have the flexibility to spend as much time as you like at each stop or skip sections entirely. One purchase covers your entire vehicle, and the tour includes free updates with no expiration date.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This audio tour covers the complete Road to Hana circuit, including the remote and rugged back side of East Maui. While many visitors turn back at Hana town, this version continues through the less-traveled southern coastline, passing waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and rainforest trails. The app uses GPS to trigger narration and turn-by-turn directions automatically as you drive, providing local history and context for each stop. The tour functions entirely offline, so you can navigate the island's remote areas without a data connection. This format allows you to set your own pace—stopping to swim or hike whenever you choose—while listening to curated Hawaiian music and stories. It provides the structure of a guided tour at a lower cost, with the freedom to customize your itinerary on your own terms. Shaka Guide is the highest-rated travel app for Maui, with over 13,000 reviews on the App Store and Google Play. Once purchased, these tours do not expire, allowing you to use them on any day of your trip. To get started, download the Shaka Guide app to sync your purchased tours and begin the route.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English