Know Before You Go, Shaka Guide's West Maui Coastline Tour

April 16, 2025

Shaka Guide

MAUI WILDFIRE UPDATE 4/16/25 - West Maui has reopened however Lahaina remains closed. Our West Maui Tour has been updated to reflect these changes. Please be respectful during your visit and mindful of the devastation caused by the recent wildfires.

Start Planning!

For adventure seekers who prefer the road less traveled, the scenic drive around the western coastline of Maui is not to be missed! Before you venture out, there are a few things you should know.

The tour has three starting points: Kahului, Ka'anapali, and Kapalua.
Expect to spend about 6-8 hours on the tour if you plan on doing all the activities.
We recommend starting around 9 a.m.
Maui Ocean Center, Bailey House Museum, and 'Iao Valley all have entrance fees. See below for more information on budgeting.
Bailey House Museum is now open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
There are limited restroom stops on this tour. We’ll point out restrooms along the way.
NOTE: Advance reservations are now required to visit 'Iao Valley State Monument. There is a $5 entrance fee per visitor in addition to a $10 parking fee per car. You can make advance reservations here.

Safety Information

The road past the Nakele Blowhole travels along winding coastal cliffs without guardrails.

Although the road is paved and locals drive it every day, this half of the tour is best suited for experienced drivers.

If you are not a confident driver, are afraid of heights, or get motion sickness easily, we recommend you drive about halfway to the Nakalele Blowhole and then turn around.

We'll provide this turnaround option on the tour and will guide you back with directions and audio narration.

What to Expect

To Get an Early Start

We recommend starting the tour around 9 a.m. If you’re staying in West Maui, there is a starting point in Ka'anapali.

Again, this drive has lots of twists and turns. If you start too late, you’ll risk driving the road at night which we do not recommend.

To Spend 6-8 Hours Exploring

This tour has 79 audio points and 16 stops. For about an hour of the trip, you’ll drive along scenic roads listening to stories about Hawaii.

The total drive time is about two and a half hours without any stops, but plan on spending most of the day on the road so you can enjoy the sights.

To Be Active

There are two official hikes on this tour -- Dragon Tooth and 'Ohai Trails -- but you’ll also go on a scenic walk to Honolua Bay and trek down a rocky slope to the Nakalele Blowhole.

To Swim

West Maui is home to some of Maui’s most breathtaking beaches, and they’re perfect for swimming! Here are the beaches you’ll visit:

D.T. Fleming Beach
Mokule'ia Bay (Slaughterhouse Beach)
Honolua Bay
Ka'anapali Beach

Perfect for families, D.T. Fleming Beach features lifeguards, picnic tables, restrooms, and overflow (paid) parking. All of these beaches are great for taking a dip in the summer months.

NOTE: In the winter, Maui's beaches can become dangerous due to high surf, strong rip currents, and powerful waves. Learn about how to stay safe in the ocean at HIOceanSafety.com.

To Learn

This tour takes you along the rarely traveled western coast of Maui.

As you drive, we’ll tell you loads of stories about Hawaii’s past and present!

Budgeting

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs:

$49.95 per adult / $39.95 per child: Maui Ocean Center (Prices subject to change. Check website for current admission info and discounts)
$29 all-day parking fee per car for overflow parking lot: D.T. Fleming Beach Park. (There is limited free parking at the park.)
$5 entry fee per person / $10 parking fee per car: 'Iao Valley State Monument (Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.)
$10 per adult / $4 per child (ages 5-18): Bailey House Museum
$20 per person: Lunch
$10 per person: Local snack like pie or shave ice

Start Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

Shaka Guide Tour *We strongly recommend you download the tour using WiFi.
Sneakers
Hiking Clothes
Water Bottle
Bug Spray
Towel
Bathing Suit
Sandals
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Cash
Car Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount

Road to Hana vs. West Maui Coastline Tour

Many people who have traveled to Maui have done the Road to Hana.

If you have, you know that it’s full of twists and turns, one-lane bridges, and narrow roads.

If you thought the Road to Hana was a breeze, you should have no problem with the West Maui Coastline Tour.

However, in our opinion, this drive is more difficult than the Road to Hana and perhaps slightly more challengning than the backside of the Road to Hana.

The backside of the Road to Hana has dirt roads and some coastal cliffs with rusty guardrails, but you’re only on this road for a short period of time.

Alternatively, on the West Maui Coastline tour, the roads are paved, but you’ll travel along one-lane roads, cliffs with no shoulder to pullover and no guardrail, and you’ll be driving on this road for about two hours.

Please keep this in mind as you embark on the adventure.

Malama 'Aina

In Hawaiian the word malama means “to take care of” and the word 'aina means “land.”

When you’re in Hawaii, we ask that you practice this and pick up your trash; respect the marine life, plants, and animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe.

Hawaii’s natural resources are precious. It’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources for generations by respecting the 'aina when you visit.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more help planning your day check out our West Maui Coastline Tour suggested itinerary.