Shaka Guide's West Maui Coastline Tour Itinerary

January 04, 2025

Shaka Guide

MAUI WILDFIRE UPDATE 4/22/25 - 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.

Buckle up and get ready for an adventure around the picturesque coastline of West Maui!

On this tour, you’ll visit some of the island’s famed beaches, explore ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, visit a museum, go on scenic coastal hikes, and check out an awesome blowhole. It will blow your mind!

After visiting the blowhole, you’ll have the option of returning the same way for an easier drive or continuing the loop for a more adventurous experience.

If you choose to continue, you’ll wind along high sea cliffs on a narrow road, finishing the tour in Kahului, where you began.

Along the way, we’ll tell you stories about Maui’s rich history and culture.

This tour has 79 audio points and 17 stops.

Your Shaka Guide West Maui coastline adventure begins in Kahului and travels in a clockwise loop around the island, ending near where you began.

SAFETY INFORMATION

The road past the Nakele Blowhole travels along winding sea 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, 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.

*This itinerary starts in Kahului near the airport*

MORNING

Begin your day early, before 9 a.m. The tour takes between 6-8 hours to complete.

1. Old Bailey House Museum

Approximate time: 30 minutes

The Bailey House was built on the site where Kahekili, the last ruling chief of Maui, had his royal compound.

In 1833, one of the first western-style houses in Wailuku was built here with koa wood and lava rock.

The museum houses over 100 landscape oil paintings that Edward Bailey became known for.

There are also rare artifacts from pre-Western contact, like ancient Hawaiian tools, weapons, and a carved statue of the demigod Kamapua’a that was recovered from an upcountry cave where it was hidden for well over a century.

There is even a replica of the Hokule’a, the Polynesian-style sailing canoe that made a voyage around the world, navigating by the stars.

The gift shop is full of handcrafted artisan items and books on Hawaii’s history. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts or souvenirs.

NOTE: The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the Bailey House website for current hours and admission fees. If you are starting the tour early, we recommend coming back and visiting the museum another day.

2. ‘Iao Valley

Dramatic view of lush green spires and steep cliffs at ʻĪao Valley State Park in Maui, Hawaii. Mist and clouds drift through the mountains under a partly cloudy sky, highlighting the towering ʻĪao Needle formation. ’Iao Valley State Park in Maui, Photo by Bernard Spragg. NZ CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

Approximate time: 1+ hour

'Iao Valley, located in the central highlands of West Maui, is noted for its epic views and fascinating history.

Surrounded by towering emerald peaks, this peaceful valley showcases the iconic 2,250-foot-tall rock pinnacle known as the ‘Iao Needle. It is one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks.

Rich in history, Iao Valley is also the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, the decisive battle in 1790, where Kamehameha I conquered Maui’s forces.

The park offers well-marked paths and scenic lookouts with incredible views of the valley. It’s a great place for a walk by a stream, a stroll through its botanical gardens, or even a picnic, with its lush green valley backdrop.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for ‘Iao Valley State Monument are now required and can be made online up to 30 days in advance. There is a $5 entrance fee per visitor in addition to a $10 parking fee per car for non-residents. For the best experience, we recommend making reservations for the earliest time slot to avoid the afternoon clouds–and crowds.

3. Maui Tropical Plantation

Approximate time: 1 hour

The Maui Tropical Plantation was once a bustling sugar cane plantation. Today, the property features 500 acres of diversified agricultural land and offers:

An educational tram
a self-guided walking tour
a coffee roaster
retail shopping, and
Cafe O’Lei at the Plantation (formerly the Millhouse) with breathtaking views of Waikapu Valley

NOTE: Admission to the gardens is free, but there are paid activities like the tram tour and zip line.

4. Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Daeja Fallas

Approximate time: 1 hour

Maui Ocean Center, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Daeja Fallas

Next, we’ll stop at the Maui Ocean Center, one of the most popular attractions on the island.

You may be thinking, But I have the real ocean all around me! Trust us, it’s worth it.

In 2024, USA Today named Maui Ocean Center one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation! And for good reason.

The center’s immersive exhibits showcase the heart of Hawaii’s ocean. You’ll get up close and personal with tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks.

While you’re there, you’ll see ocean creatures not found anywhere else in the world.

The best part? You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the relationship between Hawaiian culture and Pacific marine life.

NOTE: Depending on your schedule, you may wish to visit another day when you can spend more time at the center. Check the Maui Ocean Center website for park hours and admission prices.

5. Olowalu Petroglyphs

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Along an unassuming dirt path, you’ll find giant boulders inscribed with carved images.

The Olowalu Petroglyphs, known as Pu’u Kilea, were a form of communication for Native Hawaiians.

Instead of developing a writing system, ancient Polynesians used hula, oral accounts of events, and carved images like the petroglyphs you’ll see to tell stories.

The Hawaiian name for these carvings is “Ki’i Pohaku” or stone images.

NOTE: This is an important cultural spot for Hawaiians and should be respected and treated as such. Stay behind marked areas.

6. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop & Olowalu General Store

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Make a quick stop for some snacks. If you’re looking for some ono mini pies with Hawaiian flavors like coconut cream or macadamia nut with pineapple, check out Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop.

This local shop has sandwiches, salads, and burgers as well.

Next to Leoda’s is the Olowalu General Store, which offers:

snacks
drinks
shaved ice, and
local-style plate lunches made to go

7. Ka’anapali Beach

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Ka’anapali Beach is touted as one of Maui’s best beaches and is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff diving.

Ka’anapali’s famous white sand shoreline stretches for three miles. The beach park features restrooms and lifeguard stations. You’ll also find resorts, shops, lots of restaurants, and a scenic boardwalk.

At the end of the beach is Pu’u Keka’a or Black Rock. Visitors and locals like to jump off these lava cliffs into the ocean. Be sure to check the tides and ocean depth before jumping.

NOTE: Free public parking is extremely limited and fills quickly. Some resorts offer limited free public parking spots, but these also fill quickly. A popular option is to park at Whaler’s Village and get your parking validated at one of their shops or restaurants. Otherwise, you can pay for parking at one of the resorts.

8. Dragon’s Teeth Trail at Kapalua

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Located near the Kapalua resort area, this half-mile hike follows the rocky shoreline and offers beautiful views of the bay.

It is named Dragon’s Teeth Trail after the jagged lava rocks near the shoreline that, from a distance, look like the teeth of a dragon.

NOTE: Like many of Hawaii’s natural wonders, Dragon’s Teeth is culturally significant to Native Hawaiians. Next to the trail on the other side of the hedgerow is the Honokahua Burial Site containing hundreds of ancient graves. This area is not open to the public. Please stay on the designated trail.

AFTERNOON

10. DT Fleming Beach

DT Fleming Beach Park, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim

Approximate time: 20 minutes

DT Fleming Beach Park, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim

West Maui is known for its beaches, and we’ll point out three you can visit in this area.

The first is DT Fleming Beach, located near the Dragon’s Teeth Trail and Honokahua Burial Site. This lovely white sand beach is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Perfect for families, the park has restrooms, picnic tables, and showers, with a lifeguard on duty during daylight hours.

NOTE: Parking at the beach park is extremely limited. There is all-day paid parking available across the street, but it is very expensive.

11. Mokule’ia Bay (Slaughterhouse Beach)

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Mokule’ia Bay has a unique nickname–Slaughterhouse Beach-named after the Old Honolua Ranch Slaughterhouse that used to be on the cliff next to the beach.

The slaughterhouse is long gone now, but the name stuck, and it is still called that today.

If you can’t find any parking, go ahead and continue down the road to our next stop, Honolua Bay.

12. Honolua Bay View & Hike

Approximate time: 30 minutes

During the summer months, divers and snorkelers enjoy this marine-life conservation district where tropical fish and turtles flock to the warm waters.

The beach is rocky and not especially great for swimming or sunbathing, but if you want to see tropical fish, you’ve come to the right place! The bay itself is the real draw.

There are two parking areas for this beach and each requires a short hike before you can access the bay.

We recommend driving down to the second parking area, which is larger.

You’ll see porta-potties in the lot; don’t let that discourage you.

The walk to the water takes you through a beautiful jungle trail.

NOTE: These porta-potties are the last restroom stop for about two hours.

IMPORTANT: The waves can get rough in the winter, so we recommend only snorkeling and swimming in the summer months.

13. Nakalele Blowhole

Nakalele Blowhole, a featured stop on Shaka Guide's West Maui Coastline Tour

Approximate time: 40 minutes

Nakalele Blowhole, a featured stop on Shaka Guide's West Maui Coastline Tour

The Nakalele Blowhole can shoot water as high as 50 feet into the air. To see this natural geyser in action, you can take a mini hike from the main parking area at milepost 38.5.

Or, you can take the slightly longer Acid War Zone Trail, a 1.3-mile out-and-back hike, that begins at the smaller parking area at milepost 38.

Due to the rugged lava terrain, the Acid War Zone Trail is rated moderately challenging and is best hiked with closed-toe shoes.

When you reach the blowhole, you might feel the ground shake beneath your feet as the waves crash towards the blowhole, dramatically shooting water into the sky.

DANGER: The area around the blowhole is extremely dangerous–and deadly. Unsuspecting visitors have been sucked into the blowhole and never seen again. Others have been swept away by large, unexpected waves that pulled them into the ocean. Watch the waves before walking down, keep a healthy distance from the blowhole, and avoid wet areas experiencing wave action. No matter how cool the Instagram photo, it’s not worth the risk!

DRIVING NOTICE:

After the Nakalele Blowhole, the road narrows and begins to wind along coastal cliffs without guardrails.

At some points, the road is only one lane with no pullover spots along sheer cliffs. This means you or the other driver will have to reverse to find a pullover spot.

If you’re not a confident driver, scared of heights, or get motion sickness easily, we recommend you turn around at Nakalele Blowhole and return the way you came.

In addition, there are no restrooms until you reach Karen Lei’s Gallery, about half an hour away.

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

14. ‘Ohai Loop Trail

Approximate time: 30 minutes

The ‘Ohai Loop Trail is a 30-minute loop walk along picturesque rolling hills high above the ocean.

Keep your eyes open for the endangered native plant called the ‘Ohai plant, a low-growing shrub with silver-green foliage and striking pink flowers, which gives the trail its name.

Besides this endangered plant, the trail also has some nice ocean views and interesting rock formations. For trail details, check out AllTrails ‘Ohai Loop Trail.

15. Olivine Pool & Bellstone Rock

olivine pool Image from Flickr by stephenrwalli

Approximate time: 40 minutes

The Olivine Pools are large tidepools right by the ocean’s edge. They do require a short, moderate hike to reach.

The name comes from the pool’s greenish turquoise tint that results from deposits of olivine, a mineral commonly found near volcanic eruptions.

You can swim and snorkel in the pools during certain times of the year and only under certain conditions.

However, during October through April, when the waves are rough, we highly recommend you do not attempt to swim in the pools.

DANGER: Many have been injured or killed here. Rogue waves can hit without warning—even when the ocean looks calm. Stay well back from reef edges, watch the waves for at least 15 minutes, and never enter tide pools if waves are crashing in. Wet rocks mean recent wave action—stay away. Also, theft is common here, so keep your valuables with you.

Located near the parking lot for Olivine Pools is the giant ‘Bellstone Rock’ which supposedly makes a noise like a bell when struck in the right place.

16. Kahakuloa Town Food Stops

Approximate time: 20 minutes

At this point, you might be ready for a snack. There are a couple of food options here in the little town of Kahakuloa.

If you’re craving a smoothie, oftentimes the Bruddah Chic food stand is open. It’s a great local spot with a killer view of Kahakuloa Head, the town, and the bay.

You also don’t want to pass up Lorraine’s Shave Ice either!

A little further down the road, you can also check out Julia’s, with her legendary banana bread.

Kahakuloa is a nice place for a refreshing pitstop and a snack.

NOTE: This is a quick grab-and-go spot, and you won’t find any sit-down spots or restrooms.

17. Karen Lei’s Gallery

This beautiful art gallery, with amazing views of Kahakuloa, the mountains, and the ocean, features the work of over 100 local artists.

From Hawaii-themed art to handcrafted island-inspired jewelry, Karen Lei’s Gallery is a great place to pick up a few souvenirs to bring home.

They have restrooms inside and also sell ice cream! Sometimes, you’ll find food trucks parked outside.

18. Windy Road Through Green Meadows

Approximate time: 1 hour

From here, just relax and drive carefully as we tell you some stories about the area while you meander down country roads through beautiful green pasture land with occasional cliff views.

Enjoy the drive and take it slow.

Drive Back to Your Hotel

The tour ends in Kahului. From there, you’ll make your own way back toward your hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not guide you to the resorts or back to the airport. You’ll have to enter your final location into your phone’s GPS.

Malama ‘Aina

When you’re in Hawai’i, we ask that you act respectfully toward the locals, land, and wildlife.

Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid unsafe spots.

Hawaii’s natural resources are precious. It's up to all of us to help preserve these resources.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's West Maui Coastline Tour!

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.

Ready to take the West Maui Coastline Tour? Here's everything you need to know before you go!