Maui · GUIDED
26 reviewed
This is the shortlist we would hand a friend flying in next week: the 15 guided tours worth booking, each with its price, its rating, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Small-group cacao farm tour in Lahaina plus a 20-acre estate, factory stop, and nine-chocolate tasting. $99.48, 1.5 hours.
“Amazing chocolate and very educational. We learned a lot about the region, process, and loved the tasting!”
Sunrise at Haleakala, then self-guided Kona biking on Maui’s switchbacks to Makawao. Gear and park entry included.
“The biking down was the best part, so exhilarating and breathtaking views. Eddie Buddy was a wonderful, very knowledgeable guide.”
Self-guided Haleakalā downhill biking from 6,500 ft to Paia with Maui Sunriders, tuned bikes, gear, Kula/Makawao stops, 4–5 hrs.
“Great group of staff. We had a great time and learned a lot along the way. I am not sure what else to say but you need to try it.”
Beginner snorkeling for non-swimmers in Wailea. Get gear, practice safely, then snorkel from a paddleboard with turtles and fish.
“This was our first time snorkeling in the open ocean and we had a fantastic time! Our guide Seth was very informative, helpful and kind, and made sure we had a great time. He helped us become familiar with the gear, how to use it and where we were going to go, which helped us feel comfortable. We enjoyed the tour so much we booked a second snorkeling experience at a different location on the same trip! We would definitely recommend it, even if you are nervous about snorkeling or it is your first time.”
Guided Maui rainforest hike to 3–5 waterfalls with jumps and swimming, plus a picnic lunch by the falls. Includes snacks and water.
“My family and I LOVED GALE! She was very upbeat, knowledgeable and helpful on our hike. She was patient in waiting for everyone to gather so she could explain the plants and flowers we were seeing along the way. She made sure all of us were safe and didn’t fall on any of the slippery rocks near the waterfalls. The lunches hit the spot and taking a dip in the waterfalls were cooling and relaxing after a humid day. I highly recommend this tour 5 stars!!”
Self-guided Haleakala bike ride plus Upcountry towns like Makawao and Haiku, with gear and transport included from Bike Maui.
“Not as advertised. We had to reload onto bus for 9 miles (40%) of the ride. Had to make constant “safety” stops. This was not a self guided tour at all. Completely disappointed.”
Bike Maui’s Haleakala sunrise bike tour combines pre-dawn summit time with a guided downhill ride featuring famous 29 switchbacks.
“I’m finishing this review at the end of our trip, which included a snorkel trip to Lanai, surf lessons, and parasailing as well. We thought our teens wouldn’t enjoy the up early for sunrise, but they agree this was their top excursion. Highly recommend! The tour guides set you up for safety, success, and some really fun photo stops too! Would repeat this tour.”
Guided Maui rainforest hike to Hana waterfalls with natural pool swims and optional safe 10-foot cannonballs. 3-hour family-friendly tour.
“From Argentia, visiting a new place. Everything is excellent. Thank you so much 🙏✈️🌴”
Shaka Guide Maui Classic Road to Hana audio tour with GPS, offline narration, and waterfall stops, ending back in Paia for $19.99.
“Really enjoyed the guided narrations. The waterfalls and the drive were beautiful. The black sand beach was amazing. I highly recommend the Shaka guided tour.”
Shore snorkel with a marine biologist in Olowalu: sea turtle sightings, clean gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and included photos.
“This was by far the best snorkeling tour my husband and I have been on. It started with Sarah explaining about the aquatic life we could expect to see on the tour. That made it more interesting for us as we were able to identify what we were seeing once we got out into the water. Sarah was also so careful to make sure all our gear was working properly and we were comfortable before heading out. I was having trouble with my mask, but she was able to swap it out for me. Then we were on our way out to the “cleaning station.” We saw so many sea…”
Guided cacao farm tour at Maui Ku’ia Estate in Lahaina with a West Maui walk and a 9-piece chocolate tasting in a treehouse.
“VERY enthusiastic guide. She went out of her way to ensure we ALL had a great tour!”
Haleakala crater stories, then a 15-mile summit bike descent on Kona bikes to Makawao, self-guided at your pace with included gear.
“The guided tour is much better. If you booked a self guided my recommendation is to switch to a guided bike tour”
A budget-friendly, GPS-synced audio drive on Maui’s Road to Hana. Flexible stops, offline audio, and real local stories.
“When I was finally able to get into the tour, I gotta say I did really enjoy it. The tour guy was very knowledgeable and always knew where I was. Overall, I really liked my tour. I had a hard time getting in, though it was something that I am not used to. I’m not super tech savvy and I am 51 so I thought it was gonna be a quick pay and click, but unfortunately it wasn’t that easy. But other than that, it was a great tour.”
Sea scooter snorkeling from Wailea Beach on Maui. 90 minutes of reef time, green sea turtles, small-group coaching, and included gear.
“Tristan has been our guide for 2 years in a row and he is amazing. So good with the kids and very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the ocean. We will definitely do this activity every time we come to Maui. Kids age from 13-8 and it's always the highlight of the trip.”
Certified scuba refresh in Kaanapali, Maui. Small-group shore session with safety coaching, gear included, and West Maui wildlife sightings.
“Absolutely incredible time with Banyan Tree Divers Maui! The staff was very attentive in getting us set up with equipment, and the scuba review led by our instructor Annika was efficient, professional, entertaining. On our first dive, we saw plenty of life off of Airport Beach, including a few eels. I was happy as a clam when it was over, but it got even better when Annika offered a second dive at a more advanced site for less than $100. That dive, at Mala Wharf, was absolutely breathtaking. We saw ~20 turtles (I lost count after about 12), huge schools of fish, and even a few whitetip reef sharks hanging…”
