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Private Custom Maui Hiking Tour – Waterfalls, Bamboo & Lava Trails
Pricing
(Minimum price includes 2 guests)
Description
Your Trail, Your Pace & a Whole Side of Maui Waiting to Be Explored!
Choose where you want to explore. Head to the north shore of Haleakalā in East Maui for rainforest trails, towering bamboo, tumbling waterfalls, and clear streams. Trade that for the east side of West Maui and its sweeping views, or go south on Haleakalā to walk the stark, otherworldly landscape of Maui's most recent lava flow, where black rock meets the open ocean. Want a bit of everything? Just say so, and your guide will shape the day to match.
Because the tour is completely private, it's only ever you and your crew – no strangers, no rigid itinerary, and no rushing. Along the trail, your guide shares stories of Hawaiian culture, native and introduced plants, geology, and island history, and snaps photos so everyone ends up in the frame. Stop for fresh banana bread or a smoothie, linger at a swimming hole when conditions allow, and head home with the best of Maui's backcountry in your pocket and the rest of your day still free.
Duration
- 8 to 10 Hours
- Approximately 4 to 5 hours, including driving between trailheads and stops.
- Hiking distance: tailored to your group, up to about 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip. Many trails visited are under 1 mile (1.6 km).
- Flexible start time – your guide will contact you a few days before your tour to confirm your meeting or pick-up time.
Location / Where to Meet
- Meeting point: The meeting point is in Kahului at 7:30 am unless another arranged time has been agreed upon. The address and directions will be given at the time of booking.
- Cruise ship guests: Meet in the Long's/Whole Foods parking lot directly across the street from Kahului Harbor. Your guide will wait on the opposite side of the crosswalk.
- Hotel, condo, and residence pick-up: Free pick-up and drop-off is available in Central Maui (Kahului, Kahului Harbor, Wailuku), Upcountry (Makawao, Kula, Pukalani), and the North Shore (Paia to Haiku). Pick-up from the South Side (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) and West Side (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua) can be added for an extra fee.
- Parking: If you drive yourself to Kahului, plan to park at the meeting location and ride with your guide for the rest of the tour.
- Hike locations: The north shore of Haleakalā (East Maui), the east side of West Maui, or the south side of Haleakalā and Maui's most recent lava flow – chosen together with your guide based on your interests and that day's weather.
Ages & Requirements
- All Ages Welcome: Guests of all ages can participate, and children ages 0–2 join for free.
- Infants & Young Children: Babies must be carried during hikes, and a proper child-carrying backpack is highly recommended. Toddlers who can walk independently are welcome on suitable rainforest trails.
- Car Seats Required: Guests traveling with infants or young children must bring their own appropriate car seat or booster seat for transportation.
- Hiking Ability: Suitable for guests of various ages and fitness levels, including children and older adults. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 2 miles (3.2 km) or less, depending on the selected route.
- Trail Conditions & Balance: Trails may include mud, sand, rocks, tree roots, and uneven or slippery surfaces. Good balance and appropriate footwear are important.
- Active Hiking Options: Guests interested in more adventurous routes should be able to walk at least 0.5–1 mile (0.8–1.6 km) on uneven or slippery terrain.
- Hiking Poles Available: Trekking poles are available upon request. Let your guide know in advance if you'd like additional stability on the trail.
- Private Group Size: Tours are completely private, with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 7 guests. The original price includes 2 guests, each additional guest up to 7 will have an extra charge.
- Weather & Trail Conditions: Hiking routes may be adjusted based on rainfall, weather, trail conditions, and your group's abilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What's Included
- 2 Guests are included with the price, each additional guest up to 7 are an extra fee.
- Private, local naturalist guide
- Transportation between trailheads and stops in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle
- Free pick-up and drop-off in Central Maui, Upcountry, and the North Shore
- Fully customized hiking itinerary planned around your interests and fitness level
- Hiking poles (upon request)
- Drinking water (100% plastic-free)
- Cooler with ice
- Towels
- Rain ponchos
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer & wipes
- Photos of your adventure taken by your guide
- A few fun surprises along the way!
Not Included
- Gratuity – Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide!
- 2 Guests are included with the price, each additional guest up to 7 are an extra fee.
- Meals, snacks, and beverages – all food is à la carte. Picnic lunches can be pre-ordered for an extra fee with at least 24 hours' notice; kosher picnic lunches require at least 7 days' notice.
- Admission or entrance fees for any sites added to your itinerary.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off from the South Side (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) and West Side (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua) can be added for an extra fee.
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit – wear it under your clothes in case there's a chance to take a dip.
- Sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet – hiking shoes or sneakers with grippy tread, or strapped sport sandals such as Tevas or Keens.
- Comfortable Clothing / Change of Clothing – moisture-wicking, lightweight, and fast drying, plus a light jacket.
- Small backpack – to carry your water, camera, and extra layers.
- Sun Protection – reef-safe sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Camera – if you plan to swim or rock-hop near streams, a waterproof camera is a good idea.
- Dry Bag – recommended to protect your phone and valuables if you get rained on.
- Snacks – please consider bringing your own, especially if you have a food allergy or specific preferences.
- Spending money – for food, local treats, and souvenirs along the way.
- Car seats or booster seats for young children, plus a child carrier for babies and little ones.
- Personal medications – including motion sickness medication if you're prone to car sickness.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or dirt, or that you don't want to lose.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY AWAPUHI ADVENTURES
FAQs
Where do the custom hiking tours go?
We can take you to the north shore of Haleakalā in East Maui for bamboo, waterfalls, and streams, to the east side of West Maui for scenic views, or to the south side of Haleakalā to explore the desolate, unsurpassed beauty of Maui's most recent lava flow. We'll talk through your interests ahead of time and choose the best area for your group and that day's conditions.
How long is the tour, and how far will we hike?
This custom hiking tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours, including drive time between stops. Hikes are tailored to your group and stay within a couple of miles (about 3.2 km) round trip or less – perfect if you want to experience bamboo, waterfalls, streams, and views without committing your entire day.
How difficult is the hike, and are there any physical requirements?
We tailor every hike to your group's fitness level. You should have the will and ability to hike a couple of miles (about 3.2 km) or less, and good balance is important, as trails can include sand, mud, tree roots, rocks, and slippery sections. Let us know if you need assistance – we have hiking poles available on request.
Can older guests or young kids join this hike?
Yes! We can take hikers of all ages, including kids and guests in their 70s, as long as they have the will and ability to hike a couple of miles (about 3.2 km) or less. Toddlers who can walk are welcome on rainforest trails, and babies should be carried in a child carrier.
Will we get to swim?
When conditions allow, we'll build in time to cool off in a stream or swimming hole, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Swimming spots depend on weather, rainfall, and water levels, and your guide will always make the call based on safety.
What is special about hiking with a private guide on Maui?
Your guide knows where to find the bamboo groves, waterfalls, streams, and lava fields that match your interests – and shares the stories behind the plants, geology, and Hawaiian culture you'll see along the way. Since the tour is private, you set the pace and choose how long to linger at each stop.
Are there any insects or wildlife to be concerned about on the trail?
Mosquitoes can be present on rainforest trails, so we bring bug spray for our guests. If you prefer a specific repellent, feel free to bring your own.
What should I wear on the custom hiking tour?
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing with your swimsuit underneath, plus shoes you don't mind getting wet – hiking shoes, sneakers with a grippy sole, or strapped sport sandals like Tevas or Keens. Bring a small pack, a light jacket or change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sun hat.
Are admission fees included?
Admission fees are not included on custom tours. If you'd like to add a site that charges an entrance fee, your guide can let you know ahead of time.
Are all of your Maui tours private?
Absolutely! All of our tours are entirely private, so you and your travel companions – friends or family – will have the tour to yourselves. We never mix you with strangers, which lets us cater the day to your group's interests and abilities.
How many guests can join a tour? Do you accommodate larger groups?
Our private tours have a 2-guest minimum and can accommodate up to 7 guests.
Is there an age limit? Can my kids or baby come on the tour?
We don't have an age limit as long as the keiki (little ones) are up for it. Babies should be carried as you would at home, and as long as toddlers can walk, we can take them into the rainforest. Please bring your own car seat or booster seat and any special snacks your child may want throughout the day. Children ages 0–2 ride free!
How fit do I need to be?
We build each tour around your fitness level. That said, the more fit and active you are, the more hidden treasures we can show you. For a more active day, you should be able to walk at least 0.5–1 mile (0.8–1.6 km) on uneven, slippery terrain. Most of our adventures require a good sense of balance and the ability to walk on sand, mud, tree roots, rocks, and maintained nature trails. Most trails are relatively flat and under 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip. Hiking poles are available on request.
Where do we meet, and do you offer hotel pick-up?
Our meeting point is in Kahului, and we'll confirm the exact time a few days before your tour. We also offer pick-up and drop-off at hotels, condos, and residences. Pick-up is free in Central Maui (Kahului, Kahului Harbor, Wailuku), Upcountry (Makawao, Kula, Pukalani), and the North Shore (Paia to Haiku). Pick-up from the South Side and West Side can be added for an extra fee.
Where do cruise ship guests meet?
If you arrive by cruise ship into Kahului Harbor, meet us in the Long's/Whole Foods parking lot directly across the street from the port. Your guide will be waiting on the opposite side of the crosswalk.
What do you provide throughout the day?
We provide hiking poles (upon request), plastic-free drinking water, a cooler with ice, towels, rain ponchos, bug spray, hand sanitizer and wipes, and a few fun surprises. If you'd like to bring your own gear, feel free!
Will my guide take photos?
Yes! Your guide not only takes you to magical places on Maui, they also take photos of your journey so the whole group can be in the shot.
Are meals included?
All food is à la carte. We love supporting local businesses, and there are plenty of tasty stops along the way – from fresh banana bread and coffee to vegan coconut ice cream. We can also pre-order picnic sandwiches for you with at least 24 hours' notice, and kosher picnic lunches are available with at least 7 days' notice. We're happy to do our best to accommodate special dietary needs – just ask!
What should I do if I get motion sickness?
We recommend talking to your physician if you're prone to car sickness. Over-the-counter options like Bonine and Dramamine can help you enjoy your tour, and we can also stop for ginger candies or Hana Tonic, a homeopathic remedy that works for some guests.
Who are your guides?
Our guides are local Maui naturalists who share their knowledge of Hawaiian culture, native plants and wildlife, geology, and island history. We're a small, woman-founded business that has been leading private Maui adventures since 2007.
What are you doing to protect Maui's environment and community?
We're proud to run a 100% plastic-free tour experience – we provide plastic-free drinking water and compostable containers and utensils, and we recycle our waste. We partner with local businesses, employ local guides, and are a proud sponsor of Hana High School's Athletic Department. Go Dragons!
Cancellation Policy
We require a $250 deposit (plus HI State tax) to secure your tour date. Full payment will be charged to the card on file within 7 days of your scheduled tour. If the tour is cancelled for weather-related reasons due to a State Road Advisory, we will try to accommodate your group on an alternate day. If we are unable to accommodate your group, we will give you a full refund. If your tour is cancelled at the guest's request within 72 hours for any other reason, we will refund the tour balance minus the $250 (plus tax) deposit. Since many people are very excited to go on tours with us, we can no longer provide full refunds for tour cancellations 7 days prior to your scheduled tour (unless there is a Road Advisory, and we cannot accommodate you on another day). If you cancel outside of 7 days, you will receive a full refund.
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Location
Address
Kahului, HI,
US
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