Full-Circle “Reverse” – Luxury Road to Hana Tour from South Maui

Traveling along Maui’s famous Road to Hana is on many travelers’ must-do lists, but doing it in a way that feels comfortable, engaging, and well-paced can be tricky. Enter this full-circle “reverse” tour—a meticulously planned adventure that starts with upcountry Maui and winds down through the lush rainforest and scenic coastlines, all in a luxury vehicle with a small group. Priced at $349.99 per person, this tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours and is packed with stops at Maui’s top sights, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and charming towns.

What we love about this experience is how it combines education and relaxation—your knowledgeable guides share stories and insights about Hawaiian culture, agriculture, and history, making each stop more meaningful. Plus, traveling in reverse helps avoid the crowds that often gather on the main Hana Highway, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate connection to the landscape.

A potential consideration for travelers is the full day commitment—this is a long tour, and some might find the curvy, winding roads tiring, especially if prone to motion sickness. It’s best suited for those who enjoy scenic drives and want a comprehensive, stress-free way to explore Maui’s highlights without the hassle of driving themselves.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers, history buffs, and nature lovers who appreciate detailed storytelling and comfortable, small-group experiences. If you prefer structured days with all logistics handled, this could be your perfect match.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Visits to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and quaint towns with cultural stories.
• Luxury Comfort: Small groups, air-conditioned vehicle, and thoughtful amenities make the day enjoyable.
• Expert Guides: Local guides like Everett, Doug, or Bobby bring stories to life and ensure safety.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Starts with upcountry Maui, then circles down through the scenic Hana Highway.
• Value for Money: Includes breakfast, lunch, parking, and water, making this a full-day hassle-free adventure.
• Crowd Avoidance: Traveling in reverse means fewer people at each stop, more serenity.

An Overview of the Experience

This full-day journey from South Maui offers a unique twist on the classic Road to Hana trip. Instead of starting at Hana and ending back, you begin in the upcountry towns like Pukalani and Kula, climbing into the cool elevations of Mount Haleakala, then gradually making your way down the lush rainforest corridor toward Hana and beyond.

For about 8 to 10 hours, you’ll enjoy a luxury vehicle that comfortably seats up to 12 guests, with plenty of amenities like bottled water, snacks, and a small group size that encourages interaction and personalized attention. The day is carefully planned to balance sightseeing, cultural storytelling, and relaxation, so you’re not overwhelmed or exhausted by the end.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Upcountry Maui Stops

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through upcountry Maui, visiting charming towns like Pukalani, where you might appreciate the nickname “Hole to Heaven,” and Kula, known as “Open Country.” Here, your guides share insights into the agriculture and history of this cooler, breezy part of the island. You’ll also pass through Keokea (“The Sound of White Caps”) and Kipahulu, where the last lava flows from Mount Haleakala are visible, connecting two of Maui’s volcanoes—a literal reminder of the island’s fiery origins.

Stunning Natural Sights

The tour continues with a visit to Wailua Falls, perhaps Maui’s most iconic waterfall, where the mist and roar of cascading water make for perfect photos. According to reviews, travelers are close enough to feel the spray, creating a memorable experience.

Next, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at Kailani’s Gift Shop, a highly-rated flower farm and gift shop where you can pick up handcrafted souvenirs and relax amidst lush surroundings. Many mention how this stop adds a special touch, offering local flavor and a break from the busy day.

The Road to Hana

As you approach Hana, you’ll stop in the town itself—an intimate and quiet spot that’s been a haven for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty. Here, you might explore or simply take in the lush surroundings. From Hana, the tour takes you to Wai’anapanapa State Park, famous for its black sand beach, where swimming is weather-dependent but always striking to see.

The next stops include Pua’a Ka’a State Park, where you might enjoy a swim in freshwater ponds and waterfalls—a favorite for many reviews—before crossing the famous “Three Bears” waterfalls on one of the many classic Hana bridges.

The Curvy Road and Scenic Towns

One of the highlights is the Hana Highway, with over 600 turns and more than 50 one-lane bridges—a thrilling drive that feels like an adventure in itself. Your guides keep it fun and informative, sharing local stories and pointing out interesting sights along the way.

As the day winds down, you’ll pass through towns like Haiku, Maliko, Kuau, and Paia, the surfing capital of the world, famous for windsurfing and catching waves. The tour concludes with a scenic cruise back, giving you the chance to reflect on a full day of sights and stories.

Authenticity and Comfort

What sets this tour apart is the combination of expert storytelling and luxury. The guides, such as Everett, Doug, and Bobby, are praised for their local knowledge, friendliness, and safety, making everyone feel like part of a family. Many reviews mention how they shared personal stories, making the experience more genuine.

The amenities, including towels for waterfall swims, reef-safe sunscreen, and a souvenir backpack, enhance comfort and convenience. The breakfast and lunch are thoughtfully included, with fresh, tropical flavors that highlight Maui’s agricultural richness.

Value for Money

While $349.99 might seem steep, the tour includes all parking fees, breakfast, lunch, water, and amenities, so there are no hidden costs. The reviews suggest that many find the experience to be excellent value—especially considering the small group size and personalized attention. It’s a full-day, stress-free way to see Maui’s highlights without the hassle of planning or driving.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer noted, “Our guide Everett was knowledgeable,” and another appreciated how the guides “shared their experiences living in Maui.” Many mention how the stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches exceeded their expectations, and that the small group made it easier to ask questions and get personalized stories.

However, a few reviews mention the long drive and winding roads, so this tour might not be ideal for those prone to motion sickness or seeking a more relaxed pace. Still, for most, the balance of adventure and comfort hits the sweet spot.

This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, well-organized day that covers Maui’s natural beauty and cultural stories. It suits those who appreciate small-group intimacy, local guides with insider knowledge, and comfort in transportation. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, especially on the Highway to Hana, this reverse route offers a quieter, more relaxed way to explore.

It’s also excellent for families, couples, or solo travelers who value good value for all-inclusive amenities and a thoughtfully planned experience. If you enjoy scenic drives with storytelling, you’ll find this tour a memorable highlight of your Maui trip.

Choosing the Full-Circle “Reverse” Road to Hana Tour from South Maui offers a rich, stress-free way to discover Maui’s natural wonders and local culture. The small-group approach, knowledgeable guides, and well-planned stops make it stand out among other Hana trips. You’ll enjoy beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush forests—all while learning about Maui’s history and agriculture from passionate locals.

This tour provides exceptional value for the price, especially when considering all included amenities and the personalized experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle of navigating the winding roads themselves. If you love stories, scenic vistas, and a comfortable journey, this adventure is definitely worth considering.

For those who prefer a more relaxed, informative, and intimate tour experience—this could very well be your favorite Maui memory.

Is this tour suitable for travelers prone to motion sickness?
Because of the winding roads and curvy drive along the Hana Highway, some parts of the day might be challenging if you’re prone to motion sickness. The guides do their best to make it comfortable, but it’s worth considering if you’re sensitive.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers breakfast, lunch, bottled water, parking fees, towels for swimming (weather permitting), a souvenir backpack, and amenities like reef-safe sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and tissues.

How long does the tour last?
Expect to be on the road for about 8 to 10 hours, with plenty of stops for sightseeing, meals, and breaks.

What makes this tour different from other Hana trips?
Traveling in reverse to avoid crowds, small group size for more personal attention, and expert local guides sharing stories about Hawaiian culture and history.

Is swimming included?
Swimming is weather-dependent and available at stops like Wai’anapanapa State Park and Pua’a Ka’a State Park, where you can relax in freshwater ponds or enjoy the black sand beach. Towels are provided.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 53 days ahead, especially in peak seasons, to secure availability.

In essence, this tour combines scenic beauty, cultural insights, and comfort into a single, memorable Maui experience—perfect for those who want to see the best of the island without the stress.