KAHULUI BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
All the Way Around: A Full‑Day Circumnavigation of East Maui’s Forests, Waterfalls and Black Sand Coasts
An 11–12 hour, full‑circle journey from Kahului that threads bamboo forests and cliffs, stops at Hāna and Waiʻanapanapa, and includes optional swims behind waterfalls and on black sand beaches.
All the Way Around: A Full‑Day Circumnavigation of East Maui’s Forests, Waterfalls and Black Sand Coasts.
From Kahului this long, deliberate run around the base of Haleakalā stitches together agricultural plains, bohemian Paʻia, dramatic coastal cliffs and dripping rainforests; over 11–12 hours you watch surf‑cut bays and blowholes, visit isolated native settlements and step onto black sand born of lava, all while the road winds ever farther into Maui’s hidden side before closing the loop.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A True Full Circle — No Turning Back
This itinerary completes a full circumnavigation of the volcano’s base, hugging narrow, rugged lanes beyond Hāna and offering sustained coastal drives with cliffside lookouts and southern and northern viewpoints.
Rainforest Rivers, Bamboo Thickets and Waterfalls
The route threads dense bamboo groves, rainbow eucalyptus and dripping Kipahulu forests, pauses at multiple waterfalls and streams, and even offers the chance to swim behind a waterfall at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Park (swimming optional).
Hāna, Keʻanae and Local Tastes
Stops include Keʻanae Peninsula and Hāna town — places that preserve an older Hawaiian way of life — plus local stops for banana bread, Ono Farms fruit, Nahiku artisan stalls and Coconut Glen’s treats that punctuate the route.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
This is a long, unrushed day: a morning departure from Kahului, a string of lookout stops, brief walks to tide pools, a coastal drive that tightens into narrow lanes past Hāna, and late‑day high‑road viewpoints before the bus eases you back to the starting point — a continuous loop that reveals the wet north, the dry south and the island’s geologic contrasts.
THE ROUTE
A True Full Circle — No Turning Back
This itinerary completes a full circumnavigation of the volcano’s base, hugging narrow, rugged lanes beyond Hāna and offering sustained coastal drives with cliffside lookouts and southern and northern viewpoints.
THE WILDLAND
Rainforest Rivers, Bamboo Thickets and Waterfalls
The route threads dense bamboo groves, rainbow eucalyptus and dripping Kipahulu forests, pauses at multiple waterfalls and streams, and even offers the chance to swim behind a waterfall at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Park (swimming optional).
THE CULTURE
Hāna, Keʻanae and Local Tastes
Stops include Keʻanae Peninsula and Hāna town — places that preserve an older Hawaiian way of life — plus local stops for banana bread, Ono Farms fruit, Nahiku artisan stalls and Coconut Glen’s treats that punctuate the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Morning departures begin between 7am and 8am from Kahului; expect a full day on the road of roughly 11–12 hours as the tour circles the base of the volcano.
Because stops include waterfalls and black sand beaches, bring swimwear and a towel if you may swim (swimming is optional), plus sun protection, comfortable walking shoes for short uneven walks, and a light rain layer for rainforest sections.
Departure is from the Kahului Park & Ride; the tour moves continuously around the island without reversing the route past Hāna in this complete version, with multiple short stops for viewpoints, markets and state parks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 11–12 hours round trip from Kahului.
Where and when does the tour depart?
Morning departures are between 7am and 8am from the Kahului Park & Ride.
Do I have to swim?
No — swimming is optional; the itinerary includes optional swims such as behind a waterfall at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Park and at black sand beaches.
Will we visit Hāna and Waiʻanapanapa?
Yes — the route arrives at Hāna town and includes Waiʻanapanapa State Park with black sand beach, sea caves and blowholes.
Are there food or market stops on the route?
Yes — the itinerary includes stops for local treats such as Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, Ono Farms produce, Nahiku Marketplace and Coconut Glen’s.
Is the road easy to drive?
This complete version hugs narrow, rugged lanes beyond Hāna and includes tight coastal drives and high‑road sections; the operator completes the route as a continuous loop rather than turning back.