How to Use the Maui Travel Map (Step-by-Step Guide)

Aloha!

This guide is your all-in-one resource for navigating and fully utilizing the Maui Travel Map. From accessing the map to saving your favorite locations, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of this tool.

1. What’s on the Maui Travel Map?

The Maui Travel Map is packed with carefully curated markers and categories designed to help you explore the best the island has to offer.

Map Legend and Categories

Each marker is color-coded and organized in the following categories to make navigation easy:

• Beaches, Bays, and Coves: Find the perfect spot for a swim, snorkel, or sunset view.
• Adventurous Activities: Activities like hiking, surfing, and ziplining.
• Leisure Activities: Art galleries, flea markets, shopping centers, and specialty shops.
• Trails: From easy walking paths to advanced hikes.
• Farms and Farmers Markets: Discover farms, farmers markets, breweries, distilleries, gardens, and farm stands.
• Nightlife: Bars, live music, beach parties, shows, luaus, and more.
• History: Explore Maui’s rich history through museums, historical landmarks, and places of worship.
• Cultural and Creative Workshops: Classes such as lei making, hula, ukulele lessons, glass blowing, painting, cooking, and more.
• Viewpoints: Iconic photo spots and panoramic views.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Beach cleanups, animal care, environment restoration, community development, and more.

📍 Each marker includes descriptions, photos (if available), business hours, and links to official websites or reviews when relevant.

🟡 Yellow Markers: Top Picks

To help you prioritize, I’ve highlighted my Top Picks in each category with yellow markers. These represent the standout experiences across the island. Perfect if you’re looking for the best of the best.

How to Use Yellow Markers

• Spot the Highlights: Look for yellow markers on the map or in the legend to easily identify top-rated recommendations.
• Plan Efficiently: Use them as a starting point when creating your itinerary, especially if you’re short on time.
• Explore More: While the yellow markers showcase my top picks, please don’t stop there! The map is full of hidden gems that are worth exploring too.

🔆 Pro Tip: Browse yellow markers on a larger screen first to see the highlights at a glance. Then, dive into the full map to uncover even more options.

2. How to Access the Maui Travel Map

1. Open the link
   Once you’ve received an email confirming your access has been granted, click on the map link in your order confirmation email sent to you after you completed your purchase. This will open the map in Google My Maps in your default browser.
2. Sign in
   Make sure you’re logged into the Google account you provided during checkout to unlock access to the map.
3. Tip: Use a web browser and view on a larger screen
   For the best experience, open the map in a web browser on a computer or tablet. The Google Maps app has limitations (see more below) that can make it harder to explore all the features. A larger screen also makes it easier to see the categories and interact with the markers.

3. How to Best Use the Map

Getting Started

• Browse the Legend
  When viewing on a computer, you’ll see a legend on the left-hand side of the map. This lists all categories (e.g., Beaches, Viewpoints, or Trails). Scroll through to see what interests you.

• Click on Markers
  Click on specific markers to view detailed information, photos, and helpful links.

• Pan the Map
  Drag the map to explore different areas of Maui. Zoom in and out to see nearby attractions.

• Deselect Categories
  If you’re not interested in certain categories (e.g., Nightlife or Workshops), deselect them in the legend to declutter the view.

• Choose Your Map Style
  The map opens in Simple View by default—a clean, minimal layout that removes terrain and outside businesses so you can focus on the custom markers.
  
  The Satellite View will give you a better look at Maui’s landscapes, coastlines, and nearby landmarks.
  To switch styles, click the square layers icon in the bottom-left corner of the legend.
  Note: This feature is only available in a web browser. It doesn’t appear in the Google Maps app.

👎 Heads Up: The Search Feature Kinda Sucks
The search bar isn’t helpful. It often won’t find locations, even if you type the exact name. Unfortunately, this is a limitation of the tool itself and not something I can control.

Here’s what works better:
➡️ Scroll and zoom around the map manually
➡️ Or browse by category in the legend

📍 The markers are organized and color-coded, so once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to find what you need.

If you want to search for something general (like “coffee near me”), open the regular Google Maps instead. It works much better for that kind of search.

Saving Your Favorites

Create your own Google Maps list:

1. When viewing the map in a web browser, click on a location marker.
2. In the pop-up side panel, click the View in Google Maps link. Please note, if the marker doesn’t already exist in Google Maps, this link may not appear. In such cases, you can manually create your own pinned marker in the same area and title it accordingly.
3. Once redirected to Google Maps, click Save and choose whether to add it to an existing list or create a new one. Just a heads-up: only the title gets saved—not the extra notes or tips I’ve included.
4. You can also add a note to each saved marker for personal reference.
   When you are viewing the map in the Google Maps App, simply select a marker and press Save.

4. Using the Map Offline

Although the Maui Travel Map can’t be accessed offline, you can save your favorite markers to your own Google Maps list and then download a portion of the map to your device for offline use.

Steps to Download Google Maps for Offline Use

1. Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner and select Offline Maps.
3. Tap Select Your Own Map, then zoom in to cover the area of Maui you’d like to download.
4. Tap Download.
   Offline maps allow you to access navigation and most location details, but keep in mind they won’t update in real time.

❓Need a visual? Take a look at this walkthrough by the Google Maps Help Center.

5. Using the Google Maps App

Accessing Your Maui Travel Map in the Google Maps App

1. Open the Google Maps App and tap You in the menu bar at the bottom.
2. Scroll down and select Maps.
3. Choose the Maui Travel Map from your list to open it.
   Note: If you don’t see it listed, make sure you’ve opened the map at least once in a web browser while signed into your Google account. That’s what makes it show up here.
4. To remove the markers from your map view, open the map, tap the legend, and select Close.

How to Use the Maui Travel Map in the Google Maps App

• Tap the directions button to easily navigate to any spot.
• You can save markers to your own Google Maps list, but just a heads-up: only the title gets saved, not the extra notes or tips I’ve included.
• You can deselect or toggle off categories you are not interested in from the legend to declutter the view.

👎 Limitations of the App

• I’ve noticed that on my iPhone, some markers are missing their full descriptions and links (not sure if it’s the same on Android). For the full details, it’s best to view the map in a web browser.
• You can’t tap markers directly from the legend in the app like you can on desktop.

6. FAQs

Do I need to be online to use the map?

Yes, the Maui Travel Map requires an internet connection. However, you can save your favorite locations to your own Google Maps list and download a portion of the map for offline use (see steps above). Note that offline maps won’t update in real time.

Can I share the map with others?

The map is for your personal use only and cannot be shared. If friends or family are joining your trip, consider showing them your saved locations in Google Maps.

Can I add my own markers to the map?

While you can’t edit the Maui Travel Map directly, you can save specific locations to your own Google Maps list (see steps above).

What if I lose the map link?

No worries! Check the order confirmation email sent to your inbox after purchase or contact me for assistance.

What if there’s an error or outdated information on the map?

I do my best to keep the map updated, but Maui is constantly changing. If you spot an error, please let me know so I can make corrections.

How do I get help with using Google Maps?

If you have any questions or need assistance with using Google Maps, such as managing markers, finding directions, or navigating the app, you can find detailed instructions and support in the Google Maps Help Center.

7. Pro Tips for Using the Maui Travel Map

• Bookmark the Map: Save the link in your preferred browser or bookmarking app for quick access.
• Sync Across Devices: Open the map on your computer first, then access it on your phone for on-the-go use.
• Check Business Hours: Many attractions and businesses have seasonal hours, so confirm them before visiting.
• Stay Flexible: Maui is full of surprises, so leave room in your plans for impromptu stops or detours.

You’re now equipped to get the most out of your Maui Travel Map. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out. Mahalo, and I hope you have a wonderful trip!