Maui mesmerizes visitors with its magnificent waterfalls, dense rainforests, and coastline. However, a trip here is never complete without a hike. Maui hiking trails give you a true taste of the island and make way for an exciting experience. Every hike offers something unique, be it picturesque waterfalls, otherwordly craters, magical forests, or unusual plants and trees. If you are planning a trip here with your family, the following Maui hiking trails will make your vacation worth it.
Best Maui Hiking Trails
1. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail
One of the most popular Maui hiking trails is the Waihe’e Ridge trail. This scenic trail makes you climb the summit of Lanilili Peak in the West Maui Mountains. If you want to see the hidden beauty of Maui, the four-mile round trip will be ideal.
From the ridgeline view of the Waiheʻe Gorge, yellow and red Ohia, lush rainforests, to open pastures, the hike treats you with every step. The trail is maintained well but can feel a bit slippery at times. It is a moderate to strenuous hike that can be enjoyed with as many breaks as you’d like. Tourists can take their dogs on a leash or leave them near the parking lot.
- Distance – 5 miles
- Average time – 3 hours
- Difficulty level – Moderate
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2. Iao Valley State Park
Iao Valley State Park is known as a paradise for hikers. The 10-mile-long park has various trails, which hikers of all fitness levels can enjoy. If you want to casually hike in shaded areas and spend quality time with your loved ones, the short and scenic Iao Needle Lookout Trail will be perfect. If you’re up for a challenge, go for Waihe’e Ridge Trail.
This park is culturally significant and has designated trails for hiking. It is the site of the famous Iao Needle, where the battle of Kepaniwai happened in 1790, and King Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army. As tourists, being mindful of the heritage of Hawaiians is crucial here. You need to make reservations before visiting this park.
- Distance of Iao Needle Lookout Trail – 0.49 miles
- Average time – 17 minutes
- Difficulty level – Easy
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3. Hoapili Trail
One of the best South Maui hiking trails is Hoapili Trail. It goes along the historic trails amid a series of aʻa lava or black volcanic rocks that are an outcome of the last eruption in 1790. A distinguishing feature of this hiking trail is the environment where you find yourself in. It feels like you are traveling back in time. The volcanic landscapes and the ocean combine rugged beauty with the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
This popular trail goes back to the period of King Piʻilani, over 500 years ago. Earlier, it was known as Alaloa Kihapiilani and stretched around 138 miles. It connected Maui’s twelvmoku (districts). The trail was a major artery for trade and defense. Today, it’s a famous place for those who love exploring ancient history amid breathtaking nature views.
- Distance – 4 miles
- Average time – 4 hours
- Difficulty level – Easy to moderate
4. Kapalua Coastal Trail
Running along the coast and close to West Maui’s luxury resorts, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is ideal for hikers with varied interests. You will get non-stop views of the rugged coastline and glittering white sand beaches.
The trail begins at Kapalua Beach, known for its waters where you can swim and snorkel. Then comes the sandy and uncrowded Oneloa Beach, where you might catch a sight of green sea turtles and eels. The Honokahua Bay, which comes next, is home to D.T. Fleming Beach Park.
After completing the entire trail, you’ll be left with some great memories of beautiful ocean views, greenery, dramatic coastline, and lava rocks.
- Distance – 3.5 miles
- Average time – 2 hour
- Difficulty level – Easy
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5. Kahakapao Loop
If you’re dreaming of hiking without feeling the sun burning down on your cheeks, the Kahakapao Loop will be perfect. This upcountry hike under the canopy of lush eucalyptus trees is easy and family-friendly. It travels through the Makawao Forest Reserve on the slopes of Haleakalā and is located at an elevation of 2800ft.
Besides hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, and equestrians all regularly visit this trail. The muddy trail has various mountain biking parks. No matter the direction you take, be assured that you’ll find your way to the peak and then descend back. Don’t fear getting lost, as the trail is quite well-maintained and punctuated with clear signages.
- Distance – 6.6 miles
- Average time – 2 hours
- Difficulty level – Moderate
6. Mahana Ridge Trail
Mahana Ridge Trail is a potentially strenuous hiking place, but one that leaves you with plenty of memories. Beginning at D.T. Fleming Beach and Park, the hike starts with a slow-paced, uphill walk where you’re greeted by the West Maui coastline.
Cover a few miles, and you’ll find yourself amid huge Cooke and Sugi Pines. You are free to rest and descend back at this point. But if you want to explore more foliage and biomes, travel further to Maunalei Arboretum, which is the ultimate spot.
This trail is filled with the most varied foliage because of the former owner of this land, Mr. Fleming. He planted many native and non-native trees and shrubs. This is what contributes to the charm of this trail. You will see an endless variety of vegetation as you progress your hike. However, keep in mind that after completing the hike, you’ll be famished.
- Distance – 10 miles
- Average time – 4 to 6 hours
- Difficulty level – Difficult
7. Keoneheʻeheʻe or Sliding Sands Trail
If you are searching for awe-inducing Maui hiking trails, the Sliding Sands trail will be the best choice. Although challenging, it’s a regular hiking place for campers and backpackers, their sole ambition being to access the lunar-like Haleakalā crater.
This trail descends 2,800 ft. in the first four miles to the crater floor. The 30,000-year-old crater sets the stage for stage for a range of beautiful landscapes and skyline views. The long trail presents you with a myriad of views, from barren surroundings to a few plants and then multicolored cinder cones. In the crater, you’ll pass through cinder cones, a trail to the pit of the volcano, and the Kapalaoa and Paliku camping cabins, where you can stay overnight.
The weather is windy and cold, so ensure to wear warm clothes. Also, bring plenty of food and water as this is a challenging and long hike. Also, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
- Distance – 13 miles
- Average time – 2 days
- Difficulty level – Difficult
8. Boundary Trail
Lovers of high-elevation hiking will surely love the Boundary Trail. Its name indicates that the trail traces the lower boundary of the Kula Forest Reserve, which itself means ‘wide open meadow.’ It winds through pastures, forests, and streams and gives you gorgeous views of Kula and central Maui.
It descends through switchbacks to the lower boundary and then goes south to the ranger’s cabin at the point where the Redwood Trail and the Plum Trail meet. The trail is nearly 6,000 ft. above sea level, so the climate is cool. Freezing temperatures and deep fog are common here.
You will encounter a steady incline on returning to the parking area. Make sure to wear strong boots and carry water. Also, since hunters use the Kula Forest Reserve, keep yourself on the trail and wear bright clothes. You can bring dogs, but they should be leashed.
- Distance – 8.2 miles
- Average time – 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty level – Moderate
9. Hana Lava Tube
The Hana Lava Tube, or the Ka’eleku Cave, is the largest lava tube cave on the road leading to Hana in Maui. If you are a fan of exploring deep caves, this short hike will be worth it.
The Hana Lava Tube is an underground tube and a part of a private tourist site. It was formed 1,000 years ago when molten lava erupted and flowed toward the ocean. As the lava flowed down, its top portion hardened and formed a crust. Two years after all the lava drained out, a huge tunnel was formed. Back in time, it also functioned as a slaughterhouse.
Once here, you can opt for a self-guided short hike between 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Hiking is permitted not beyond 1/3 of a mile into the tube. During this short period, lava formations, insects, and historical remains will be enough to leave you mesmerized.
- Distance – 0.6 miles
- Average time – 1 hour
- Difficulty level – Easy
10. Twin Falls Trail
If a short hike that presents you with the sight of a cute waterfall appeals to you, visit Twin Falls Trail. It is an easily accessible hiking point on the road to Hana that doesn’t take much time.
As you hike your way up, you’ll enjoy every bit of Hawaiian nature characterized by lush greenery. The trail itself is mostly a gravel road, so the hike doesn’t feel exhausting. The two main waterfalls are quite further down the trail, so you’ll need to walk a bit down on the gravel road.
It’s best to visit Twin Falls early in the morning as it becomes very crowded when the day progresses. The family-friendly hike will keep your children busy exploring nature. If you feel hungry, grab a smoothie or banana bread from the on-site food truck.
- Distance – 1.8 miles
- Average time – 53 minutes
- Difficulty level – Easy
read also: Best Resorts in Maui
11. Pipiwai Trail
One of the best hikes in Maui with waterfalls is the Pipiwai Trail, located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. The four-mile trail is located east of Maui and leads to the scenic Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls. While hiking, you wind through bamboo forests and freshwater pools.
The trail is well-maintained, wide, and labeled with signage. As you climb, surrounded by evergreen flowering plants, you’ll feel like you’re part of an enchanting fairytale.
You’ll find ample space for parking here. However, since the trail is in a national park, you need an entry fee or a pass to access it.
- Distance – 4 miles
- Average time – 2 to 5 hours
- Difficulty level – Moderate
12. Makamakaole Stream Trail
Do you want to enjoy an adventurous jungle hike with your grown-up kids? The Makamakaole Stream Trail is where you should go in Maui. This out-and-back trail near Wailuku is open for families all year round. It is also near Waihe’e Ridge Trail, so if you want a challenging hike, you can do it afterward.
The Makamakaole Stream Trail takes you through the rainforests of Maui past the Makamaka’ole stream. You will cross the stream as many as 13 times but still cover only two miles!
The trail is rocky and uneven. So, come prepared with good hiking shoes. At the end of it, you can cool off with your family at the beautiful swimming hole of the Makamakaole Falls.
- Distance – 2 miles
- Average time – 15 minutes
- Difficulty level – Moderate
Conclusion
Hiking adventures abound in Maui. No matter what your skill level is, you’ll find a suitable trail. However, be mindful of the environment and follow the rules, if any, for your chosen trail. Rest assured, you’ll have a memorable time with your loved ones on any trail you visit.
