Top 10 Hikes in Maui

Within this 10-mile long, 4,000 acre park, guests, families and fellow hikers can explore lush scenery and native Hawaiian flora and fauna by way of a paved pathway. The park is known as a spiritual rainforest full of mellow hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, and BBQ and picnic areas.

‘Iao Valley State Park gates are open from 7am-7pm, with a $1 donation entrance fee per person, and $5 for parking. For the best view of the ‘Iao Needle, arrive early morning before the clouds start settling in the mountain valley. This is a perfect place on Maui to visit with kids!

Just past the Kapalaoa Cabin, the trail mellows out into flat grassy areas as the topography naturally changes due to decreasing elevation. Sliding Sands continues another 4 miles to the Paliku Cabin, where hikers can then access the Kaupo Gap and hike all the way down to 300 feet above sea level.

Then, hikers can walk a bit further to the Kaupo Store and treat themselves to an icy cold beer. Sliding Sands is not suggested for small children or amateur hikers but is excellent for those up for one of the best adventures on Maui. This is undoubtedly one that you and your friends will never forget!

Fees are associated at the Haleakala Visitors Center pending all activities.

You will find the trailhead near mile marker 42 off Highway 31. The hike begins across the road from the Haleakala Ranger Station and is free of charge. However, there are fees for parking and/or camping at the Oheo Gulch Haleakala National Park. The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile (round trip) hike that takes approximately 4 hours to complete. However, keep in mind that you can easily spend more time lingering and exploring this area. There is plenty to see!

This hike does not fail to deliver. It is everything one could dream of experiencing on a tropical island exploration. With each turn on this hike, you are blessed with a new and fantastic view. Key points include giant bamboo forests, tranquil stream, an enormous banyan tree and several spectacular waterfalls, including Makahiku Falls and of course the 400 ft. Waimoku Falls. This is the perfect hike for those looking for a waterfall adventure on Maui. As with all stream and waterfall hikes, hikers should remember to proceed with caution when hiking through muddy pathways and when crossing over water on slippery stones and rocks covered with moss. Proper footwear is a must, and this hike is not appropriate for small children.

The large and jagged lava formations here are from the most recent eruption of Mount Haleakala, in the 1790s. The road becomes very narrow towards the end. You will know that you have reached your destination when you see the horse corral and a stone monument. The parking lot is located just past there.

The Hoapili Trail will take you over jagged lava fields that are not ideal for small children. You will need real shoes on this hike, as loose lava can make the walk challenging. Sneakers or walking shoes will do, not flip-flops. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water. It can get hot on the trail, and there is not any drinkable water along the way.

The trail starts near the water’s edge and is easy to find. You will pass some ancient Hawaiian structures and ruins along the way, which are historically significant and should not be disturbed. It is essential to remember to always stay on the marked trail and never to move any of the rocks at this site. At the end of the trail, you will find a beautiful and pristine bay with crystal clear waters. This is a great place for experienced and advanced snorkelers to explore. You can also see some dramatic olivine pools and visit the La Perouse Bay lighthouse.

All pathways are just dirt and gravel, so it is highly suggested to bring good walking shoes. The main pathway splits into both left and right fork, offering visitors options for which way to explore. Ho’olawa Li’iii’i (the left fork), is the footpath that leads to the most popular waterfall at Twin Falls. Via the left fork, you will come to an old rock masonry irrigation ditch. Just continue to walk over the cement blocks or through the stream, and you will finally come to the picturesque “Caveman Swimming Hole and Falls.” Ho’olawa Nui (the right fork), is also accessed off the main pathway, and leads hikers through 2 hand-dug irrigation ditches, and finally to another set of waterfalls great for swimming and photo ops.

When venturing to Twin Falls on Maui, make sure to bring good walking shoes, bathing suits and towels, and bug spray for hikers prone to mosquito bites. Always exercise caution when jumping off rocks, and watch your step for tree roots sticking out of the walkways!

There are no fees for entering or parking at Twin Falls.

Once visitors reach Lanilili Peak, there is a bench where you can view a massive waterfall in the distance, and overlook Waihee Valley, the blue Pacific Ocean, and a glimpse of the outer island of Lana’i depending on the weather. It is a sparsely populated area on Maui and a great option if you are thinking about venturing on a longer hike and want to test your hiking stamina.

There are no fees for entering or parking at the Waihee Ridge Trail.

Nakalele Point is approximately 8 miles north of Kapalua. There are several trails to explore. Although, they all lead you to the blowhole, the trail that starts at mile marker 38.5 is the trail that leads you to view the popular heart-shaped hole in a lava rock formation, ‘Sweetheart Rock.’ This is also the safest route down. The hike down to the blowhole can be awkward making it unsafe for small children. Make sure that you are wearing the proper walking shoes (no flip-flops) and to stay off of the wet rocks, as they can be very slippery.

When you reach the bottom of the rocky trail, you will find the blowhole off to your right. If you turn around and look behind you with the blowhole directly to your back, you will see the legendary heart-shaped hole that has been formed in the rocks. The heart opening is a perfect window to a coastal view and makes for a perfect photo opt.

Plan and get an early start for exploring the Hosmer Grove Trails. Bring water, lunch and snacks, comfortable shoes, and wear layered clothing because the temperature at this elevation can sometimes change quickly. This is an excellent hike for those that are okay with spending an entire day hiking.

There are no fees for entering or parking at Hosmer Grove.

Upon entering this hiking trail on Maui, visitors are guided through a complete loop that follows through an upper section to a ridge, then to a lookout point that towers above Maui’s North Shore coastline. The lookout is marked by a park bench, and for the avid hikers, the lower trail continues from the ridge down switchbacks to the Waihou Spring, a rock grotto, and mystical cave setting. The Waihou Spring Trail Loop is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. This hike is great for those with children, with the exception of the lower trail to the Waihou Spring, where hikers are advised to exercise extreme caution.

There are no fees for entering or parking at the Waihou Spring Trail Loop.

The Halemauu Trail travels 4 miles further through the crater floor, finally reaching the Holua Cabin at 7,000 feet. Hikers can then choose to continue across the crater floor for another 6 miles to the Paliku Cabin. Camping in Haleakala is an amazing life experience for all who bare witness to its magic! The best way is to go in style and plan by booking cabins. By doing this, avid hikers can make the most of their experience in the crater by resting up every evening for the next day and long stretch of Haleakala’s Crater.

Fees are associated with the Haleakala Visitors Center pending all activities.

Being a historical heritage site their mission is to put this magical location into perpetual conservation & cultural preservation, and you get to help create the legacy as your visit is a donation that directly supports the charity that oversees the gardens! A place where you get to have fun while doing good! They also feature forest farm education and believe in providing inspiring experiences that promote awareness and a deeper connection to Maui’s ‘aina (land) and our planet.

All of this takes place within the secret micro-valley of royal gardens of the King, a super unique tour to participate in while en route towards Hana. For those who have limited time, they are only 30 minutes from the airport and the crew ship harbor making it a must do for visitors who only have a few days or hours to enjoy Maui — nicknamed “A Taste of Hana without the Long Drive” just for that reason.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by an expert local guide that will share with you the fascinating stories, legends & myths about this sacred historical Royal heritage location. The guides are some of the best in Hawaii and will bring to life the secrets of the gardens, its habitats, nature, relics and about their vision of conservation, preservation & restoration.

Guests will get to stroll and hike into lush wild tropical estate gardens and feel fully enthralled within this magical Maui jungle. There’s a private waterfall, natural swimming pool, rainforest, caves, and more.