Best places to
hike on Maui
After reading our Top 10 Hikes in Maui, you’ll feel confident knowing that you have the most thorough information available about Maui’s best hikes. Don’t let any of your vacation go to waste—maximize on your valuable time in paradise! We’ve done the research and we’ve got the facts so enjoy our local expert knowledge provided below, where you will learn all of the awesome details about each hike. Find out how long specific hikes are, learn if certain trails are appropriate for children, and find out exactly where they are located.
Maui Hiking Safety
When adventuring through Maui’s gorgeous terrain, it’s important to always keep safety in mind. From mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean), there are so many gorgeous sights to see and explore. Although most visitors’ first thoughts about safety in Maui might have to do with the ocean, being conscious to the elements is also important when exploring Maui hiking trails and forests.
Maui Hiking Tips:
- Never hike alone
- Heed all warning signage, and stay on the trails
- Do not trespass on private property
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and bring sunscreen, mosquito repellant, ponchos, jackets, and sturdy shoes
- Bring an adequate amount of food and water for the duration of your hike
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle
- Start hikes early
- Hike during daylight hours, and make sure you have time to return to your vehicle before the sunset hour
- Bring a fully-charged cellphone on your hike, and if possible, turn on your GPS
- Be aware that some remote areas will not have cell phone coverage
- Never dive or jump into ponds because of submerged rocks and edges
- Call the National Weather Service at 1-866-944-5025 to check weather before you head out
- Call the Maui County Automated Information line at 808-986-1200 ext. 1 for Maui Emergency Management Agency emergency notifications like flash flood warnings and advisories
- Wear brightly colored clothing so that rescue crews can easily spot you in case of emergency
For more Maui hiking safety information, please refer to the County of Maui website.
‘Iao Valley State Park Central Maui, 1/2-1.8 miles
‘Iao Valley State Park always provides a beautiful day trip activity in Maui. This historic State Park is home to the infamous ‘Iao Needle, and the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai of 1790. This is where King Kamehameha I conquered Maui’s warriors in pursuit of uniting all of the Hawaiian Islands.
Haleakala - Sliding Sands Trail Haleakala Crater, 10 miles
Haleakala’s Sliding Sands Trail is located within Haleakala National Park. This is the summit of the Haleakala Crater. At 10,023 feet, near the Haleakala Visitors Center, this trail stretches for 6 miles through the south base of the Crater. It leads through loose cinder all the way to the Kapalaoa Cabin (at approximately 7,400 feet).
Pipiwai Trail-Oheo Gulch Oheo Gulch, 4 miles
The Pipiwai Trail is located just above the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo in Kipahulu’s Haleakala National Park. If you are driving the “Road to Hana,” you will not want to miss this beautiful adventure!
La Perouse Hoapili Trail, 5.5 Miles
Located south of Wailea (as far as you can drive on road) is La Perouse. It’s an oceanfront archeological site that remains sacred to Native Hawaiians. While driving to La Perouse, you’ll pass Makena’s Big and Little Beach, the Ahihi Kinau Reserve, and a long stretch of lava fields.
Twin Falls North Shore, 1/2-2 miles
Twin Falls is located a 20-minute drive east from the historic Paia Town on Maui’s North Shore. This Maui hiking site is easily found just off of Hana Highway. It’s marked by a big gravel parking lot, and an amazing Maui-style snack stand with ice cold coconuts, tropical fruit, smoothies, and fresh baked banana bread for purchase.
Waihee Ridge Trail Wailuku, 5 miles
For experienced hikers, the Waihee Ridge Trail is an incredible Maui day trip. Here, venturesome guests climb uphill for about 1,500 feet until they reach Lanilili Peak. As you must imagine, once you go up, you must also come back down!
Nakalele Blowhole 1 mile
Located on the most northern point of West Maui, Nakalele Point is visited by travelers and hikers from near and far. Visitors hike down a rugged cliff trail to observe Pacific Ocean views and one of Hawaii’s seven natural blowholes. The path leads to the ocean with fascinating rock formations and Hawaiian wildflowers. There are dramatic views of the blue Pacific Ocean and West Maui’s gorgeous coastline throughout this moderate hike.
Hosmer Grove & Supply Trails Upper Kula, 2-5.9 miles
Situated at 6,750 feet, the Hosmer Grove and Supply Trails offer some of the most fabulous hiking experiences and views in all of Maui.
Waihou Spring Trail Loop Olinda - Upcountry, 1-2.4 miles
The Waihou Spring Trail Loop is located in the Upcountry Olinda area, and is accessed by driving all the way up Piiholo Road.
Halemauu Trail Haleakala Crater, 10 miles
Haleakala’s Halemauu Trail starts on the west side of the crater summit, continues down switchbacks towards the crater floor, and finally leads to the east end of Haleakala Crater.
Kings Gardens on Maui
The Kings Gardens Waterfall Hike is a unique and enjoyable Maui activity. Due to the rare and sensitive nature of this sacred Hawaiian heritage site, only 24 people are allowed to visit each day.
Mahalo for reading
Pride of Maui’s Top
10 Hikes in Maui!
Maui offers an abundance of hiking adventures for all skill levels! We hope that this information is not only useful, but helps you determine which will be the best hike for your vacation in Maui.