Maui is an island paradise, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty is to go on a hike. With its lush rainforests and stunning coastline, there are a lot of amazing hikes in Maui to choose from.
Whether you are looking for a challenging climb to the summit of Haleakala or an easy stroll through the lush tropical rainforest, Maui has something to offer everyone. With so many amazing hikes to choose from, you are sure to find something that will make your trip to Maui unforgettable.
In this post, we’ll go over the top 10 hiking trails on Maui, inspiring you to pack a pair of hiking shoes as you won’t want to miss these experiences. Add these to your Maui itinerary!
Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Maui. The trail is located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park on East Maui. Getting to the trailhead is half the adventure as you have to drive the infamous road to Hana.
The 4 mile out and back trail takes you past some of the best scenery the island has to offer. The hike takes you though lush rainforest, past distant waterfalls, through a magical bamboo forest and finally ends at the 400 foot Waimoku Falls.
Sliding Sands Trail
The Sliding Sands Trail is a unique Maui hiking trail inside Haleakala Crater. This strenuous hike is 5 miles long and takes you down to the crater floor. The hike starts at the summit of Haleakala (the volcano on Maui) inside the summit district of Haleakala National Park.
The out and back trail takes you down into the crater offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of natural and out of this world beauty, including red cinder cones and the Silversword plant.
These plants can only be found on Haleakala and on Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island. The Silversword plants are worth the hike in itself as they can live up to 50 years but only bloom once in its life and then it dies.
The trail is well marked and often is combined with hiking the Halemauu Trail which takes you across the crater floor and finally out of the crater up a series of switchbacks. This makes for a far more challenging hike, that will take a full day to hike.
Halemauu Trail
The Halemauu Trail is another hike on Maui located inside the summit district of Haleakala National Park. The 8 mile hike starts at about 8,000 feet which takes you down into Haleakala crater via a series of switchbacks.
The trail winds through lush forests and down steep switchbacks, offering challenging terrain for the experienced hiker and plenty of breathtaking overlooks for the casual explorer. Along the way, you’ll pass through various ecosystems, from dense forest to dry, rocky terrain. You may even spot some of the native wildlife like the Nene Goose.
Starting this hike earlier is better as a thick layer of clouds tend to form at this area and sit at that altitude which will eliminate the views and who wants to hike the trail if you can’t witness the panoramic views of the crater below you.
Waihee Ridge Hike
The Waihee Ridge hike is one of Maui’s most popular hikes and one of the last stops on the West Maui Loop. Located on the North side of West Maui, this moderate hike takes you along and up the Waihee ridge.
The ridge hike is around 4 miles out and back with an elevation climb of 1500 feet. Highlights include waterfalls in the distance, stunning coastal views and on a clear day you can see the neighboring island of Molokai.
Tips for hiking the Waihee ridge:
- Flash floods do occur so it is pertinent to check the weather before you hike.
- Start early to avoid crowds and fog as the clouds roll in by noon which mess with the views.
- If it has rained recently it can potential be very muddy.
- Wear proper hiking shoes.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easier hike on West Maui suitable for the whole family. The scenic path meanders along a 2.5 mile stretch of coastline offering epic views.
This is a great hike on Maui if you don’t want to do anything too strenuous and love wildlife as you’ll probably spot sea turtles and humpback whales as you stroll the path if you happen to be on island during whale season.
The trail is relatively easy to traverse and the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The trail starts on a man made boardwalk above Ironwoods Beach and eventually turns into a path weaving through lava rock. The hike takes you pass several scenic overlooks, where you can stop and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the islands of Lanai and Molokai.
Mahana Ridge
Another hike located on West Maui is the Mahana Ridge Trail. This trail can be found on the West Maui Mountains and takes you up along the Mahana Ridge.
The trail is just over 5 miles long but in reality you will have to hike down the way you came up so this makes the hike 10.5 miles long in total. Plan on a long day if you plan on hiking the Mahana Ridge to completion.
This Maui hike is rated as moderate difficulty with a gradual incline. Along the way you’ll be greeted with occasional coastal views, fruit trees, lush green vegetation and a peaceful forest.
Lahaina Pali Trail
One of the most difficult hikes in Maui is the Lahaina Pali Trail. This West Maui hike takes you up a rocky trail to the windmills of West Maui. This is also one of Maui’s most popular hikes due to its location as the trailhead is located directly off the side of the road on the Pali half way between Lahaina town and the Kahului Airport.
If hiking to completion, the Lahaina Pali Trail is 10 miles from point A to point B. For an easier trek, many people hike up to the windmills then turn around and hike back to the starting point which results in a 4 mile hike.
This hiking trail on Maui provides panoramic coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, Kaho’olawe and Molokini Crater. Water and sunscreen is a must as the trail doesn’t provide much shade. Start early to avoid the intense heat.
Want to explore Lahaina town? Check out these best things to do in Lahaina.
Waianapanapa Coastal Trail
One of the most scenic hikes on Maui is the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail. This epic trails follows the rugged coastline on East Maui. The trail can be accessed inside Waianapanapa State Park. You must make reservations before hand to enter the park which you can do so here.
The trail is quite easy as most take it down to Waianapanapa’s famed black sand beach. Continuing past Pailoa Beach along a rocky coastline, you will pass by several smaller black pebble beaches offering stunning ocean views.
Hikers that are up for a challenge can head east and hike along an empty, rugged coastline atop tall sea cliffs all the way to the town of Hana. If you choose this route, be prepared to hitch hike back to your vehicle or hike back the way you came.
Hoapili Coastal Trail
The Hoapili Coastal Trail also known as the Kings Highway is another coastal trail on Maui. Located on Maui’s southern coast, this hike takes you along a lava rock trail passing by small hidden coves and secluded beaches. There’s even wild goats that roam the area so be prepared for cuteness overload.
The trail is relatively easy with mostly flat terrain. Most people don’t hike the trail in entirely as it is used more as a leisurely stroll along a barren landscape. I mean it’s not everyday that you get to hike through a lava field in Hawaii.
Ohai Trail
The last hike to make the best hikes on Maui list is the Ohai Trail. This family friendly, easy 1 mile hike provides views of the coast. The route has little to no elevation gain and is named after the Ohai plant, one of the numerous species you’ll encounter along the way.
As you explore West Maui, this is a nice area to pause and stretch your legs. On the path are a few benches where you may sit and take in the view of the ocean. During whale season, keep an eye out for spouts. Binoculars are always a good idea to bring.
I hope you are inspirited to go on a hike in Maui when you are exploring the Valley Isle. From easy coastal walks to challenging high elevation excursions. Maui is the perfect place to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Author Bio
Jess is a bikini wearing, coffee loving, sunset watching, temple chasing explorer. When she’s not galavanting around the world you can find her on Maui, working on her blog and building the life of her dreams.
