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The best hikes in Maui

Whether you’re an avid hiker or a newbie, this list of the best hikes in Maui will have something for you. From simple waterfall hikes to epic ridge trails, Maui hiking offers something for everyone.

Before you start planning your Maui hiking adventures, here are some common-sense precautions for hiking in Maui.

Maui hiking precautions

• Never trespass on private property
• Be mindful of sacred areas
• Never hike alone
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Let someone know where you are going
• Hike during daylight hours
• Never jump/drive into unfamiliar water
• Be mindful that some parts of the island do not have cell phone coverage
• You can call The National Weather Service at 1-866-944-5025 to find out about current weather conditions before you hike. 

Do I need a rental car in Maui?

The 15 best hikes in Maui

Here are the 15 of the best hikes in Maui. Please be advised that availability, fees, and weather conditions can change at any time. Don’t forget to check out The 40 best places to eat in Maui. All the hiking will make you hungry!

Maui Hiking Must-Haves 

Iao Valley State Park

You’ll find Iao Valley State Park on any “best hikes in Maui” list because it truly was one of the best! 

Home to the famous ‘Iao Needle (a Maui must-see. This site is where the Battle of Kepaniwai took place. In this battle, King Kamehameha conquered Maui’s warriors in an effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

However, this site has been closed to hiking for several years. While the 1.8-mile hike is closed you can still visit the pavilions and restrooms.

Location: Central Maui,

Length of hike: 1.8 miles, currently closed. Please do not trespass!

Entry Fee: $1 for walk-ins, $5 per car.

Fun Fact: Mark Twain called this National Natural Landmark the “Yosemite of the Pacific.”

Twin Falls

This Maui hike is great for beginners as it’s very accessible. Twin Falls is located about 20 miles from Paia on the Road to Hana. It’s a very popular spot, so make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds.

Don’t forget to check out the ultimate guide to the Road to Hana.

Twin Falls Farm Stand (operated by Waiele Farms) provides guests a chance to purchase sugar cane juice, smoothies, smoothies, and fresh fruit. 

Even if you don’t plan to drive to Road to Hana, Twin Falls is only about 20-miles from Paia and well worth the visit. This easy hike takes visitors through the jungle. It’s a great first-stop for a Road to Hana day trip. 

Location: North Shore, on the Road to Hana

Length of Hike: 1.5 miles

Entry Fee: None. Donations accepted.

Fun Fact: Twin Falls is a popular spot for cliff-jumping.

Make sure to check out The 15 best resorts in Maui for families if you haven’t booked accommodations yet!

Sliding Sands Trail

Sliding Sands Trail sounds like a Mario level and is located at 10,000 feet on the summit of Haleakala Crater.

Located in Haleakala National Park, Slidings Sands Trail is about 11 miles and is highly trafficked. Due to the altitude and length of the trail, it should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

Location: Haleakala National Park

Length of Hike: 11 miles

Entry Fee: $35 for vehicles, $25 for motorcycles. For those biking or walking in, it is $15/per person. 

Fun Fact: The Silversword Plant can only be found on Haleakala in Maui and Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island. 

If you like this post, you might also enjoy 50 things to do in Maui.

Halemauu Trail

Halemau’u Trail is a steep and narrow trail descending into Haleakala Crater. Like many of the other Maui hikes on this list, this is an “out and back” trail.

With an elevation gain of 2,375 ft, this trail is sure to be easier on the way in than one the way out!

Location: Haleakala National Park

Length of Hike: 7.6 miles

Entry Fee: $35 for vehicles, $25 for motorcycles. For those biking or walking in it is $15/person. 

Fun Fact: Halemau’u means house of the ʻāmaʻu fern.

Looking for even more ways to enjoy Haleakala? Why not hike down Haleakala or take a Haleakala sunrise tour?

Waihou Spring Trail

The Waiphou Spring Trail is a popular moderate hike near Makawao. This loop trail is popular for hikers with dogs, but they must be kept on a leash. 

Waihou Spring is at the end of the trail. However, sometimes the spring is dry so be mindful of that. 

Location: Near Makawao

Length of Hike: 1.8 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The Waihou Spring Trail is part of the Na Ala Hele state trail system

Hosmer Grove and Supply Trail

Hosmer Grove Campground is the only campground in the summit area of Haleakala National Park. This short hike is great for everyone and features beautiful wildflowers and a view of Haleakala Crater.

Location: Haleakala National Park

Length of Hike: .5 mile loop

Entry Fee: $35 for vehicles, $25 for motorcycles. For those biking or walking in it is $15/person. 

Fun Fact: This hike is approximately 6700 above sea level.

Waihee Ridge Trail

Although Waihee Trail is straightforward and well-marked, Waihee Ridge Trail is a moderately difficult hike and should not be attempted by beginners.

This trail is steep, muddy, and difficult. You’ll be rewarded with some of the best scenery in Maui from rare birds to green valleys to Makamakaole Falls. You can also see all of Kahului and views of the island of Molokai.

View from the Waihee Ridge Trail in the West Maui Mountains.

Location: West Maui Mountains

Length of Hike: 4 miles out and back

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Bird watchers may be lucky enough to spot apapane, Hawaii amakihi, and even iiwi.

Mahana Ridge Trail

This trail starts at D.T. Fleming Beach and goes along the ridge to the Maunalei Arboretum. This is a difficult trail and although it is highly trafficked, some parts can be overgrown. 

This trail will take several hours so plan accordingly. 

Location: Near Lahaina

Length of Hike: 10+ miles out and back

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Mahana Ridge Trail offers stunning views of Lanai

Kahakapao Loop Trail

Khakapao Loop Trail makes the list of the best hikes in Maui thanks to its relative incline and beautiful scenery

Location: Near Makawao

Length of Hike: 5.4-mile loop

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: It’s best to hike the loop clockwise.

La Perouse (Hoapili Trail)

If you drive as far south as you can possibly go, you’ll find La Perouse. This archeological site is sacred to Native Hawaiians, so please be respectful.

This trail is far less trafficked than most on the list. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plan to go early in the day or later in the day. This is the sunny part of the island! 

Location: South of Wailea

Length of Hike: 5.5 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Hoapili Trail is part of Kings Highway. King’s Highway was the first footpath to circumnavigate the entire island. Due to modern roadways, this area is never seen by most visitors. 

Pipiwai Trail-Oheo Gulch

Pipiwai Trail passes through diverse scenery and ends at the stunning Waimoku Falls. The trail is safe and well maintained, however, it is a very popular hike and will likely be busy.

There is a side path but the National Park Service has blocked this path. Do not trespass!

Location: Oheo Gulch, The Pools of Oheo (southwest of Hana) 

Length of Hike: 4 miles (round trip)

Entry Fee: $15

Fun Fact: Although it’s sometimes called Seven Sacred Pools, there are more than 7!

Nakalele Blowhole

. This hike to Nakelele Blowhole is short but rugged, so make sure to wear good shoes. It’s also important to remember that the blowhole is dangerous. Accidents happen often, do not go too close to the blowhole. 

Location: The North side of West Maui between mile markers 38 and 39. 

Length of Hike: 1-mile roundtrip 

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This was formerly the location of Sweetheart Rock. I am asked about Sweetheart Rock all the time, and it sadly no longer exists.

Wai‘anapanapa State Park

To finish the list of the best hikes in Hawaii, we will end at Waianapanapa State Park. 

As of April 2021, all non-residents of Hawaii are required to have both entrance and parking reservations. You can make reservations through the Hawaii Division of State Parks. 

There are five trails in Waianapana State Park. 

• Sea Caves and Black Sand Beach Trail
• Waianapanapa Coast Trail North
• Waianapanapa Coast Trail South
• Black Sand Beach and Blowhole
• Waianapanapa Caves Loop

For this list of the best Maui hikes, we will be focusing on two of these hikes.

Sea Caves and Black Sand Beach Trail

This hike is a moderate .6 mile hike taking you to the popular sea caves and the best black sand beach in Maui. 

Waianapanapa Coast Trail North

This hike takes you on part of Kings Highway from Pailoa Bay to Papaulua Point. This 2-mile hike is considered moderate and crosses the black sand beach. 

Location: Wai‘anapanapa State Park, on the Hana Highway

Length of Hike: Varies (see above)

Entry Fee: $5/person park entry. $25+ per vehicle

Fun Fact: Wai’anapanapaa is the most popular black sand beach in Maui, but did you know there are several others? Make sure to check out my post find more black sand beaches in Maui.

The best hikes in Maui 

There you have it, 15 of the best hikes in Maui. Did your favorite Maui hike make the list? There are so many more, so let me know in the comments if you have a favorite that I missed. Don’t forget to check out The 10 best places to snorkel in Maui to combine some hiking and snorkeling!

If you enjoy hiking, make sure to check out the best hikes in Kauai post too. 

Looking for more things to do in Maui? 

• The 7 Best Things to do in Maui
• What is the best luau on Maui?
• The 10 best honeymoon hotels in Maui
• 7-day Maui Itinerary

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am only taking on a select amount of clients her month. Please contact me to check availability.

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