Placing in your boots and finishing as many Maui hikes as potential is among the most fun methods to discover this wonderful Hawaiian vacation spot. The island of Maui is full of unimaginable mountain climbing alternatives. Trails that may go well with households, beginner hikers, and skilled trekkers.
The very best Maui hikes showcase the island in a means that simply isn’t potential from the automobile window or the consolation of a sunny seaside. Though, taking a street journey and having fun with the seashores of Maui is fairly wonderful too! For superior experiences apart from mountain climbing, try our article on the perfect distinctive adventures in Maui however for now, get able to take a hike across the island.
Greatest Hikes in Maui
Our record of the perfect Maui Hikes from north to south Maui will present vacationers with the island’s full mountain climbing expertise, from waterfalls to volcanic craters. Let’s get began!
Take a look at these three nice Maui lodges:
Pipiwai Path
To start your mountain climbing adventures on the island, tick off a comparatively straightforward hike in East Maui, one that provides nothing however unimaginable surroundings. The Pipiwai Path, like most of the finest hikes in Maui, begins with an ascent. Nonetheless, on this path, you’ll shortly be amongst vibrant mango and guava timber rising within the dense bamboo forest.
On the half-mile level, you’ll attain the primary waterfall on the hike. Makahiku Falls seems by the timber as a skinny blanket of white falling from lots of of toes above. From an overlook on the path, it is possible for you to to observe in awe because the water joins the gorge beneath.
The Pipiwai Path then reenters the forests and continues to wind previous fruit timber earlier than guiding you by an unlimited banyan tree. After two miles on this quick east Maui day hike, you’ll attain the ultimate waterfall, Waimoku Falls. The falls cascade from 400ft, creating beautiful surroundings and a musical ambiance.
- Trailhead: Kipahulu Customer Middle close to mile marker 42
- Distance: 4 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation Achieve: 650ft
Kapalua Coastal Path
After a warmup on the attractive Pipiwai Path, head to West Maui for an incredible hike alongside the island’s rugged coast. On the Kapalua Coastal Path, not solely will you get pleasure from close-up views of the Pacific Ocean, however a number of facet trails are on supply so as to add size and selection to your day hike.
The principally flat path mixes paved, boardwalk, and volcanic rock paths however stays a reasonably informal trek. As you stroll across the shoreline, it is possible for you to to see the West Maui Mountains together with views in direction of a number of world-class resorts and trip houses.
Moreover all of the putting sights and the sounds of the crashing waves, additionally, you will have direct entry to Fleming Seaside and Kapalua Seaside, offering the proper place to chill off or get pleasure from a day picnic.
- Trailhead: Fleming Seaside or Kapalua Bay
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: 200ft
The Hana Freeway is among the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it will possibly get very busy quick. We suggest leaving early and driving on to the Swimming pools at O’he’o Gulch a part of Haleakala Nationwide Park which is about half-hour past Hana.
Sliding Sands Path (Haleakala Nationwide Park)
Relating to the perfect Maui hikes, it isn’t all coastal walks and chasing waterfalls. Hawaii is a world-class trekking vacation spot with mountain climbing trails that get the guts pumping. A Maui mountain climbing path that does simply that’s the Sliding Sands Path in any other case generally known as Keonehe?ehe?e.
Top-of-the-line Maui hikes will take you thru an enthralling world of historic lava rocks, stark vegetation that contrasts with the island’s deep rainforests, and views into the Haleakala Crater. Begin within the early morning to beat the crowds and the warmth. That is one hike the place you don’t wish to be caught with out water.
With minimal vegetation, the Sliding Sands trails present a way of peace normally reserved for deep within the wilderness. As you stroll as much as the primary viewpoint, solely the crunching of lava rock beneath your toes interrupts the nirvana.
For the adventurous soul who needs to finish an in a single day trek, the Sliding Sands Path is among the finest hikes in Maui.
After the perspective, which lets you witness the cinder cones on the backside of the Haleakala Crater, you’ll proceed into the Haleakala Nationwide Park in direction of the indelible Pele’s Paint level. On the finish of the path, you’ll be able to spend an evening within the cabins or campgrounds at Paliku, or flip round to finish an epic spherical journey on the Sliding Sands Path.
- Trailhead: Haleakala Customer Middle Parking Lot
- Distance: 22 miles
- Issue: Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 3000ft
If you wish to attempt one thing much more distinctive, what about biking down a volcano? It takes about 90 minutes continuous to go down with loads of stops alongside the way in which. Maui SunRiders affords Haleakala Bike Excursions.
Waihee Ridge Path
Top-of-the-line waterfall hikes in Maui is the Waihee Ridge Path. This reasonable trek rewards hikers with eye-popping views that make each drop of sweat greater than value it. From the summit’s lookout level, you’ll get pleasure from memorable views of Waihee Gorge, cascading waterfalls, and far-off Hawaiian islands.
The total path to Lanilili Peak covers 2.5 miles with regular elevation change. Assured to skilled hikers can full the journey to the highest with out too many difficulties. Nonetheless, it’s best to get an early begin because the clouds have a behavior of blocking the view come the afternoon.
Like all the perfect Maui hikes that head as much as the heavens, hikers nonetheless have to finish the trek again down into the valley. A lot of Maui’s mountain climbing trails can get muddy and have uncovered roots, so include strong mountain climbing footwear to get pleasure from a protected stroll again all the way down to the trailhead.
- Trailhead: Maluhia Rd
- Distance: 5 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation Achieve: 1700ft
Take your Maui hikes up a notch and do some canyoning. Nothing is extra thrilling than rappelling over a waterfall and plunging into the cool waters of the pool beneath. You don’t want expertise and you’ll be taught to rappel in a flash. Rapell Maui affords Canyon Excursions.
Hosmer Grove Loop Path
The Hosmer Grove Loop Path is among the finest Maui hikes to expertise the unimaginable variety discovered on the island. The path begins within the Haleakala Nationwide Park the place you too can discover Mount Haleakala and the volcanic cinder cones.
Nonetheless, this quick and pleasing path takes you away from the moon-like panorama, changing historic lava with vibrant vegetation of eucalyptus, pine, cedar, and spruce. It’s onerous to think about the barren world discovered only a fast stroll away. The quick 0.5-mile hike is the proper complement for many who have accomplished different hikes throughout the Haleakala Nationwide Park
- Trailhead: Hosmer Grove Trailhead
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: 175ft
Twin Falls
Discovered alongside the Hana Freeway, Twin Falls is a shorter hike to a duo of waterfalls. The Highway to Hana is known for offering attractive waterfalls for vacationers, however the ease of entry and the tasty fruit stands on the trailhead make Twin Falls one of the common hikes in Maui.
The path begins from a car parking zone the place you’ll be able to choose up some tropical fruits, scrumptious banana bread, coconuts, or perhaps a smoothie for the hike. The path to the waterfalls is beneath a mile however can get very muddy after rain. Regardless of the quick distance, we advise to not stroll in flip-flops.
After you have accomplished the waterfall hike, you’ll be able to go for a swim and even make your means beneath the cascading water. You may additionally discover locals and vacationers alike leaping from above.
- Trailhead: Mile Marker 2 on Hana Freeway
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: 348ft
Uncover extra in regards to the Highway to Hana right here.
Waikamoi Ridge Path
One of many extra family-friend Maui mountain climbing trails can be alongside the Highway to Hana. The trailhead will be more durable to seek out as a result of it’s positioned round a bend and doesn’t have any delectable fruit stands. Nonetheless, the Waikamoi Ridge Path is among the finest Maui hikes for nature-lovers, together with being an ideal hike for these with children in tow.
The beautiful but quick hike will information you thru bamboo forests with long-range views stemming from overlooks positioned alongside the trail. The loop by the forests will take round a half-hour to finish, main you again to the start the place you’ll be able to arrange store on a picnic desk for lunch.
- Trailhead: Mile Marker 9 on Hana Freeway
- Distance: 0.9 miles
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: 225ft
Hoapili Path (La Perouse Bay)
Full the most effective hikes in Maui whereas studying about Hawaiian tradition and historical past on the well-rounded Hoapili Path. The coastal path is among the few hikes in Maui that cuts by the latest lava movement skilled on the island.
The volcanic eruption throughout the Haleakala Nationwide Park straight affected the Hoapili Path in south Maui. However in addition to previous lave movement, you’ll move a sequence of essential archaeological websites which stay sacred to Hawaiians, together with previous stone partitions and foundations.
The Hoapili Path is an extended hike on Maui than many on this record. Nonetheless, most hikers select to stroll solely a bit of the path alongside La Perouse Bay earlier than returning to the trailhead.
- Trailhead: Hoapili Trailhead (Makena Highway)
- Distance: 10 miles
- Issue: Average/Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 150ft
Pali Path
To expertise among the finest mountain climbing in West Maui, journey into the mountains that overlook the city of Maalaea. You’ll be able to full this strenuous hike on Maui in a single five-mile trek or return to get pleasure from an extended and entertaining day on the path.
This Maui mountain climbing path guides you thru luscious meadows and excessive above the freeway that connects West Maui to Central Maui. The ridge path additionally affords imposing views of the West Maui Mountains as you move a sequence of wind generators.
If in case you have arrived between the months of December and March, carry some snacks, relax and stare out to the Pacific Ocean. The views alongside this hike on Maui present many alternatives to identify the migrating whale inhabitants.
- Trailhead: Pali Path Ukumehame Trailhead
- Distance: 10 miles
- Issue: Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 1604ft
Waihou Spring Path Loop
The Waihou Spring Path Loop begins in Upcountry Maui. Among the many Maui mountain climbing trails on this record, this one is arguably probably the most magical. The loop will information you thru beautiful native forests of Hawaiian Koe and Halapepe, with towering fields of Cypress and Eucalyptus.
The Waihou Spring Path is a favourite within the native mountain climbing neighborhood and it’s straightforward to see why. After wandering by the timber, you’ll ascend up onto a ridge the place you can be handsomely rewarded with views of the northern coast earlier than taking you by an attractive waterfall.
- Trailhead: Waihou Spring forest Reserve
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation Achieve: 850ft
Iao Valley State Park
The Iao Valley State Park is house to one of the iconic pure formations on Maui. Whereas this isn’t technically a hike in conventional phrases, the Iao Needle and the park’s beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit.
The Iao Needle is a pure rock formation that stands at 1200ft tall and from the highest, it’s 2250ft above sea degree. You’ll be able to stroll across the Needle mixing the sight of tropical vegetation with views of the height.
The park can be an essential a part of Hawaiian tradition, being the situation of one of the well-known battles in Hawaii’s historical past, the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790;
- Trailhead: Iao Needle State Monument
- Distance: 1 mile
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: Negligible
Nakalele Blowhole & Sweetheart Rock
A brief 8-mile drive from Kapalua Village will carry you to the northernmost level of West Maui. Nakelele Level is common amongst locals and vacationers alike who’re drawn to the dramatic blowhole that awaits them on the finish of the hike.
Make sure you carry sturdy mountain climbing boots because the trek goes all the way down to the rugged cliff and the following blowhole will be slippery. Nonetheless, the fixed views of the Pacific and the shoreline permit the trek to be the most effective Maui hikes you’ll full.
After you have made your means all the way down to the shoreline, you’ll discover the blowhole to your left. It may be unpredictable, with surging water reaching over 100ft in top. So make sure to witness the wonder from a protected distance.
The blowhole isn’t the one attraction on the path. Upon your return to the trailhead, a sequence of distributors promoting recent fruits, smoothies, and coconuts awaits. Swing by for a tasty deal with earlier than shifting on to the West Maui Forest Reserve or again to Kapalua.
- Trailhead: Mile Marker 38.5 Freeway 30
- Distance: 1.2 mile
- Issue: Average/Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 308ft
What’s the finest Maui mountain climbing path?
Add any of the 12 finest hikes in Maui listed above to your Maui mountain climbing itinerary and you should have an unforgettable journey. Selecting only one is an immensely laborious job.
Nonetheless, if we had to decide on, it will be onerous to go previous the Sliding Sands Path. I consider that is the perfect hike in Maui primarily based on the otherworldly surroundings discovered on the path.
From the moon-like craters that includes cinder cones, lava caves, and a floor that crunches beneath your toes, to being a 20+ mile trek that may check your endurance, Sliding Sands affords the perfect mountain climbing in Maui.
For our final record of the perfect issues to do in Maui, learn this!
Do you want a allow to hike in Maui?
The overwhelming majority of Maui mountain climbing trails don’t want a allow, with nearly all of the hikes on this record that includes free mountain climbing.
The key exception to this rule are hikes throughout the Haleakala Nationwide Park, which require buying an entry move and all backcountry tenting right here requires a allow.
To expertise the perfect Maui hikes, you too can join a wide range of guided Maui mountain climbing excursions to get pleasure from treks like Twin Falls, Pipiwai Path, and South Maui with an professional information.
Remaining Ideas on Mountain climbing in Maui
The very best Maui hikes present distinctive views, family-friendly mountain climbing, and a difficult expertise for hikers with a eager sense of journey. Tick off the Maui hikes on this record to get pleasure from a stability of native favorites and world-famous hikes.
With dozens of hikes on the island resulting in the waterfalls that dot the Highway to Hana, trails going deep into the huge volcanic panorama, and treks to unimaginable rock formations in Central Maui, the island is a hiker’s paradise.
So what are you ready for? It’s time to hike Maui!