Best Hikes in Maui

Maui is home to a diverse range of trails that offer adventures and exploration for hikers of all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to get to know the landscape or want to challenge yourself on a more rugged trail, the best hikes in Maui are just a scroll away.

Halaekalā National Park

This park in Maui offers over 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy 10 minute strolls to overnight and multi-day hikes. There are two distinctly different districts in Halaekalā National Park: Summit District and Kīpahulu District. Summit District is most easily accessible, with the Kīpahulu District accessed through the remote Hana Highway. The Haleakalā Crater hike comes highly recommended, especially for a sunrise hike – guests can then experience a hike into the crater to explore even further.

Pipiwai Trail

4 miles roundtrip | Moderate to Challenging

In the remote Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, Pipiwai Trail takes visitors on a journey through lush bamboo forests and past fast-flowing waterfalls to see the majestic Waimoku Falls. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles round trip and can be challenging at times due to steep terrain.

Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe‘ehe‘e)

11 miles point-to-point | Challenging

This challenging trail near Kula is one of the best hikes in Maui, a popular destination for overnight trips and backpacking. Open year round, Sliding Sands Trail takes hikers through the most beautiful portions of the Haleakala crater in Maui. On the return, hikers are treated to a greener landscape punctuated by wildflowers and grasslands that leads to a climb back to the Halemau’u overlook.

Waihe’e Ridge Trail

4 miles roundtrip | Easy to Moderate

Hikers report the Waihe’e Ridge Trail as easy to moderate, depending on skill level, the weather, and other factors. Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a 4 mile round trip that offers stunning views of Maui’s north shore and the West Maui Mountains, offering a different view in every direction. Hikers journey through verdant forest and across open ridge lines, the diverse landscapes making this one of the best hikes in Maui.

Lahaina Pali Trail

5 miles point-to-point or 10 miles roundtrip | Challenging

Lahaina Pali Trail is a point-to-point trail that follows an ancient footpath along the rugged coastline of West Maui. Originally hand-built in the 1800s for horseback and foot traffic between Lahaina and Wailuku, the Lahaina Pali Trail is now hailed as one of the best hikes in Maui. Offering breathtaking views of the ocean (and the possibility of seeing whales on the Ukumehame side of the trail during whale season!) and the chance to walk in the footsteps of the island’s past, Lahaina Pali Trail rewards brave hikers with unparalleled views during this challenging hike.

Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park is ideal for hikers of all skill levels, offering several trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from. The valley is an important cultural and spiritual location for the Hawaiian people, and offers a chance for visitors to learn about the plants brought to the area by Hawaiians who settled there after the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790 with a walk through the park’s ethnobotanical garden. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and are recommended – the park’s reservations do sell out.

Waihou Spring Trail

2.2 miles roundtrip | Easy

The Waihou Spring Trail follows the Waihou Springs State Forest Reserve tree plantation road, making a loop around the upper section and returning the same way. Offering stunning views of the landscape below from the ridge line, this relatively easy trail is one of the best hikes in Maui. The Kailua Gulch is the most challenging part of this hike, a stream bed dotted with large boulders that require some finesse and careful steps to get around.

King’s Highway Trail (Hoapili Trail)

5.5 miles out-and-back | Moderate to Challenging

This coastal trail follows an ancient Hawaiian footpath that was once used by native royalty, hence the name King’s Highway. Not only a great hike, King’s Highway Trail leads to a pristine bay that was untouched by Maui’s youngest lava flow and makes for incredible snorkeling and swimming. Loose lava rocks can make this hiking trail challenging, though the road is straight and even.

Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area

With four trails to choose from, Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area offers a hike for all skill levels. The Redwood Trail, Polipoli Trail, Plum Trail, and the Haleakala Ridge Trail give visitors the chance to choose their own adventure through the recreation area, traversing different terrain and being treated to an incredible range of viewpoints. Hikers rave about finding iconic redwoods typically reserved for California in the Hawaiian wilderness on the Redwood Trail.

Waihee Valley Trail

4 miles out-and-back | Moderate to Challenging

One of the best hikes near Maui for the stunning views from the Waihee ridge line into the valley, the Waihee Valley Trail is a challenging hike that rewards adventurous hikers with views of waterfalls, a well-groomed trail, and cooler conditions the higher you climb. Part of this trail crosses private property along an easement – follow all posted signage and stay on the trail to ensure that the valuable partnerships between these private landowners and local officials can remain intact and keep the area accessible for generations to come.

Visiting Maui for hiking? Remember to check trail conditions and weather forecasts (radar, not just your weather app) before you head out. Always practice Leave No Trace Principles to help preserve the island’s natural beauty and foster a positive relationship between visitors and locals. Stay aware of your surroundings, tread carefully, and don’t forget your camera!