Best Hikes on Maui: Part One

Maui’s Diversity

We know Maui is a beautiful place, but there is much more than sunny beaches with palm trees swaying and cool water lapping at your toes. When looking for things to do in Maui, an epic hike with full island views and many multiple climates is a must do.

Maui hikes are one of the best ways to see the island from different angles, physically, mentally, and spiritually. There are 6 of the 7 climate zones on Maui (obviously excluding “tundra”) and hikes throughout all of them from rainforest to desert. Some of our favorite Maui hikes end with 400 foot waterfalls, panoramic island views, or sweet little loops that feature our native plants and animals. Around every turn, you’ll see something new and your camera will be very busy—be sure to have it charged!

There are Maui hikes for adventurers of every level, from a quick jaunt to multi-day camping trips including an easy-ish 0.3 mi loop to an all-day hike inside a dormant volcano. Be sure to come prepared (wearing the right shoes, clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and hiking at the right time) and research each hike before you go. Please check the weather forecast and county alerts to avoid flash floods which are common during the rainy season and cause loss of life and stranded visitors requiring emergency helicopter rescue.

RESPECT THE ‘ĀINA

One of the most important pieces of advice we can share is to respect the ‘āina (land). Hawaiians believe everything is living, including rocks, water, and the land. Respecting the āina means NEVER littering (bring a rubbish bag to pick up trash left by others) and leaving no trace. Even what you may think is harmless and biodegradable, like orange peels or apple cores, introduce foreign materials to our isolated islands and can disrupt the delicate ecosystem that makes Maui so beautiful. Mahalo for your kōkua (cooperation).

That being said, one of the best things to do in Maui is discover the land by adventuring through it (only on existing paths, of course). Here are our favorite Maui hikes.

Hiking Haleakala

Whether you just want to peek in at the jaw-dropping cliffs or hike in, across, and out, you won’t regret visiting Maui’s sacred mountain.

Standing 10,023 feet above the ocean, Haleakalā is the world’s largest dormant shield volcano. It makes up the eastern half of Maui and is a sacred place for native Hawaiians. There are many ways you can experience Haleakalā - hiking the rocky 0.3 miles to the jaw-dropping views at the edge of this dormant volcano or spend the day hiking through it. Haleakalā is a must visit for the full Maui experience. From endemic plants, like the alien-looking Silversword that only grows on Maui, to the Mars-like terrain that does not feel like you’re on a tropical island, this desert landscape provides one of the most memorable hikes of all time.

If you plan to hike the Haleakalā Crater Trail, be ready for 11.2+ miles with a very steep rocky switchback down, a scenic, mostly flat middle, and a never-ending switchback up the side of the crater to end it. Also be prepared to spot some wildlife from cute little Chukars to the elegant Nene goose. Take the extra loop around to the “bottomless pit” and spot Pele’s Paint Pot, a swirl of colored sediments dancing on the hillside.

Wear solid hiking boots, pack plenty of water, food and snacks, and wear long sleeves. Bring a light rain jacket during rainy season just in case. If it rains, you’ll be grateful you brought it!

If you want to camp, there are campsites available up to 6 months in advance for backpackers, but you’ll need to get a reservation or permit here and click the blue “Build Itinerary” button (which just went live 4/22/21!). There are cabins, too, but they are currently closed until further notice. Check this site for cabin updates. Here’s a more in-depth blog about the trail.

Want to do a much smaller hike and catch some extra native fauna? Stop at Hosmer’s Grove on your way up or down the mountain for a sweet 0.3 mile loop through a sweet stream with towering cedar, spruce, pine, and eucalyptus. Find the incredible viewing spot with binoculars and spot the entertaining bright red and yellow native birds like the ʻApapane and the ʻAmakihi.

Length: Ranges from a 0.3 mi jaunt to an 11.2 mi hike across the crater or a multi-day backpacking trip.
Elevation Gain: 1,620 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Feeling like you’re on a different planet, not a tropical island

Waiheʻe Ridge

Steep climbs. Epic Views.

This 4-mile round trip Maui hike begins with a rocky parking lot and an incredibly steep incline, but provides some of the best views you’ll see of the “Valley Isle.” Travel along the ridge of the Waiheʻe Valley through tropical and recently-restored native plants and trees. There’s a welcome bench right at one of the best viewing spots to provide a reward for your hike. At the very top , if not clouded in, the panoramic view is unmatched. This is one of the best things to do on Maui to grasp the Maui’s topography: the peaks, valleys, and sheer cliffs painted 50 shades of green with nature. Even if the clouds block the view, it’s still a magical feeling to be inside of one. Bring plenty of water and a snack to enjoy at the picnic table at the top. Stick around for a bit if the clouds are out, they may move in time for a breathtaking view.

Length: 4 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,591 ft
Difficulty: Hard – steep beginnings
Highlight: Epic views of Maui’s valley isle

Makamakaʻole
13 Crossings

A slippery trail darting back and forth over a rocky stream and leading to a refreshing waterfall swimming hole out of a movie.

If you’ve ever seen one of those movies with magical fairies flying around a forest with a trickling stream, this hike could have been the inspiration. Following this 2 mile out and back path, you’ll carefully step rock-to-rock or just splash through a shallow stream at least a dozen times through lush ferns, sky-high bamboo, and fluffy moss. We highly recommend water shoes or tough strapped sandals with great grip for confident stream-sloshing. Park off the road near the curve just before the bridge and find the pole with stickers at the entrance. The payoff? A stunning waterfall with a swimming hole. Going off-hours (early or late) increases your chance to experience it all to yourself.

Length: 2 mi
Elevation gain: 524 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: A waterfall swimming hole

Iao Valley

More of a walk than a hike, but the perfect way to spend a sunny, tropical afternoon between checkout and the flight home.

One of the best things to do in Maui when waiting for your flight, this conveniently located paradise sits just past the shops of Wailuku town (and 20 minutes from the airport). This area is sacred to the people of Maui and was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, which many historians believe to have changed the course of Hawaii’s history. You can learn more about the battle and surrounding plants and animals on posted information boards.

Drive in and pay $10 a car plus $5 a person, which goes to support the well-kempt tropical display. While not a traditional “hike,” youʻll definitely get your steps in, climbing 133 stairs to the ʻĪao Needle and traipsing back down two sets of stairs to admire the native garden, filled with bright flowers and leaves. Travel down one more set of stairs to find yourself in the shade of the guava trees and walking along the flowing Iao Stream. If it’s summer, or especially warm, wear your swimsuit and bring towels, water, and your family for a cool dip the fresh stream with a storied past. Please be respectful and stay on the established pathways when exploring the area. Enjoy the refreshing air, water, and views and be sure to come back during other seasons, as it always feels different in this awe-inspiring valley.

Length: 0.5 mi round trip to the Iao Needle, more if you
Elevation Gain: 147 ft
Difficulty: Easy (lots of stairs, though)
Highlight: Refreshing (and cold) freshwater stream

Waiʻanapanapa

Hit Hana’s coast for this lava-tube, ocean-side, postcard-worthy hike.

A trip to Hana, Maui’s jewel on the east side, is a must to fully experience Maui. The lush rainforest’s beauty is incomparable and worth each narrow, cliff-overlooking curve on the road out. Waiʻanapanapa is just 10 minutes north of Hana town and provides a unique contrast with its black sand/pebbles beach, bright green palm trees and other tropical plant, and bright turquoise water in the U-shaped bay. If you travel to the left side, facing the ocean, you’ll follow a lava rock path up and around to the north to a 2.1 mile out and back hike on black lava rock. This Maui hike goes right along the ocean’s edge and reveals sea arches, caves, lava tubes, and other erosional wonders. Once you’ve made it to the landing strip at Hana airport, it’s time to turn around and go for a dip in at the beach if the conditions are right.

NOTE: NEVER EVER remove rocks or sand from Maui. Not only is it disrespectful but can impact the environment by increasing erosion. Also, WARNING: There’s a rumored “Pele’s Curse,” which brings bad luck to those who steal the ‘āina. A Park Ranger friend said the park service receives at least 3 packages a day from visitors who returned home containing stolen rocks and sand with notes of terrible luck, sickness, and accidents. Do the right thing and leave everything in its place.

Length: 2.1 mi
Elevation Gain: 147 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Cool sea arches, lava tubes, and ocean views

MORE ON MAUI HIKES

Check out Na Āla Hele for up-to-date information on trails, closures, conditions, and COVID guidelines. Please reach out to Li Hay for any of your pressing hiking or real estate questions. Now, get out there and go explore Maui!

There are more awesome Maui hikes that we will share later on, including the Polipoli trail halfway up Haleakala, which is currently closed (4/22/21).

So, grab your hiking boots or water shoes, water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen and embrace of the things to do in Maui that will leave a lasting impression and postcard-worthy pictures—go take a hike.