Top 10 Hikes in Maui

Within the bounds of this 10-mile long, 4,000 acre park, hikers can explore lush scenery and some native Hawaiian flora and fauna by way of a paved path. The park is known as a spiritual rainforest full of mellow hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, and BBQ and picnic areas.

The gates of the ‘Iao Valley State Park are open from 7 am to 7 pm. To have the best view of the ‘Iao Needle, make sure to arrive in the early morning before the clouds start settling in the valley. This is a perfect Maui place to visit with kids!

‘Iao Valley State Park requests a $1 donation entrance fee per person, and $5 for parking.

Just past the Kapalaoa Cabin, the trail mellows out into flat grassy areas as the topography naturally changes due to the decrease in elevation. The Sliding Sands Trail continues on for another 4 miles to the Paliku Cabin. From here, hikers can then access the Kaupo Gap to hike down to just 300 feet above sea level.

If Maui hikers would like to walk just a bit further, they can head down to the Kaupo Store and treat themselves to an icy cold refreshment. The Sliding Sands Trail is not suggested for small children or amateur hikers, but it is excellent for those who are up for one of the best adventures to be found in Maui. This is a Maui adventure that you and your friends will never forget!

Fees are associated at the Haleakala Visitors Center pending all activities.

To get to Pipiwai Trail, drive past Hana Town for about 15 minutes. You’ll find the trailhead near Mile Marker 42 on Highway 31. The hike starts out just across the road from the Haleakala Ranger Station, and it is free of charge. Note that there are fees for parking and/or camping at the Oheo Gulch Haleakala National Park.

The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile (round trip) hike and it takes roughly 4 hours to complete. Keep in mind that you can easily spend more time lingering and exploring this area if you so choose. There is just so much to see!

This hike does not fail to deliver. It’s everything that you could dream of experiencing while out on a tropical island adventure. With each turn of this hike, you will be blessed with a new and fantastic view. There are so many key points on this trail. See the giant bamboo forests, a tranquil stream, and an enormous banyan tree. There are also several spectacular waterfalls, including Makahiku Falls and the 400 ft.-high Waimoku Falls.

The Pipiwai Trail is the perfect hike for those who are looking for a waterfall adventure in Maui. As with all of the stream and waterfall hikes, make sure that you proceed with caution. Take special care while you hike through muddy pathways and when you cross over water on slippery stones, or rocks covered with moss. Proper footwear is a must, and this is not a hike that is not appropriate for small children.

There are fees for parking and/or camping at the Oheo Gulch Haleakala National Park.

The large and jagged lava formations of La Perouse are from the most recent eruption of Mount Haleakala in the 1790s. You will know when you have reached your destination when you see the horse corral and a stone monument. The parking lot is located just past those two markers.

From La Perouse, guests can travel south on the Hoapili Trail, or King’s Highway. It will take you through jagged lava fields. You’ll see archeological site signs here, and all hikers must stay on the trail. Please make sure that you respect this area, and note that it is not a good hike for small children. Wear some sturdy shoes on this hike, as the loose lava can quickly make it a bit more challenging. Make sure that you bring plenty of water with you, because there is no access to drinking water along the way.

The trail starts near the water’s edge and is quite easy to find. You’ll pass right by some ancient Hawaiian structures and ruins along the way. They are all historically significant and are not to be disturbed. It is essential that you remember to always stay on the marked trail, and to never move any of the rocks at this site.

At the end of the trail, hikers will find a gorgeous and pristine bay with crystal clear waters. This is such a great place for advanced snorkelers to explore. You can see some dramatic olivine pools here, and visit the La Perouse Bay lighthouse.

There are no fees for entering La Perouse Bay.

Many tours on the Road to Hana will stop at Twin Falls, but it’s quite easily navigated on your own. This hike is perfect for those who are traveling with children. They will have the opportunity of visiting many different tropical waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes. With that in mind, please make sure that you are extremely safe while walking near, and entering the swimming holes. More than a few accidents have happened here.

All of the paths here are dirt and gravel, so it is highly suggested to bring a pair of good walking shoes. The main pathway splits into both left and right paths, offering visitors the choice for which way to explore.

Ho’olawa Li’ili’i (left fork) is the footpath that leads to the most popular waterfall at Twin Falls. Via the left fork, you will come to an old rock masonry irrigation ditch. Just continue to walk over the cement blocks or through the stream, and you’ll arrive at the picturesque “Caveman Swimming Hole and Falls.”

Ho’olawa Nui (right fork) can also be reached by the main pathway. It leads Maui hikers through two hand-dug irrigation ditches, and out to another set of waterfalls that are great for some swimming and first-class photo ops.

While embarking on a hike at Maui’s Twin Falls, make sure to bring good all that you will need. Good walking shoes are a must, as well as bathing suits and towels, and bug spray for those who are prone to mosquito bites. Do not jump off of the rocks, and make sure that you watch your step for tree roots that stick out of the walkways. It is common for travelers to have accidents at this location, so be safe and heed all of the warning signs.

There are no fees for entering or parking at Twin Falls.

For this Maui hiking adventure, make sure that you wear a pair of comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring lots of drinking water with you, too! This is not a good hike for children, unless you are traveling with some very athletic teenagers.

Once you make it to Lanilili Peak, there is a bench from where you can view a massive waterfall off in the distance. The overlook here offers scenes of Waihee Valley, the blue Pacific Ocean, and a glimpse of the outer Island of Lana’i depending on the weather.

This Maui area is sparsely populated, and it would be a surprise if you could catch some cell phone service. Hike with a buddy, do not leave valuables in your car, and make sure that you have enough drinking water and snacks with you for the trip. This hike is a great choice if you’re physically fit and would like to put your hiking stamina to the test.

There are no fees for entering or parking at the Waihee Ridge Trail.

Nakalele Point is roughly 8 miles north of Kapalua. The trail that starts at Mile Marker 38.5 is the main trail. There are a few different paths to explore, and all of them lead to the blowhole. It’s quite common to see local food vendors pulled over near the trailhead, so keep your eyes peeled while driving.

The vendors here often sell ice-cold coconuts and delicious fresh-baked banana bread. Without a doubt, we recommend that you stop by and visit with the local vendors here at Nakalele Point.

Please note that the trail can be awkward to hike down at times because you might have to pass by visitors who are hiking back up. Make sure that you are wearing some sturdy walking shoes and that you stay off of the slippery wet rocks. If you’re hiking with children or inexperienced hikers, be prepared to help them over the rocks. Note that this hike is not suitable for small children or elderly seniors. It’s also not ideal for hiking in sandals or slippah’s (flip-flops).

When hikers make it to the bottom of the rocky trail, they will find the blowhole at the end and to the left. While visiting the blowhole, be extremely careful of the slippery surfaces, and always keep a safe distance from it. Many visitors have been injured here because they were too close to the blowhole. The blowhole will blow suddenly and forcefully at a consistent 100-ft. height. When people aren’t paying attention, this is when they can get hurt.

Please keep a safe distance, and make sure that you never turn your back on the ocean (or a blowhole).

There are no fees for entering or parking at the Nakalele Point Trail.

Hosmer Grove can be found just inside the Haleakala National Park and Visitors Center. The trails and signs are both well maintained, and the hikes here are just as pleasant as they can be. Here, guests will begin their hike with a calming and fragrant hike through Cedar, Sandalwood, Spruce, Eucalyptus, and Pine trees. Next, they will travel through some shrub lands where they may spot four different types of Honeycreepers that are all native to this area.

The 2.4 mile Supply Trail can be accessed from closer to the main road. It is marked by signs and a cattle guard gate.

When you choose to explore the Hosmer Grove Trails, plan for an early start, and bring water, lunch and snacks with you. Make sure to bring a pair of sturdy shoes, and wear layered clothing because the temperature at this elevation can change quickly. Hosmer Grove Trails are excellent hikes for those who would like to spend an entire day hiking. Hosmer Grove is also a Haleakala National Park drive-up campsite.

The Haleakala National Park Visitors Center is open from sunrise to 4 pm. If you make it there before the entrance station is open, you may pay the entrance fee at an automated fee machine that takes cash only.

Guests can park right outside of the trail entrance, where a path will immediately lead hikers through a mystical Cypress, Eucalyptus, Hawaiian Koa, and Halapepe forest. This is a longtime favorite for hiking in Upcountry Maui, and it is such a gorgeous secret spot. It seems almost surreal that a terrain like the Waihou Spring Trail Loop could be found on Maui. It’s a perfect example of just how diverse Maui’s topography can be.

After entering this Maui hiking trail, visitors will be guided through a loop that follows to an upper section and all the way up to a ridge. Those who make the trek up to the ridge will be rewarded with a lookout point that towers above Maui’s North Shore coast. This vantage point is marked by a park bench.

The Waihou Spring Trail Loop is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. This is a great hike for those who are traveling with children. Be sure to hike with a buddy, and stay on the clearly marked trails.

There are no fees for entering or parking at the Waihou Spring Trail Loop.

The beginning part of this hike is pretty calm, as it travels through mostly level areas. Here hikers can experience an ever-changing volcanic eco-zone with loose lava rock and native shrubs.

The switchbacks travel down through a cliff area that is roughly 1,500 feet long. From here on out, you will be glad that you chose to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes! Here hikers will marvel at the views of the Koolau Gap leading out towards the Pacific Ocean.

The Halemauu Trail travels 4 miles further through the crater floor, and finally reaches the Holua Cabin at 7,000 feet. Hikers can then choose to continue across the floor of the crater for another 6 miles up to the Paliku Cabin.

Camping in Haleakala is an amazing life experience for all of those who witness its magic! The best way to camp in Haleakala is to do it in style. Plan ahead and book a cabin! Avid hikers can make the most of their time in the crater by resting up every night. This way, they’ll wake up fresh and ready for another day of exploring Haleakala’s Crater.

Fees are associated with the Haleakala Visitors Center pending all activities.