Maui beckons travelers with crystal clear waters and some of the most magnificent beaches in the world. For those looking to move beyond the beach, the unique and awe inspiring terrestrial beauty of Maui can be at your fingertips as well. Hiking Maui is one of the purest (and most affordable) ways to experience the various landscapes and vistas this biodiverse land has to offer. From coastal trails and lush forests to towering waterfalls and volcanic peaks, Maui truly has offerings for all types of adventurers. Without further ado, please enjoy these recommendations for epic can’t miss hikes in Maui!
Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Widely considered the top hike in Maui, the Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a must do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Exploring this 4.2 mile out and back trail brings hikers through rolling hills, lush forests, and culminates with some phenomenally scenic ridge line hiking before reaching the summit.
The trail is considered moderate with some switchbacks and other steeper sections totaling 1,604 feet of elevation gain. Perhaps the most arduous part is right at the beginning where a short but steep paved road leads from the parking lot, through some farmland, and into the forest.
The trail is in excellent condition and very popular. Because of this, the parking lot often fills, especially into the later morning. There is a parking lot right at the trailhead with a second larger overflow lot as well. Unfortunately, the overflow lot is almost 1 mile away. A 1 mile walk uphill just to the trailhead is not likely the way you want to start your hike, so consider arriving in the early morning for your best chance of prime parking.
The scenery on this trail is breathtaking. Hikers are provided views of deep forested valleys, expansive ocean coastline, and the soaring lava rock peaks of the West Maui Mountains. You may even see a waterfall or two. As is the case with all windward sides of the islands, the region around the Waihe’e Ridge Trail is more prone to rain. Consider this when choosing your attire. Fortunately, this rainfall provides lush greenery and cooler more comfortable conditions for a truly memorable hike.
Pipiwai Trail
Often known as the “bamboo forest trail,” the Pipiwai Trail is a can’t miss attraction in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. The trail is very popular, and along with the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, often considered one of the top two best hikes on the island. Access to this trail requires a $30 National Park vehicle pass (purchased at entrance gate). The pass is good for three days and provides access to the Summit District of the National Park as well.
This 3.8 mile out and back trail departs from the Kipahulu Visitor Center and is considered of moderate difficulty. Highlights of the trail include Makahiku Falls, a large ancient Banyan Tree, the scenic Waimoku Falls (end of the hike), and of course, the bamboo forest.
As you cross a small scenic bridge and enter the bamboo forest, small shoots of bamboo are quickly overtaken by giant groves, towering many stories high. A well maintained boardwalk makes the bamboo forest particularly picturesque. After leaving the bamboo forest, you will walk along the Pipiwai stream before arriving at Waimoku Falls. This impressive 400 foot tall waterfall is one of the tallest in Maui and marks the end of the trail.
Bonus: The Seven Sacred Pools Trail (technically referred to as the Kuloa Point Trail) is conveniently located at the trailhead of the Pipiwai Trail and is a quick 0.6 mile loop. It is an easy trail characterized by small consecutive waterfalls emptying into “the seven sacred pools” as the stream descends towards the ocean at Ohe’o Gulch. You will pass through a small orchard and archeological site on the loop as well. Do note that It is illegal to swim in the pools! You will be fined. More importantly, as with many of the “swimming spots” along the road to Hana, flash floods can occur along these areas within seconds to minutes and have been known to be fatal.
Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe’ehe’e Trail)
The Summit District of Haleakala National Park is like nowhere we have been before. Just driving to the summit and arriving at the Sliding Sands Trailhead is a scenic and memorable experience in itself. You will pass through quaint mountain villages, aromatic eucalyptus forests and rolling ranch lands before ascending past the clouds towards the peak. Similar to the Pipiwai Trail, the Sliding Sands is within the National Park and therefore a 3 day $30 vehicle pass to access the park is necessary. This pass provides access to both the Summit and Kipahulu Districts of the park.
The Sliding Sands Trail departs from the Haleakala Visitor Center. The trail is a challenging trek spanning 11.5 miles however few actually hike this entire duration. We recommend hiking for 1-2 miles each way for similar views and a more manageable day. The Sliding Sands Trail begins by slowly descending down approximately 1 mile to a natural overlook prior to some switchbacks. This is a good place for many to turn around. Consider that you should anticipate the ascent back to the trailhead taking twice as long as your descent, especially at 10,000 feet of elevation.
The richly colored and deeply sculpted volcanic landscape of the Sliding Sands Trail is a unique adventure like none other in Maui. The terrain is desolate and beautiful. When we arrived near sunset, the land seemed to exude a deep blue hue. At such an elevation, the weather along this trail is like none other in Maui as well. Anticipate brisk conditions and pack accordingly. We would recommend you bring lots of water, some food, and cold weather gear for sunset as well.
Planning your hike and Summit District experience to include sunset is highly recommended. Just note that you will want your vehicle at the Visitors Center parking lot an hour or two before sunset to secure a spot. They often close the gates to the summit at a certain point when the lots are full. From the Visitors Center Parking Lot, it is a short walk to the actual summit (where another parking lot is available) where the sunset should be viewed!
Kapalua Coastal Trail
Compared to the other hikes on this list, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is more of a scenic walk than a hike. For those staying in West Maui or with more time on the island, the Kapalua Coastal Trail provides an easy scenic 2.5 mile hike along the coast and is highly recommended. For those staying further away or with tighter itineraries, the Kapalua Coastal Trail, although beautiful, could be skipped if needed in favor of the other more unique hikes.
That being said, the Kapalua Coastal Trail provides hikers with diverse scenery and spectacular coastal vistas along a well maintained and popular path. The trail is flat with several opportunities to access beaches along the way. Highlights of the trail include Kapalua Bay Beach (great for snorkeling), a safe trail through ground bird nesting sites, and lava rock point. Part of the trail is through a more suburban and resort type setting but most is right along the coast.
There are several parking lots for access along the trail however we recommend parking at Kapalua Bay Beach at the trailhead. Conversely, you could consider parking at the Dragon’s Teeth Access Trail parking lot and hiking the trail backwards towards Kapalua Bay. You could end the hike back at your vehicle for sunset, enjoy the view, and then dine at the Banyan Tree Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Resort next door. At either lot, It is not advised to leave valuables in your car (but this is true really at any of the touristy spots in Hawaii). All the parking lots along the trail that we encountered were free as well!
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