Maui is the paradise of adventure. Hiking is a very popular activity for visitors on the island of Maui. Hiking in Maui proves to be a very fun and unique way to spend great family time and to get a fresh perspective of the beautiful landscape. Captivating some of the most fantastic hiking trails, this place is a must-visit for all the hikers to have the best experience of their lives. We have curated a guide of the best trails for hiking and the essential information to know while hiking in Maui.
Here are the 6 Best Trails for Hiking in Maui
1. Haleakala - Sliding Sands Trail
Haleakala’s Sliding Sands Trail is located within Haleakala National Park. Measuring 10,023 feet, this trail stretches to 6-miles. It leads to the Kapalaoa Cabin via loose cinder. Passing the Kapalaoa Cabin, the trail unfolds to flat grassy areas due to natural topographical changes in elevation. Here onwards, Sliding Sands continues for another 4-miles leading to the Paliku Cabin. Kaupo Store is accessible here for the hikers in order to get an icy cold refreshment. This trail is wonderful for all those craving for the best adventure experiences in Maui.
Address: Haleakala National Park, Maui, HI 96768
Note: Sliding Sands is not suggested for small kids or amateur/new hikers.
Charges: Fees is connected to the Haleakala Visitors Center.
2. Iao Valley State Park
Home to the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, Iao Valley State Park offers a very beautiful day trip activity in Maui. This historic State Park is the place where King Kamehameha is said to have conquered Maui’s warriors for unification of all Hawaiian Islands. The state park stretching up to 10-miles offers beautiful scenery to be enjoyed and displays native Hawaiian flora and fauna via a pavement. The park is also known as a spiritual rainforest since it is full of interesting hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, barbecues and other recreational areas.
Address: 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
Note: The gates to the State park are open from 7am till 7pm only.
Charges: The state park charges $5 for parking and asks for a $1 donation entrance fee per person.
3. Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is addressed at Kipahulu’s Haleakala National Park, just above the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo. This adventure can be enjoyed while you are driving the Road to Hana. It is just 15 minutes drive away from Hana Town. Beginning from the Haleakala Ranger Station, it is a 4-mile hike that takes approximately 4-hours to complete.
Address: Hana, HI 96713, United States
Note: This hike is not appropriate for small kids.
Charges: The hiking is free of cost while a minimal fee is charged for parking and camping
4. Twin Falls
A 20-minute drive away from Paia, the hiking trail at Twin Falls is split into left and right forks. It can be very easily navigated and marked by a big gravel parking lot, and an amazing Maui-style snack stand. This hike offers sites of various tropical waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes. Also, it is absolutely suitable for children too.Address: City of Twin Falls, 203 Main Avenue East, ID 83301
Note: All pathways are full of dirt and gravel, be careful while entering swimming holes since these are highly accident prone.
Charges: There are no fees for entering or parking at Twin Falls.
5. La PerouseHoapili Trail
Hoapili Trail can be easily navigated from La Perouse. It is basically an archeological site that is home to large lava formations from the most recent eruption of Mount Haleakala in the 1790s. A horse corral and a stone monument mark the destination of this trail. This is a great hiking place to be explored, but limited to experienced and advanced hikers.
Address: Unnamed Road, Kula, HI 96790, United States
Note: Absolutely not an ideal hike for small children. There is no access to drinking water along the whole way.
Charges: There are no fees for entering La Perouse Bay.
6. Waihee Ridge Trail
The Waihee Ridge trail is a Maui day trip enabling guests to climb uphill for 1,500-feet to the Lanilili Peak. A huge yet beautiful waterfall can be adored after reaching the peak. This hike is a very challenging adventure suitable for those freaks who wish to test their hiking stamina.
Address: Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
Note: This hike is not suggested for children. The trail has no network connections throughout.
Charges: No entry or parking fee is applicable.
Best Time to Visit for Hiking in Maui
April-May and September till November are considered the best times to visit Maui for hiking. The spring and fall seasons during these months have very pleasant weather in Maui, Hawaii, USA. High accommodation and activity prices and the heavy crowds, usually observed in the summer and winter, can be avoided too.
Things to Carry while Hiking in Maui
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Repellant
- Good Walking Shoes
- Bathing Suits
- Bug Spray
- Poncho
- Jacket
- Appropriate, light, quick-drying clothes
- GPS-enabled cell phone
- Brightly coloured clothes
Tips for Hiking in Maui
- Never leave any valuable belongings in your vehicles.
- Start your hikes early, preferably during daylight hours so that you have time to return to your vehicle before its dark.
- Never dive or jump into ponds and be hurt with submerged rocks and edges.
- Wear bright-coloured clothes so that you can be easily spotted in case of emergency.
- Prefer to never hike alone.
- Keep enough food and water with you during the hiking period.
- Heed to all warning signage and stay along the trails only.
- Do not trespass on any private property to avoid further problems.