The 5 Best Hikes in Maui
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Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. Sprawling Haleakala National Park encompasses the island’s highest peak, volcanic Haleakala. The island has 30 miles of beaches, incredible snorkeling, majestic waterfalls, and so much more. One of the best ways to explore the island, though, is on foot! Maui offers great hiking, from leisurely coastal paths to more challenging volcanic, rainforest, and mountain terrain. Keep reading to learn about some of the best hikes in Maui.
Pipiwai Trail (East Maui)
Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Moderate
The Pipiwai Trail is located just above the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo in Kipahulu’s Haleakala National Park. If you are driving the “Road to Hana,” you will not want to miss this Maui hike! Sometimes people refer to this hike as the Bamboo Forest Trail, because that’s such an amazing part of this experience, but there’s so much more to it as well. You’ll start at the Pools of Oheo (aka Seven Sacred Pools) and end at a viewpoint of a 400-foot waterfall.
NOTE: Make sure to check the weather before you go on this Maui hike! The Pipiwai Trail can be prone to flash floods, so avoid it if rain is predicted.
Twin Falls (North Shore)
Distance: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Easy
Twin Falls is located a 20-minute drive east from the historic Paia Town on Maui’s North Shore, another Maui hike found off the Road to Hana. The hike is marked by a big gravel parking lot, and an amazing snack stand with ice cold coconuts, tropical fruit, smoothies, and fresh baked banana bread for purchase.
Twin Falls is an easy hike, meaning it can get crowded, but it’s a worthwhile adventure. You can swim in the pools created by the waterfall, and go underneath the waterfall itself. Know that the rocks and trail get quite slippery, so be prepared with closed toed shoes.
Sliding Sands (Keoneheehee Trail at Haleakala)
Distance: 13 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
The Sliding Sands, or Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, is the premier access to Haleakalā crater. Departing from near the summit of 10,023’ Haleakalā volcano, the trail descends to the otherworldly crater floor. The colors and changing light of the eroded crater are stunning. This is by far one of the best hikes in Maui, but it’s also one of the most difficult hikes in Maui. So be prepared for an intense day!
Fun fact: On this trail, you’ll see Haleakala Silverswords, extremely rare plants (a threatened species) found nowhere else in the world — only at high elevations on Mount Haleakala.
Waihee Ridge Trail (West Maui)
Distance: 4.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
The Waihee Ridge Trail is known as one of the most scenic hikes in Maui. It’s also one of less frequented Maui hiking trails, making it a great choice for you! You’ll hike to the top of Lanilili Peak and experience sweeping 360 views above the clouds.
Fun fact: this is a great spot for birdwatchers. Look out for the apapane, Hawaii amakihi, and maybe even an iiwi.
La Perouse Bay (South Maui)
Distance: 5.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Located south of Wailea (as far as you can drive on road) is La Perouse. It’s an oceanfront archeological site that remains sacred to Native Hawaiians. In the 1790s, Mount Haleakala erupted, leaving large and jagged lava formations. Head out on the Hoapili Trail and it will take you through the lava fields before ending at the pristine bay with crystal clear waters. The bay is also a great place for snorkeling!
There you have it: the five best hikes in Maui! If you’re thinking of traveling to the island, be sure to check out our Maui Discovery Adventure.
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