Check out these awesome Maui hiking trails that are perfect for adventurous travelers who want to do a little hiking on Maui. Scroll down to read them all!
This Maui hiking trails post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you are looking for a little bit of adventure on your Maui vacation, try hiking!
I’ve pulled together the most popular hikes on Maui that are perfect for tourists wanting to see some unbelievable sights on this gorgeous Hawaiian island.
These Maui easy hikes are perfect half-day adventures, so you’ll still have the energy to play at the beach, drive around Maui, go on a tour, or simply relax by the pool.
So keep reading to see all the best hikes in Maui!
If you are an adventurous traveler heading to Oahu, you might also be interested in the best waterfall hikes on Oahu and the best North Shore Oahu hikes.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Maui.
Popular Maui Tours/Activities
- Sunrise at Haleakala (this is great to book for your first morning on Maui, and the views are unsurpassed)
- Reverse Road to Hana Tour (this is the BEST way to do this iconic Maui scenic drive without arguing with your spouse)
- Molokini Snorkel Tour (this is one of the best places to snorkel on Maui)
- Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
- Old Lahaina Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
Favorite Maui Resorts/Hotels
- Hyatt Regency Maui (this has a swim-up bar and tons of amazing amenities)
- Andaz Maui (this is a luxury resort with the best luau on Maui)
- Honua Kai Resort & Spa (this is one of our personal favorites because there are tons of pools and there are condo options)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
14 Amazing Maui Hiking Trails
Here are Maui’s hiking trails you’ll want to enjoy during your trip to this island.
1. Haleakala – Sliding Sands Trail
The Haleakala Sliding Sands Trail is situated inside Haleakala National Park in Upcountry Maui. It is rated as a pretty challenging hike but is also widely revered as being worth the challenge.
The entire trip runs for about 5 miles, with the first 4 miles going down 2800 feet to the valley floor.
The final mile is an arduous hike-climb up Haleakala’s crater rim which is where the real challenge is. However, the views from the rim when you finally make it up are absolutely worth this hike at Mount Haleakala.
For less experienced hikers, it’s advised that you take a hiking pole and hiking boots, and essential items like water and sunscreen, and make sure you have a healthy meal before going on this Maui hiking trail in Haleakalā National Park.
2. Pipiwai Trail – Oheo Gulch
Situated above the Seven Sacred Pools (traditionally referred to as “Oheo Gulch”), Pipiwai Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes you can find in Maui.
With a slight elevation of 650ft, the trail runs a four-mile roundtrip hike that takes from 2.5 hours to about 5 hours to complete. The timing depends on how lost in nature you get and the Oheo Gulch has lots of natural beauty to ensnare anyone.
From the majestic waterfalls to the dense bamboo forests to the calm streams that invite passers-by to take a dip; there will be something to feast your eyes on at any point in time during this Maui hike.
3. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a privately owned out-and-back trail that runs for about 2.4 km. Rated as a moderate hike, it is located close to Haiku and sees a lot of traffic throughout the year.
Primarily, it is used for nature trips as well as hiking. It features a gorgeous waterfall that many hikers have found pleasure in simply standing under.
However, the waterfall can bring too much water to the trail in the rainy season. Because of this, the upper trail is sometimes closed in the rainy season. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on leash.
If you want one of the best kid friendly hikes in Maui, just do the trail leading to the lower falls! It is only .25 miles and is very easy. It is located at mile marker 2 on the Hana Highway. It is a very easy hike with incredible scenery for everyone to enjoy.
4. Waihee Ridge Trail
Situated near Wailuku, another one of the top hikes in Maui is Waihe’e Ridge Trail, an out-and-back trail that extends for about 4 miles in the West Maui Mountains.
Rated as difficult, the trail features a waterfall as well as multiple activity options. You can go ridge-line hiking, enjoying the marvelous views of the great valley and the flora it contains. The trail is also suitable for trail runners of all skill levels.
It is the perfect hike for dogs, as hikers are permitted to bring along their dogs for the hike. However, they must be kept on a leash always.
5. Hosmer Grove & Supply Trails
Related to the Sliding Sands Trail by proximity, Hosmer Grove Trail is another trail that can be found in Haleakala National Park in East Maui.
Unlike the Sliding Sands, this one is less challenging. However, Homer Grove gives hikers an enjoyable hike with beautiful scenery.
On this simple hike, you will be able to see some of the famous sandalwood trees in Hawaii. You will also find your way to the Supply Trail, an alternate trail that takes veers from Hosmer Grove and leads to a small forest of trees that are locally found in Hawaii but were brought by a foreigner in 1910.
It is another one of the fairly easy hikes on Maui.
6. Kings Gardens on Maui
Located in the old and secluded Kings Garden just outside Haiku, this beautiful trail features a picturesque garden and a breathtaking waterfall. It was rated the best hike on Maui for waterfall hiking adventures.
Open only to a few people every year, visitors to this amazing place are taken on a guided, moderately difficult hike through the gardens and up to the waterfall, getting a chance to look at fauna and flora that can only be found in this beautiful and ancient rainforest.
It is one of the best Maui guided hiking tours you’ll find!
7. Kapalua Coastal Trail
Kapalua Coastal Trail is a short hike that runs for 2 miles with very light traffic and an elevation of 46 meters. It is situated near Lahaina and offers some of the most scenic views. It is accessible to people of all skill levels and can be used for multiple activities.
Not only is hiking done here, but you can also bring kids here on nature trips, go trail running, or just hang out by Kapalua Beach.
Enjoy views of the forest as you walk, or look out to the coast, where the water meets the sky in the most beautiful and magnificent views possible.
It is one of the best Maui walking trails along the Pacific Ocean. Take a leisurely stroll at sea level with this walking path.
8. Iao Valley State Park
One of the kid friendly hikes Maui has to offer is the Iao Needle at Iao Valley State Park. It is a short hike that is actually paved and very easy to do. It does have some stairs but has places where you can rest if you need to.
It is a 0.6 mile trail in the West Maui Forest Reserve that is quite beautiful. There is also a swimming hole to enjoy, gardens, and much more! It’s one of the top West Maui mountains hiking trails for sure!
It is definitely one of the best Maui hikes for families.
Read my review of the Iao Needle hike with kids
9. Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Waikamoi Ridge Trail is another one of the Maui kid friendly hikes along the Road to Hana. It is located by mile marker 9 and is less than a mile long.
It can be slippery after it has rained, so be sure to prepare for mud and wear good shoes. There are parts that offer a paved path and it usually has a nice breeze too! The Waikamoi Ridge Trail is a relatively easy hike, so if you want to enjoy hiking through a forest, this is one of the places to hike in Maui!
10. Pali Trail
If you are looking for a challenging hike, try the Lahaina Pali Trail. The trail starts at two locations, each offering a different view and challenge.
It is a rocky trail that doesn’t offer much shade and has a lot of dry grass and lava rocks. But the views of the island and ocean are worth it!
If you want to do some difficult hiking in Maui Hawaii, the Pali Trail is for you!
11. Hoapili Trail
If you are in South Maui, head to the Hoapili Trail. It is a moderate hike that is around 6 miles round trip. The trail begins at La Perouse Bay and you will head to the Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse at Kanaio Beach before heading back.
This is one of the best trails in Maui for those wanting to be by the ocean. It does have lava rocks so be sure to wear good hiking boots, but it is a great hike to enjoy whether you do the entire hike or just a part of the trail.
12. Nakalele Blowhole
Another one of the West Maui hikes to enjoy is the Nakalele Blowhole. It is not a very long hike per se, but I think it’s worth it to include it in our list.
It does have some pretty tough terrain but it will be so much fun for your kids to see water shooting out of the blowhole.
You can’t go wrong with this simple West Maui hiking!
13. Hosmer Grove Trail
For another short hike, try out the Hosmer Grove Trail. It is close to the summit at Haleakala National Park and is only .6 miles for the entire loop trail.
It is one of the best hikes in Maui for family because it is so short and is great to see some birds and unique trees and plants you might not find anywhere else!
14. Ohai Loop Trail
The Ohai Loop Trail takes about an hour or so and is only 1.2 miles. It’s another one of the top Maui hikes for families located in West Maui.
It has a bench along the way so you can stop and enjoy the wonderful ocean views.
If you are looking for easy hikes in Maui to stretch your legs after driving, the Ohai Loop Trail is the perfect one for you.
Maui Hiking FAQs
Absolutely! In fact, Maui has some of the best hiking in Hawaii! From Haleakala Crater to trails off the Road to Hana, you won’t be disappointed with the top Maui hikes.
If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking on Maui, I’d suggest staying near Kihei or Paia. These areas will get you closer to the Road to Hana and Haleakala than staying in Lahaina or Kaanapali.
Sometimes. It’s really important to check online before you make the drive as 7 Sacred Pools (aka Oheo Gulch) is often closed after rain or stormy weather.
Twin Falls trail is probably the easiest hiking in Maui and offers an awesome waterfall to see! It’s one of the best waterfall hikes on the Road to Hana.
Best Hiking Trails on Maui Wrap-Up
Now you know the best places to hike in Maui for all types of hikers. Whether you want the easy hikes Maui has to offer, the more advanced and challenging hikes, or Maui hiking tours with a guide, you’ll find it all here.
When planning a trip to Hawaii with family, be sure to choose at least one of the family friendly hikes Maui offers to enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature on the island!