Check out the best hikes in Maui with awesome hiking trails, 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 some adventure on your Maui vacation, try hiking! I’ve pulled together the best hikes in Maui, perfect for tourists wanting to experience stunning views of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking coastlines.
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or an experienced trekker, Maui offers an incredible variety of trails. From easy Maui hikes to more challenging routes with panoramic views, there’s something for every level of adventurer.
Some trails, like the Pipiwai Trail and Sacred Pools Trail, take you through bamboo forests and past towering waterfalls, while others, like Waihee Ridge Trail, offer a heart-pumping ascent with great views of the island’s rugged landscape.
These moderate-level hikes make for an ideal day trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in Maui’s natural beauty while still having time to hit the beach or relax by the pool. Many of these trails also hold cultural significance, featuring native Hawaiian plants and historical landmarks that tell the story of the island’s past.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick, scenic stroll or an all-day Maui hiking adventure, keep reading to see my top picks for the good 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.
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 Best Hiking Trails in Maui
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 inside Haleakala National Park in Upcountry Maui. It is rated as a pretty challenging hike but also widely revered as 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, 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, hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes, 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 called “Oheo Gulch”), Pipiwai Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Maui.
With a slight elevation of 650ft, the trail runs a four-mile roundtrip hike that takes 2.5 to about 5 hours to complete. The timing depends on how lost you get in nature, 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 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 enjoy 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 Maui’s best kid-friendly hikes, just do the trail leading to the lower falls! It is only .25 miles and is very easy. Twin Falls 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 and multiple activity options. You can go ridge-line hiking, enjoying the marvelous views of the great valley and its flora. The trail is also suitable for trail runners of all skill levels.
It is the perfect hike for dogs, as hikers can bring their dogs for the hike. However, they must always be kept on a leash.
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 can see some of the famous sandalwood trees in Hawaii. You will also find your way to the Supply Trail, an alternate trail that veers from Hosmer Grove and leads to a small forest of trees locally found in Hawaii but brought by a foreigner in 1910.
It is another fairly easy hike in 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 fantastic 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 has some stairs but 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 hiking trails in the West Maui mountains!
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 rains, so 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 returning.
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. 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 including it in our list is worth it.
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 it 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 and is only 1.2 miles. It’s another one of the top Maui hikes for families in West Maui.
It has a bench along the way to stop and enjoy the fantastic ocean views.
If you are looking for easy hikes in Maui to stretch your legs after driving, the Ohai Loop Trail is perfect for you.
Best Hikes in Maui FAQs
Absolutely! In fact, Maui has some of the best hiking in Hawaii! You won’t be disappointed with the top Maui hikes from Haleakala Crater to trails off the Road to Hana.
If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking in 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 Hikes in Maui Wrap-Up
Now you know the best hiking trails in Maui for every type of adventurer. Whether you prefer easy Maui hikes, more challenging treks, or guided Maui hiking tours, these trails showcase the island’s great views and natural beauty.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, include at least one of these favorite hikes in your itinerary. Many of them offer panoramic views, highlight native Hawaiian plants, and provide a chance to connect with the island’s unique landscape. Plus, for families, plenty of moderate-level hikes are perfect for kids and beginner hikers.
Make your Maui hiking adventure even more special by choosing a trail that matches your skill level and interests. Whether it’s a scenic stroll through lush forests or an exhilarating climb to a high elevation, there’s a favorite place for every hiker to explore. So, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails!