Some of our favorite memories on Maui are from hiking! Maui hikes are unbeatable in their variety, accessibility, and the final payoff you can get for (relatively) little effort. Whether you're looking for an easy jungle cruise with a 250-foot waterfall at the end or a longer trek through the crater of Haleakala, you're in for a treat!
So what's the best hike on Maui? Where do you hike? What should you bring? For the answers to these questions and more, let's dig in.
Hikes for All Skill Levels:
These hikes are great for families or groups looking for a relatively easy stroll that gets them exploring but will be easy on Grandma's knees.
Twin Falls
Located near mile marker 2 on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls gives you easy access to a string of waterfalls and is perfect for a wide variety of skill levels.
The parking lot comes up pretty quickly after a turn in the road, so make sure you're keeping an eye out so you don't miss it.
Once you get out of the car, you'll find beautifully manicured grounds following a stream bed up into the mountain. The first waterfall is only a ¼ mile walk, so you can easily just stop there if you want. However, it's worth following the path for longer.
There is some stream crossing and a plunge basin you can swim in so it's recommended to wear a swimsuit and shoes you don't mind getting wet.
The path is clear, level and easy to follow and takes about an hour from start to finish.
Pipiwai Trail
Another trail located on the road to Hana, Pipiwai trail, also has an admission fee. It's part of Haleakala National Park, so you'll check in with a ranger.
Standard passes are $33 but are valid for three days (so if you time it with your trip to the Haleakala Summit, you'll only need to pay once).
Follow the signs to the trailhead, and then follow the path! It's a moderate to easy hike. The ground is uneven, and there is some incline in the beginning. Stop by the lookout to see Makahiku Falls before heading further into the jungle.
Once you get past the first mile, you'll find a boardwalk running through a bamboo forest. It's beautiful and eerie in there!
At the end, you'll see Waimoku Falls towering 400 feet above, surrounded by lush jungle plants. The total hike is 4 miles, and it typically takes 2.5 - 5 hours to hike, depending on your skill level.
Hikes for Afficionados
If you're a big fan of hiking, you'll enjoy the following hikes. They're not super technical but they are a bit more challenging, so we recommend assessing your skill level before beginning.
Haleakala Crater Hike
This 11-13 mile hike feels like you're walking on a completely different planet, not the tropical island of Maui.
Start by traversing the Sliding Sands trail from the summit of the volcano. See the barren landscape stretching out before you. After the initial descent, it's mostly a flat walk through the crater (with some inclines occasionally sprinkled in) until you get to the final switchbacks and head out.
With silversword plants, red and grey rock, and a complete silence hardly found anywhere else, Haleakala crater is a very cool experience. Weather in the crater can vary- it can be incredibly cold, or it can be upwards of 80 degrees, so you'll want to come prepared with layers!
The total hiking time is somewhere between 4 and 7 hours, depending on how many breaks you take and your overall pace. Bring plenty of water and snacks to get you through!
While you won't need hiking boots, a good pair of sneakers is a must as the lava rock on the ground is coarse and unforgiving.
Waihee Ridge Trail
Waihee ridge trail isn't the most technical of trails, however, it's plenty of incline! One way is a little over 2 miles, but you'll be heading up Waihee Ridge the whole way.
Located on the West Maui's, this trail offers both stunning views of the mountains and the ocean (during whale season, you can even see whales breach at the start of the trail). As you head up you also walk through a variety of different ecosystems.
When you arrive you'll see a parking lot at the base of the hill– this is overflow parking, so keep on heading up the mountain! You'll know you're at the top once you get to a parking lot with a big, steep, concrete hill in view.
Yep! That's the start of the trail! Breathe easy though- that first incline is the steepest part of the whole hike. At least you get it over early!
Maui Hiking Supplies: the Low Down
Most Maui hikes are pretty short, lasting only 2 to 4 miles and you probably won't need that many supplies.
Wet Hikes
If your hike involves water– there's stream crossings or a swimmable waterfall at the end– you'll probably want to at least wear a swimsuit under your clothes. Hiking in the jungle is hot and a waterfall dip is a refreshing way to cool off.
You'll also want to wear shoes with good traction that you wouldn't mind getting wet. Get some water and a snack, and that's it for the essentials! If you're comfortable, you don't need anything other than that.
However, if you'd feel better with more supplies, a dry bag that you can store phones, valuables, and maybe a towel in isn't the worst idea.
Make sure to check the weather before heading out, as many of the wet hikes are at risk of flash flooding.
Dry Hikes
For dry hikes (i.e., Waihee Ridge trail), you'll really just need a good pair of sneakers or hiking sandals, snacks, and water.
Take sunscreen and a hat to protect from sunshine and (depending on the weather report) a rain jacket.
Conclusion
Hikes on Maui are accessible and easy to enjoy. With a wide variety of options, these four hikes are just a quick lowdown on a couple of options, however, there are so many more to enjoy.
What kind of hike would you like to go on during your trip?
