Hiking on Maui - The Valley Isle
Although hiking might be one of the last things on your Maui vacation to-do list, we suggest you take at least one day to hike around the island. Experience tropical paradise from a breathtaking perspective, where you will find an abundance of flora and fauna along with towering waterfalls. Whether you need a challenging workout or a relaxing breath of fresh air, we have an outstanding list of hikes around Maui.
Photo courtesy Holo Holo Maui Tours
We recently collaborated with Holo Holo Maui Tours to bring you the most exclusive list of fun and gorgeous hikes on the island of Maui. Broken down by category, from family-friendly hikes to hardcore, you will find the best option for your excursion.
Gather everyone from your Maui vacation rental and head to the trails today!
Regular Hike for Everyone – Kids, Adults & the Elderly
Twin Falls
What we love about it: This trail is easy to navigate and the closest waterfall hike from the "resort side." The entire trail is 1.5 miles in & out. There are several gorgeous falls & multiple pools along the way, perfect photo opportunities for your Instagram pic! There is an abundance of tropical flora & fauna such as hibiscus, banana, bamboo, ginger, etc. (try and pick out as many as you can name)! The maintained trail is found on the grounds of Waiale Farms, which offers guided tours. The Farm personnel monitors rainfall & water levels in the streams, and Ute is one of the farm owners. She often gives free rides nearing the end of the trail aboard her Mule for older people & Kupuna only (perfect for older generations of the group). The property is also fronted by a farm stand that offers many delicious local treats
Local Tips:
- Park in the lot next to the entrance (the lot past the bridge is known for break-ins), where there is security.
- Always check the weather before heading out to the rainforest.
- Never enter streams or pools that have rushing water.
- Bring a towel & mosquito repellent.
- Water shoes are nice to have to reach the last waterfall, "caveman."
- Two stream crossings will be necessary.
Photo courtesy Holo Holo Maui Tours
Regular Hike Great for Kids 6 & Up
Haleakala National Park (Pipiwai Trail)
What we love about it: This trail is easy to navigate on your own and boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, such as Hawaii's famous Banyan trees, bamboo thickets, cliffs, gorges, narrow paths, bridge crossings & waterfalls. The prize at the end of this trail is the incredible 400-foot Waimoku Falls! Swimming is possible if stream level permits, and it is easy for older kids but a little challenging for the younger age group. The hiking distance is 4 miles in & out. The National Park maintains the trail and has an entrance fee, so be sure to carpool!
Local Tips:
- Time yourself properly. The trailhead is quite a distance from the resort area. To ensure adequate sunlight, start the hike no later than 1 p.m. in the winter and 2 p.m. in the summer.
- Wear shoes that you don't mind getting muddy. The bamboo thickets don't let in enough sunlight to dry up the grounds.
- Pack a rain jacket. This area is known for shifting rain clouds, and it's nice to have a poncho or raincoat if you find yourself in a sudden downpour.
- Bring a towel, mosquito repellent, and water.
- Locals in the know only recommend combining the hike with a Road to Hana tour if you decide to camp on the National Park grounds.
- Guides are not permitted. Self-guided only.
Regular Hike Great for 12 & Up
Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Why we love it: This trail is easy to navigate on your own, but you can also hire a private guide to enrich the experience. Guests interested in historical, cultural & mythological stories should go this route!
Photo courtesy Holo Holo Maui Tours
Along the way, one can also learn about the many uses of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The State of Hawaii maintains the Waihe's Ridge trail, which is just 30 minutes from the Kahului Airport. The hiking distance is only 5 miles in and out, with a 1500-foot ascension/descent. For bird's eye views, one can climb a towering ridge flanked by two steep valleys (great photo opportunity)!
This trail boasts a variety of landscapes, including many indigenous species such as pine forests, guava groves, kukui trees, passion fruit vines, fern & ti plants, 'Ohia & sometimes even misting clouds as they rise into the hills. After finishing this hike, you will have a great feeling of accomplishment! It is challenging work to reach the top!
Photo courtesy Holo Holo Maui Tours
Local Tips:
- Hit the trail in the morning. The earlier, the better. One needs "to beat" the daily clouds that will gather near the top for the best views.
- Check the weather – it is not a great hike in the rain.
- Be prepared to sweat.
- Wear sunscreen, bring a hat and wear a long-sleeved shirt. If there are no clouds, then the trail will be direct sunlight for a good portion of the day.
- Pack a snack to enjoy at the top. There is a picnic table to rest, eat, and enjoy the views.
- Pack an adequate amount of water.
Hard Core Hiking
Four Falls
What we love about it: This hike is challenging & adrenaline-pumping! We recommend hiring a guide for the best experience (we highly recommend Holo Holo Maui Tours).
There are many false trails along the way, but more importantly, the locals know how to read the weather. This is not a maintained trail, but it is relatively short in distance—just a couple of miles in and out. There is a wide variety of obstacles, such as stream crossings, rope assistance in steep areas, waterfall scaling, ladders, swimming to reach the other side of the trail, jumping, etc.
Local Tips:
- Do not attempt on your own. Location is difficult to find, and there are many false trails.
- Flash Floods occur frequently in the area, especially during the winter. Hire a guide to ensure safety.
- Wear clothing & shoes that can get wet & muddy.
- Bring water, a snack & mosquito repellent.
- Not for the faint of heart. Experienced hikers only, please.
Maui is filled with incredible sights, and we hope you take the time to enjoy one of these beautiful hikes on your trip!
Photo courtesy Holo Holo Maui Tours
