The Ultimate Maui Hiking Guide:
From Coastal Trails to Jungle Waterfalls
Hiking in Maui offers some of the most diverse landscapes from lush tropical rainforest surrounded by waterfalls, to rugged coastlines, and even ridges with panoramic views.
This guide will cover a wide range of hikes with options for all skill levels as well as trip planning information like where to stay and what to pack to make the most out of your Maui adventure. Let’s dive in!
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Best Hikes on Maui
Waihe‘e Ridge Trail – Epic Ridgeline and Ocean Views
If you love feeling like you’re on top of the world, this is the hike for you! This is one of the best panoramic views on Maui because you are so high. For most of the hike you will have vast views of the Pacific Ocean and if you’re facing away from the ocean, you will be met with lush mountains, valleys, and hidden waterfalls among the peaks! This hike truly has it all.
Difficulty
- This hike is rated as hard with a little over 4 miles round trip with 1,591 ft of elevation gain. The ridge is pretty wide and there aren’t any sections that feel like you may slip off the mountain.
Tips
- Be prepared for mud and rain! It wasn’t too bad the day I went, but I have heard from other hikers that it can get extremely muddy up there. It can also get cloudy and rainy, but that can add to the moody Maui vibes!
- Go early to beat the crowds and stay out of the scorching sun. Make sure you bring sunscreen, plenty of water, a hat and sunglasses!
Pipiwai Trail – Bamboo Forest & Waimoku Falls
If you’ve seen pictures of a bamboo forest on Maui, it’s probably from this hike! It is one of the most iconic hikes on the island. It is a journey that takes you through vast bamboo forests, giant banyan trees, countless waterfalls and ends with the most incredible panoramic view with 400 foot towering waterfalls – an absolute must do!
Full disclosure: I did this hike during a tropical storm, so the waterfalls were really flowing!
Difficulty
This hike is rated at moderate with around 3.5 miles round trip and 850 ft of elevation gain. I’d say it’s pretty family friendly.
Tips
- Bring bug spray! It may not be as buggy if it isn’t raining, but I spent the entire time scratching… but it was still worth it!
- Located within Haleakalā National Park, so an entrance fee is required
- Starting early is always better to beat the crowds
Haleakalā Summit – Volcanic Landscapes
No trip to Maui is complete without stepping foot on top of Haleakalā summit. Bonus points if you go for sunrise or sunset.
If you want to experience the sunrise from the summit, permits are required from recreation.gov and they go fast, so you will have to plan this in advance. I didn’t score a permit, so I went for sunset and it was definitely worth it! It is also a prime spot for stargazing, so be sure to stay past dark and soak up the dark sky views.
Difficulty
- The summit is completely accessible by car and does not require a hike, but there are plenty of hiking options around the park including the famous Sliding Sands Trail.
Tips
- The summit is COLD and windy! Make sure you bring plenty of layers (hat, gloves, blankets, etc.)
- This is located inside Haleakalā National Park, so be prepared with your National Park Pass or entry fee
ʻĪao Valley – Lush Landscapes with Rich History
If you ask me, this is one of the most magical parts of the island. A short 0.6 mile paved path will take you through lush rainforest, past ‘Īao stream and the 1,200 foot ‘Īao Needle – one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks.
While the paved path is quite short, the park is actually 10 miles long and you can continue along the stream and find countless tranquil swimming holes to relax in and connect with nature.
On top of its beauty, this valley is also sacred. It is the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai where King Kamehameha I fought Maui’s forces to unite the islands. It was one of the most bitter battles fought in Hawaiian history.
Tips
- Reservations are required for non-residents, so make sure you don’t show up without one! Make reservations here. It’s $5 for the park and $10 for parking
- Howzit Hostels currently does a free tour here for guests (just pay the $5 entry)
- Bring a swimming suit and footwear to walk in and around the stream if you are going to go beyond the paved path
- Bring a raincoat. The valley gets a lot of rain, but don’t worry – it just adds to the magic!
Wai’ānapanapa State Park Coastal Trail – Dramatic Black Sand Beach & Cliffs
Wai’ānapanapa State Park is home to Maui’s iconic black sand beach as well as trails along rugged coastal cliffs with lava tubes and caves to explore! You need a timed entry permit to visit this park, so make sure you make a reservation in advance.
Difficulty
- The trail is rated as moderate and is a 2.3 mile out and back trail along the coast. You are walking on lava rock, which can be very sharp and slippery, so be sure to wear proper hiking shoes. Even if you don’t do the whole hike, it’s worth doing the beginning to get a different perspective of the black sand beach and to see the lush mountains and waterfalls in the distance behind the beach.
Tips
- Make sure to get a timed entry permit in advance here
- Bring beach gear and proper hiking shoes for the lava rock
Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach) – A Hidden Maui Gem
This is one of the most unique spots in Maui and in all of Hawaii. A short, but steep (and a little sketchy) 0.5 mile hike down to a secluded red sand beach. The water is not the best for swimming as it can be rough, but nothing beats seeing the bright blue water surrounded by red cliffs.
Difficulty
- Proceed with caution, this unofficial hike goes through private property and the cliffs are eroding. Know your ability and do not go anywhere you don’t feel comfortable.
Tips
- Bring proper footwear and beach gear (swimsuit, towel, sunscreen)
- Parking is limited, do not park illegally
- There is a public bathroom at a park across the street from where the “hike” begins
Where to Stay: Howzit Hostels
I used Howzit Hostels as my adventure base in Maui. It is the most affordable option that I could find with shared rooms starting at $48. They also have private rooms available (and you can get an extra 15% off a stay of three or more nights with code “Tara”)
One of my favorite parts about Howzit Hostels is that they offer tours all over the island and most of them are free! One of the tours is even a hike and another is ‘Īao Valley, so be sure to check what activities are happening during the dates you plan to be in Maui.
As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and honestly have never stayed at a hostel so clean. I also met so many amazing travelers of all ages at the hostel and during the tours.
Bonus: they even have free pancakes and coffee every morning!
Final Thoughts
From raging waterfalls to red sand beaches, Maui is an outdoor lover’s paradise! There is no shortage of epic hikes to explore and even when it’s rainy – it just means there are more waterfalls to discover!
Have more questions? Drop me a line at tara@adventara.co or DM me on Instagram.
Happy Adventuring 🙂