Ready to take on some of the best hikes in Maui Hawaii? From easy coastal walking paths to epic steep climbs into the clouds, this island truly has it all! We had so much fun exploring Maui and discovering these unique and scenic hiking trails. Join us as we cover our favorites with the locations, difficulty, and length of each climb.
11 Best Hikes on Maui Hawaii
1. Hoapili Trail to Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse
Distance: 3.6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking Location: 8650 Must Hold Block Boundary
The Hoapili Trail is on Maui’s Southeast coast and sits under a majestic red hill. Although this hike is mostly flat, you will be walking through the rocky lava fields.
This is definitely one of the hikes on Maui Hawaii you’ll need sturdy shoes for. Aside from all the wild scenery along the coastline, you’ll also be sharing the path with some furry friends.
We passed dozens of wild goats during our day on the Hoapili Trail!
→ Hoapili Trail Guide: How to Hike Maui’s Lava Field With Funny Wild Goats
2. King’s Highway
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Parking Location: 8650 Must Hold Block Boundary, Kihei, HI 96753
From the same start as the Hoapili Trail, is also the popular King’s Highway. This hike is slightly longer and has a higher degree of difficulty.
Mostly this stems from the uneven rocks along the trail. The path eventually leads to the secluded Kanaio Beach before taking you back to the parking lot.
Make sure you are prepared on the trail with our guide to packing for a day hike.
3. Wailea Beach Walkway
Distance: 3.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking Location: Ulua Beach Public Parking
It’s hard to talk about Maui without acknowledging the plush luxury resorts that dot the shores. Well, if you didn’t know, one of the most popular walking paths goes right by some of the island’s finest hotels.
You can start the walking path at several locations, but the most popular goes from Ulua Beach to Polo Beach. Walking this paved pathway and beach hopping will surely make for a fun afternoon on Maui.
→ Wailea Beach Walk: Strolling Along Maui’s Luxury Hotels
4. Pipiwai Trail
Distance: 4 Miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Parking Location: Kīpahulu Visitor Center
If you’re planning your trip to Maui, then you most certainly have heard about the famous Road to Hana. While it’s chalked full of incredible hikes on Maui, our personal favorite was the Pipiwai Trail.
It will take you through a gorgeous bamboo forest and end at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This hike alone was worth it for the driving the Road to Hana!
→ Bamboo Forest Maui Guide: Fun Hike to the Massive 400 Foot Waterfall
5. Seven Sacred Pools Trail
Distance: 0.6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking Location: Kīpahulu Visitor Center
Right next to the Pipiwai Trail is another one of the best hikes on Maui Hawaii. Also known as the Pools at ‘Ohe’o, these 7 cascading waterfalls are just a short .6 miles from the main parking lot.
While we wouldn’t travel to the area just to do this trail, it’s a nice stop after hiking the Pipiwai Trail.
6. Waihee Ridge Trail
Distance: 5 Miles
Difficulty: Advanced
Parking Location: Waihee Ridge Upper Lot
We hope you’re ready for a challenge! The Waihee Ridge Trail is a steep climb 1,500 feet up the side of a stunning Maui mountain. Although it was not easy, this was one of our favorite Maui hikes for its unreal views.
You’ll be in awe of the entire route, especially of the shots of the beautiful Maui coastline from the summit. This is one trail that you want to be prepared for. Check out our detailed guide below for parking, times, and tips.
→ Waihee Ridge Trail: Why it’s the Maui Hike you Absolutely Can’t Miss!
7. Makamaka’ole Stream Stream: 13 Crossings Trail
Distance: 2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking Location: Trailhead
This short hike will be a fun and adventurous day through West Maui’s Forest Preserve. As the name suggests, you’ll have to cross the Makamaka’ole Stream 13 different times along the walk.
It eventually leads to the incredible Makamaka’ole Falls, which towers over you at 270 feet high. Nothing beats swimming under this waterfall on a warm day!
8. Wai`anapanapa Coastal Trail
Distance: 2.1 Miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Parking Location: Honokalani Beach Parking
Waiʻanapanapa State Park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers in Maui. This 2-mile track goes along the coast and above the famous Black Sand Beach.
It’s important to know that you need a reservation visit the national park. Due to its popularity, you should try and book up to 2 weeks in advance.
9. Acid War Zone Trail
Distance: 1.3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking Location: Wailuku Parking
Many of the Maui hiking trails go along its rocky, rugged coast. This one is particularly interesting because of the colors of rocks and the numerous tide pools you’ll see along the route.
The Acid War Zone Trail ends at the Nakalele Blowhole where you can see ocean water shoot high into the sky!
10. Kapalua Coastal Trail
Distance: 5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking Location: Kapalua Parking Lot
Remember the luxurious hotels of the Wailea Beach Walkway? Well, you can see more of this on Maui’s stunning West Coast.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail not only takes you by the fancy resorts, but you’ll be walking over some wild terrain and in between beautiful beaches. Starting in Kapalua Bay, walk the path to Oneloa Beach where you can have a swim in the waves.
Then take a detour down the Dragon Teeth Trail to see the rock formations, before ending at D.T. Fleming Park.
→ Kapalua Coastal Trail: A Beautiful Beach Walk That’s Fun For All Ages
11. Keonehe’ehe’e Trail
Distance: 17.6 Miles
Difficulty: Advanced
Parking Location: National Park Trailhead
Also known as the Sliding Sands Trail, the epic terrain inside Haleakalā National Park makes up one of the best hikes on Maui Hawaii. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we looked down this pathway through the clouds.
It almost feels like you’re on another planet! If you dare to take on the Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, plan for a full 8+ hour day and a steep hike back up.
You can also opt to just do a smaller section of the trail. Even if you hike for 30 minutes down into the crater and return, it will be a worthwhile experience.
What are some of your favorite hikes on Maui Hawaii? Let us know what we missed in the comments, so we can hit them on our next visit!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
