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 and share the locations, difficulty, and length of each one!
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Maui Travel Inspiration
- Maui Itinerary: How to Experience The Best of Maui in 5 Days!
- 10 Best Beaches in Maui to See on Your First Visit
- 6 Top Things to Know Before Renting a Car on Maui Hawaii
- Planning a Trip to Maui: 10 Step Easy to Follow Travel Guide
- Hawaiian Airlines Review: Is it the Best Airline to Fly to Hawaii?
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 top 10 day hike essentials we always carry!
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 is from Ulua Beach to Polo Beach. Walking this paved pathway and beach hopping will surely make for a fun afternoon in 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.
The Pipiwai Trail will take you through a gorgeous bamboo forest and end at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This hike alone was worth it for the drive on 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 perfect to be included after hiking Pipiwai.
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 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. Due to its popularity, you may need to book a reservation at the State Park 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 seems 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
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where to Stay in Maui Hawaii
For a complete look at the island check out Where to Stay in Maui: 4 Top Areas With Hotel Picks
Ultra Luxury – Four Seasons Resort Maui – Wailea – Known as one of the most elite hotels on Maui, the Four Seasons has three swimming pools, 5-star service, and is just steps from the beach.
Fun Vacation – Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – Wailea – This modern, upscale hotel is packed with swimming pools and ocean views.
Bed & Breakfast –Maui What a Wonderful World Bed & Breakfast – Wailea – Get all the local charm you can handle at this unique bed and breakfast. Awesome location that will provide a homey welcome to the island.
Aparthotel – Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort – Lahaina – Great for travelers looking to have a little more space and a kitchen.
Hostel Life – Hakuna Matata Maui Hostel – Lahaina – Walking distance to the town center, this hostel is set in a beautiful garden. Hakuna Matata also offers free bikes and is close to the beach.
Remote Resort – Hana Maui Resort A Destination by Hyatt – Hana – Located in the far remote part of the island along the road to Hana. Amazing resort by Hyatt offering seclusion and luxury.
For more places to stay in Maui you can explore the latest prices here!
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Hawaii Travel Planning
Best Of Maui: 20 Fun Facts – Must Try Food – 25 Things to Do – Farmers Markets – Road to Hana Stops – Road to Hana Tips
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner. That’s how we got our flight from San Diego to Maui for under $100 USD on Hawaiian Airlines!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: Hands down the best way to explore Maui Hawaii is with a rental car! We used Discover Cars to explore the island. Just make sure to book in advance because there are limited cars on the island in the high season!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find hundreds of Maui activities. You can book a sunset sail from Lahaina, Road to Hana full day tour, or go wild and take a rainforest helicopter tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad (if you’re traveling to Hawaii from outside the USA) without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
