Are you jetting off on a tropical vacation in Maui soon? Whether you’ve been here before or this is your first time on the island, there are always new and exciting activities to explore during your time here. If you’re looking for fun ways to stay active on your trip, you should explore the incredible hiking trails in Maui!
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to head out on these Maui trails. Many of the spots are easy to navigate with little elevation gain, so the whole family can come along to see gorgeous views like local waterfalls. There are also a few difficult hikes thrown in for those looking for a real challenge.
Let’s learn more about hiking in Maui and explore the top trails in the area!
Is There Good Hiking in Maui?
While your first thought might be of sunshiny days and sandy shorelines, there are several great places to hike in Maui! Folks love coming to the island to have a digital detox and get out into nature for a bit.
Can I See Waterfalls in Maui?
You certainly can! Many trails in Maui feature unbelievable waterfalls. Some of these falls lie along hiking trails, while others, like Hanawi Falls, can be photographed from one of the pull-off points on the road to Hana. 3 Bears Maui is another breathtaking waterfall you can see without hiking too far if that’s a concern for you!
Our Picks for the Best Hiking Trails in Maui:
Waihee Ridge Trail
- Length: Roughly 5 Miles Round Trip (2.5 out and back)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Highlights: Views of Waihee Valley and the ocean
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui
This is a nice, mid-distance hike for your Maui vacation. You’ll see spectacular views like the lush rainforest valley, Makamakaole Falls in the distance, and the Haleakala side of Maui.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
- Length: 1.76 miles one way (3.5 miles out and back)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Ocean views, beach access, lava rock formations
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui
One of the most famous trails in Maui! This isn’t a remote trail; you’re near several amenities. We’d classify it as a walking path. Parts are paved, while the unpaved parts run through boardwalks, lava rocks, and sand.
Pipiwai Trail
- Length: 4 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Bamboo forest, banyan tree, Waimoku Falls (400 feet!)
- Waterfalls: Yes!
- Location: East Maui (Haleakalā National Park, Kipahulu)
A bamboo forest, waterfalls, and a stream running alongside the trail combine to make this one of our personal favorite hiking trails in Maui. There are several waterfalls throughout the journey, and you may have to cross the stream in two places to see the lovely Waimoku Falls towards the end of your hike (if you so choose). Wear suitable shoes for hiking, and always proceed with utmost caution near waterfalls!
Iao Tableland Trail Iao Valley
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Valley views, Iao Needle
- Waterfalls: No (but streams present)
- Location: Central Maui (Iao Valley State Park)
The Iao Valley Needle is another iconic Maui landmark. This Tableland Trail hike is the perfect opportunity to see it! There are also some swimming holes alongside the streams on this trail if you want to go for a quick swim during your hike.
Honolua Bay Access Trail
- Length: ~0.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Access to Honolua Bay, snorkeling spot
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui
This is great for a short, easy walk! Walk through a shaded forest leading to the popular Honolua Bay to do some snorkeling.
Lahaina Pali Trail
- Length: 5 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Wind turbines, coastal and island views
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: West Maui (between Maʻalaea and Ukumehame)
This is a difficult trail with lots of rocks and strong winds. If you're here on family vacation, it’s not a trail to take the kiddos on. If you can tough it out, though, it’s totally worth it for the outstanding views.
Dragon’s Teeth Access Trail
- Length: 0.7 miles (out-and-back)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Lava rock formations resembling dragon’s teeth
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui (Kapalua)
The rock formation here looks just like Dragon’s Teeth (hence its name)! There’s free parking at the trailhead here, and it’s a family-friendly hike, so you can take everybody along. Your kids will love watching the waves crash against the “dragon’s teeth”!
Mahana Ridge Trail
- Length: 10.5 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Gradual climb to Maunalei Arboretum, changing landscapes
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui (Kapalua)
If you’re looking for a long hike to test your stamina, this is it! You’ll see several iconic spots in Maui along the way, like the Maunalei Arboretum. Parts of this trail are paved, while others are dirt paths that take you into nature for a bit!
Waihou Spring Trail
- Length: Roughly 2 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Pine forest, small caves, seasonal waterfall
- Waterfalls: Seasonal (flows after rain)
- Location: Upcountry Maui (Makawao)
Very pleasant trail! There’s an overhanging lava-rock wall over Waihou Spring itself and plenty of gorgeous trees that make it a beautiful place to visit any time of year. It’s quite a sight when the spring is flowing, too!
Acid War Zone & Nakalele Blowhole Trail
- Length: 1.3 miles (out-and-back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Nakalele Blowhole, rough volcanic terrain
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui (Nakalele Point)
The Nakalele Blowhole is an iconic Maui landmark. This is the perfect hike to see it!
Inside Haleakalā National Park: Sliding Sands
- Length: 11 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Volcanic crater, unique high-altitude terrain
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Upcountry Maui (Haleakalā National Park)
Haleakalā National Parkis another must-see spot when discussing nature in Maui. Sliding Sands features natural formations you might not see on these other Maui hikes, like the volcanic pit Kawilinau.
Olivine Pools Trail
- Length: 0.4 miles (out-and-back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Natural lava pools, unpredictable waves
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui
Though this is a short trail, we do not recommend traversing it with kids—it can be pretty rocky, and the waves are unpredictable! Check conditions before you head out, and wear proper footwear. The waves are worth it for the stunning views!
Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail
- Length: 3.2 miles (out-and-back)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Beach views, luxury resorts, paved path
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: South Maui (Wailea)
This paved walkway along the shoreline is popular for jogging and sunset walks. Enjoy the views without getting your feet wet!
‘Ohai Trail
- Length: 1.2 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Coastal views, wildflowers, whale watching (seasonal)
- Waterfalls: No
- Location: Northwest Maui
Another nice, easy hike for the whole family! Catch a glimpse of Maui wildflowers, and see if you can spot some whales during whale-watching season!
Book Your Stay in Maui Directly with Maui Condo!
Now that you know all the best hiking spots in Maui, it’s time to book your trip! There are so many adventures awaiting you once you get here.
When thinking about where to book accommodations for your trip, look no further than Maui Condo. With more than four decades of experience under our belt, it’s safe to say that we know what we’re doing when it comes to Maui vacation rentals. Whether you’re dead set on staying in an oceanfront rental or you want to explore the terrain near our West Maui rentals, there’s something for everybody in our extensive rental catalog!
Booking directly with a local company lets you avoid the hidden fees and stress that come with third-party companies like Airbnb and VRBO. Trust us with your next trip to Maui! Browse our available Maui vacation rentals today and book your trip directly with Maui Condo.