World-class beaches and jaw-dropping snorkeling spots are not the only things that give Maui its true spirit. Lying within this massive footprint of nearly 1900 square kilometers is a series of legendary freshwater caves and unrivaled views that you can only reach on a hike.
Here are the nine most beautiful and best Maui hikes to take your breath away. Marvel at the prehistoric-looking ferns, chase the sacred pools or watch the changing light of the eroded crater, you name it.
1. Hosmer Grove Loop Trail
In the 1800s, Hawaiian sandalwood harvesting and ranching were in full swing. Ralph Hosmer, a farmer and researcher named this area after himself. Today, the well-visited trail is declared part of the Haleakala National Park. Roughly 1.6 kilometers down the hike from the trailhead, you’ll spot a huge concentration of Hawaiian sandalwoods on the right. Even some of the sandalwood pits where the trunks of the trees were stored still remain.
The thick vegetation of Hosmer Grove Loop also plays host to cedar, spruce, pine, and eucalyptus, making this intermediate route a lot more charming to take on for all levels of hikers. With 23 meters of elevation gain and just over half a kilometer to complete, Hosmer Grove Loop also beckons bird watchers and campers to spend their long weekends.
The trail is accessible year-round but the terrain can be a bit rough with lots of roots taking up the dirt path, especially after a storm. The short trail features a small ravine where native birds call it home, so be prepared to have some red and green honeycreepers perking up to say hello along the way.
2. Sliding Sands Trail
Undoubtedly Hawaii’s coolest trail to take a breather, the Sliding Sand trail, locally known as Keonehe’ehe’e trail, marks the entrance into Hawaii’s giant Haleakalā crater.
The out-and-back trail runs eight kilometers, with an impressive elevation gain of 864 meters.
Find it challenging? No doubt! The Sliding Sands trail is not for the faint of heart but the local view seekers already know what’s in store for them once they set foot near the summit of Haleakalā volcano to tackle the hike.
Be prepared to have your jaw dropped at the epic blanket of colors and changing light of the eroded crater. The hike begins at the top of the mountain and descends gradually, with a few ups and downs in between. At the end of the day, it’s just another moderately strenuous hike if you work out.
Wondering what to bring on the hike? Really good hiking boots, sunscreen, and a jacket to beat the wind once you reach the top! Sliding Sands is not for greenery lovers but it’s a unique experience with all the old lava floors and sunlight reflection creating an otherworldly place.
3. Kapalua Coastal Trail
From the dense forests to a volcano and now a coastal hike, Maui is no short of beautiful trails to take your breath away. And one of the best hikes in Maui you should not overlook is the Kapalua Coastal Trail. From the south end of Kapalua Bay, walk northeast for nearly three kilometers and end up at D.T. Fleming Park. That’s where the coastal hike ends.
Since this trail runs along some of the most stunning stretches of Maui, don’t expect a serene getaway here. A majority of the hike is peppered with world-class resorts and luxurious condos with lots of happenings and beachgoers joining for the fun.
On the flip side, you’re guaranteed awe-inspiring views of a protected cove, powerful waves crashing into lava rocks, and scenic wooden walkways. Basically, you have all types of landscapes coming into one place.
4. Twin Falls Trail
The overgrowing popularity with tourists doesn’t hide away the beauty of Maui’s Twin Falls. A short trail with very little elevation gain attracts locals and visitors of all fitness levels. The gorgeous waterfalls hide at the end of the trail (which is more like a graveled path than a proper trail).
Each waterfall is accompanied by its own swimming hole with opportunities for cliff jumping. Less than a kilometer into the trail, you’ll find a split. One is a main trail while the other one is a side trail. Both ways eventually lead to the falls, with a masonry weir and stream following along. One of the waterfalls overlooks a hidden viewpoint which is connected to the steep side trail. You must take it slow and carefully move around the slippery rocks, cross a creek, and move under overgrown trees to get into the water. Overall, you don’t need over two hours to complete.
To locate the trailhead, look for a food stand where the head is right on the side. The vendor offers tasty local snacks and fruit juices to help you recharge before the workout.
5. Waihee Ridge Trail
Great things take time, and it goes the same way with the Waihee Ridge trail. Waihee Ridge is nowhere close to an easy hike but the summit view is second to none.
The Waihee Ridge is west of the Maui Mountains. The hike soars to a whopping height of 460 meters, blanketed with thick vegetation where guava, ohia, and ferns perk up all over the place. Somewhere behind the trees, apapane, Hawaii amakihi, and iiwi birds sneak out to say hello.
From the very first section of the trail until you go past the cement road, the steep incline seems to wear you down. Don’t be discouraged and keep going until the incline comes to an end where you see the Makamakaole Falls on your right. From there, the trail gets better as you finally catch your breath and disappear into the forest.
To complete the whole loop, be prepared to finish eight kilometers. The best thing about this hike is soaking up the grand vista at the summit, where a sea of floating clouds looks out over the dense jungle. If you wish to catch the crisp air when the sky steers clear of clouds, start early.
6. Waihou Springs Trail
Waihou Spring is truly a slice of paradise with an otherworldly feel at every single step. This three-kilometer out-and-back forested trail is overlaid with a dense concentration of pine trees, rugged boulders, and a hidden waterfall at the end of the trail. Waihou Spring Trail is nowhere close to a long, tiring trail, but an hour of conquering steep climbs and switchbacks makes it a moderately challenging walk to handle.
Waihou Spring trail is part of the Na Ala Hele state trail system. Once you finish the loop around the upper section, that’s where a viewpoint is exposed to bring you closer to the majestic landscape of small lava tubes and waterfalls. Along the way, native flora species such as alaa, halapepe, and koa are waiting to be explored.
Watch your steps when you descend to the Waihou Spring Falls as it’s getting steeper with fallen trees getting in the way. The falls doesn’t produce that much water but it’s rather murmuring down the rough rock formation to create a pleasant enchanting look.
7. Pīpīwai Trail
Pīpīwai is one of our favorite trails in Maui. A never-before-seen string of seven tiny pools hides in the shade of tropical old-growth trees. They are known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Once you get deeper into the core of the jungle, the dramatic pools disappear, making way for an utmost ‘zen’ space for you to forest bathe amidst the bamboo trees. Keep walking past the bamboo forest and that’s where a slender 122-meter fall is nestled.
Pīpīwai is not a tough hike. The steepest section is all set within the first kilometer. Go past this section and the trail is well-marked with boardwalks and stoned steps. The first series of thundering waterfalls also accumulate at this point.
Throughout the hike, you’ll encounter a great transformation of scenery. From the cascading verdant falls and huge banyan trees to a towering bamboo grove and even wild pigs, you name it. Even though the trail is marked easy, don’t bother with flip-flops if you don’t want to be defeated by narrow hairpin turns and muddy roads.
8. Nakalele Blowhole Trail
Wanna hike an acid war zone? Well, you’re hearing it right! As the name suggests, the trail sits on Nakalele Point at the northeastern tip of Maui where the blowhole goes ‘kaboom’ whenever the waves crash in. The hole is less than one meter in diameter, tucked beneath a lava shelf above a subterranean ocean cave.
You definitely don’t wanna get too close to the hole as it can be extremely dangerous but there should be plenty of rocks nearby to sit on and see the water cyclones shooting up.
Now you know what’s in store for you, let’s get back to see what the hike is like! Since you’ll walk on ocean-sculpted rocks, it’s not downright easy but not too long either. The whole out-and-back trail is no more than two kilometers and the elevation gain is only 94 meters.
Be extremely careful with your steps. The outcrop is constantly exposed to intense winds so make sure you won’t fall into the violent underwater smashing. The trailhead is made of large boulders but it’s soon slit by a short well-cared trail with a warning sign. From there, you continue to see a series of crumbled rock channels, lava cliffs, an extensive lava bench, small caves, and wild sculptures. Stay away from the lava bench as much as you can and don’t dare to come to the blowhole.
9. The Kings Gardens Maui
Kings Garden is a private property. To take on this forested hike, you need to sign up for a guided tour. The trailhead begins near the start of the stunning coastal Road to Hana (Hana Highway) east of Maui, and this easy hike only needs two hours to complete.
Get lost in the majesty of an ancient Hawaiian Rainforest where all the scents and sounds become one. Walk and learn at the same time. Look up at the towering tropical hardwoods, or feel the ferns. You’ll have a chance to discover as many plant species as you can. Even better, take a sneak peek into archaeologically significant sites like a cave where the native Hawaiian lizard deity settles.
The hike is not challenging at all and even kids can tackle it. All you need to prepare are really good boots and bug sprays. After all the learning, cap it off with some sweet treats at the chocolate demo and tasting house.
No exercise is complete without a good recharge of calories, but make sure your palate is happy too. Stop by these 13 best Maui restaurants to explore the locals’ best-kept secret!