December 8, 2022

Breathtaking Hiking Trails in Maui

Whether you’re a veteran backcountry explorer or prefer leisurely ambles when the mood strikes, the island of Maui promises an incredible array of hiking opportunities. Lush rainforest, exotic flora, diverse landscapes, and volcanic formations await beginners and expert trailblazers alike.

The following is a roundup of Maui’s most stunning hiking trails.

Pipiwai Trail

The Pipiwai trail in Haleakalā National Park is nothing short of cinematic. Spanning four miles, this trek is great for families, takes roughly two hours, and covers some seriously jaw-dropping terrain, including an ethereal bamboo forest. The trail is perfect for intermediate-level hikers, and concludes with a front-row seat to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Try to head out early in the morning, before local day trippers crowd the trail. Tip: don’t take the Pipiwai trail if bad weather is forecasted, since flash floods can be dangerous.

Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

For panoramic views in the rugged West Maui Mountains, this trail can’t be beat. The Waiheʻe Ridge Trail head kicks off at 1,000 feet in elevation and continues a steady climb to the summit of Lanilili Peak. Hiking the ridgeline over undeveloped pastures and forests, stands of fragrant eucalyptus and guava, adventurers are treated to magnificent views of the ocean, Makamakaʻole Falls, Kahakuloa slopes, and Mount Eke. It’s a moderately strenuous 5-mile hike (roundtrip), but the views and scenery are definitely worth it.

Sliding Sands Trail

The Keoneheʻeheʻe, or Sliding Sands Trail is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and moon-like craters. The sand inside Haleakala’s barren caldera is vibrant in color, ranging from orange and scarlet red to brown. Hikers will see Haleakala silverswords, a very rare and threatened species of plant found nowhere else on the planet. The silverswords are famous for their spectacular flowering stalks and can live upwards of 80 years. The entire trail is more than 17 miles, with shorter options available. It is steep and descends 2,800 feet within the first few miles. For your safety, this hike should not be undertaken without advance planning and preparation.

Twin Falls Trail

The Twin Falls trail is found on the North Shore along the Road to Hana, at miler marker number 2.1. It’s a beautiful, kid-friendly trek that crosses through luxuriant jungle to a picture-perfect waterfall oasis, where one can swim in the refreshing pools below and sit in the cave behind the falls. The trail is easily accessible, less than 2-miles long, and is generally underrated by guidebooks. Wear a swimsuit and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet, and be aware that this trail gets muddy after the rains. Water shoes are often better than sneakers.

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