Here Are Some of the Most Beautiful Hiking Trails on Maui

From sprawling Upcountry farmland to the tropical Hana Coast, Maui’s natural beauty is best explored on foot. Hiking gives visitors the chance to discover the island’s rugged backcountry, complete with secret waterfalls, wilderness trails, and quiet, meditative settings. Feel free to go it alone or sign up for a tour with an experienced guide. They’ll take you to remote destinations you may not be able to find on your own! Read on to discover our favorite hiking trails on Maui. Then, access our free Travel Guide for helpful trip planning tips!

Get the Guide Now

3 Incredible Hiking Trails on Maui

Maui offers a wide range of routes for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Plus, when you stay at The Historic Wailuku Inn, you’ll have easy access to the best trails! Start the day with a delicious, homemade breakfast at our inn, then head out for the journey of a lifetime. Below are just a few of our recommended hikes.

1. Twin Falls

Visitors driving the famous Road to Hana will find this hike at Mile Marker #2, just past Paia. Twin Falls is a great place to park the car, pick up snacks (there’s a farm stand selling coconut water, banana bread, and smoothies at the entrance), and stretch your legs. The hike is easy and beautiful, and the gravel path is well-maintained. There are several falls accessible along the trail. Listen for waterfalls as you explore!

2. Iao Valley State Park

Did you know that Iao Valley State Park is only three miles from our inn? This National Natural Landmark is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Here, you can discover amazing flora and fauna along a paved, 0.6-mile trail. It’s a gentle yet challenging climb to the top of the lookout, but the 360-degree view is worth it.

Tip: Bring a raincoat! The Iao Valley is the second wettest place in Hawaii, and the summit receives over an inch of rain per day. Packing rain gear is always a good idea.

3. Seven Sacred Pools & The Pipiwai Trail

Seven Sacred Pools, also known as the ‘Ohe’o Gulch, is another excellent place to hike. This area is accessible via the Road to Hana and features more than a dozen terraced waterfalls. Purchase a $10 pass to Haleakala National Park and spend a day admiring the pools and lagoons that dot the Jurassic Park-esque landscape.

While you’re here, be sure to hike the Pipiwai Trail. The 3.6-mile trek is considered the best hike on Maui and features a bamboo forest, a giant Banyan tree, and the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Read our blog to learn more about the incredible Pipiwai Trail.

Top Hiking Tours on Maui

We know that exploring solo can be intimidating. Luckily, there are plenty of hiking tours available on the island! Check out some of our suggestions below and make your reservations in advance. Maui’s knowledgeable guides ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone in your group.

Haleakala Crater Hike

A trip to Haleakala Volcano is usually on people’s Maui must-do list. Most plan to watch the sunrise from the summit, but did you know that you can also hike the crater? On a guided tour with Hike Maui, you’ll explore two very different environments high up on this dormant volcano. Enjoy a two-mile hike at 10,000 feet where huge cinder cones dominate the scenery, then take another hike at 8,000 feet on a lava trail lined with rare plant species. Don’t forget to bring your camera — the views stretch for miles in all directions!

West Maui Waterfall Hike

The West Maui Mountains are actually a single extinct volcano, sculpted by more than a million years of wind and water. A narrow valley winds its way into the heart of the mountain with a river charting its course. If you want to experience the beauty of West Maui firsthand, sign up for a waterfall hike with Maui Hiking Safaris. This moderate, half-day excursion takes you through dense bamboo forests and ascends from 700 to 1,200 feet. The ultimate reward? A plunge into a cool, freshwater pool under a cascading waterfall!

Sacred and Cultural Sites

Explore the sacred side of East Maui with Maui Paradise Tours. Their guides take you beyond the tourist hotspots to locations that are culturally and spiritually significant. You’ll discover some of the island’s most historic landmarks, including a Hawaiian farming village, world-famous North Shore beaches, quaint towns, and more. The company even has access to a Heiau, a sacred Hawaiian temple that’s the largest of its kind in the world. Be sure to ask your tour guide about it!

Jungle Treasure Hunt Hiking Tour

If you’re traveling with kids, sign up for the Treasure Hunt Hike with Stardust Hawaii. Guests can enjoy a multitude of activities during the tour, including hiking deep in the forest, swimming in a lagoon, and searching for treasure. You’ll also visit well-known parks and reserves like Maui Valley. With so much to do and see, your family is sure to make unforgettable memories!

What to Bring

Whether you’re hiking on your own or with a guide, it’s important to pack the right gear. Hiking shoes, water shoes, and sandals (if you plan to swim) are ideal, as your shoes may get dirty and/or wet. Shorts and a T-shirt will keep you comfortable on a hot day, and you may want to bring a swimsuit and towel. Of course, sunscreen, a camera, and your phone are must-haves for any day hike. Consult our Maui packing list for additional ideas.

End Your Adventure at The Historic Wailuku Inn

The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono is the best place to unwind after a rugged hike. Our inn sits on a quiet, tree-lined street and has everything you need for the perfect Hawaiian vacation. Book one of our Garden Rooms and relax on your own private lanai, or stay in the historic Vagabond’s House and enjoy some peace and privacy. Each accommodation comes with upscale amenities like Aveda personal care products, fine cotton bed linens, cable TV, and more.

Check our availability and book your island adventure today!

To find out what else the Valley Isle has to offer, access our handy Travel Guide.