Maui may be known for its beaches, but heading inland reveals another side of the island. From relaxed coastal walks to trails that climb through lush mountains and volcanic landscapes, hiking Maui offers you the chance to experience scenery that cannot be seen from the road.
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to explore the island on foot. There are several beginner-friendly Maui hiking trails, along with more challenging routes for hikers seeking a challenge. Here are four hiking trails in Maui to consider, ranging from easy walks to an adventure through the volcanic landscape of Haleakala National Park.
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Kapalua Coastal Trail
If you’d like to ease into hiking, start with the Kapalua Coastal Trail in West Maui. The trail follows Maui’s northwestern shoreline, passing beaches, lava-rock formations, and ocean overlooks. Its surfaces range from paved walkways and wooden boardwalks to sand and rocky areas, so it feels more adventurous than your typical sidewalk stroll.
This is a particularly good option for families and beginners because there is very little climbing. You can also turn around before completing the entire route if you’re looking for a shorter outing.
Trail Details
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation gain: 167 feet
Fee: Access to the coastal trail itself is free, although parking costs can depend on where you park.
Hosmer Grove Loop Trail
For a completely different setting, head to Hosmer Grove inside Haleakala National Park. The short loop passes through a high-elevation forest before entering native Hawaiian shrubland. The area is also known for birdwatching, including opportunities to spot native Hawaiian honeycreepers.
Trail Details
Difficulty: Easy/beginner-friendly
Length: 0.5-mile loop
Elevation gain: 91 feet
Fee: Standard fee is $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person entering without a vehicle. The standard pass is valid for three days.
Waiheʻe Ridge Trail
Ready to trade the easy trails for a bigger climb? Waiheʻe Ridge Trail travels through the West Maui Forest Reserve, climbing toward a ridgeline overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys. You should prepare for a substantial uphill trek and potentially wet, muddy conditions.
Trail Details
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: About 5 miles, round trip
Elevation gain: About 1,563 feet
Important: There is no drinking water on the trail, and hikers should check current trail conditions before heading out.
Sliding Sands Trail
If you’re an experienced hiker, you will want to conquer one of Maui’s most distinctive landscapes on the Sliding Sands Trail, also called the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, inside Haleakala National Park. Beginning near the summit, the trail descends through the colorful volcanic terrain of the Haleakala crater.
The unusual challenge is that the easy-feeling descent comes first. You must save enough energy for the much harder climb back out at high elevation. Conditions near the summit can also be cold, windy, and intensely sunny.
Trail Details
Difficulty: Challenging/strenuous
Length: Up to 13 miles, round trip
Elevation gain: About 3,000 feet
Fee: Haleakala National Park entrance fee required. A separate $1 vehicle reservation is required for entry to the Summit District between 3 and 7 a.m.
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After a day on the trails, relaxing in a comfortable place is the perfect ending to your Maui activities. Want to keep outdoor adventure close to home? Consider staying in one of the Kapalua Ridge Villas. These rentals put you near the Kapalua Coastal Trail and other outdoor attractions, making it easy to pair a morning hike with an afternoon at the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any beginner-friendly hikes in Maui?
Yes! Kapalua Coastal Trail is an especially approachable choice, with an easy rating, minimal elevation gain, and coastal scenery. Hosmer Grove Loop is another beginner-friendly option if you want a short hike within Haleakala National Park.
What should I bring when hiking in Maui?
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and lightweight rain gear. Maui’s hiking environments vary considerably, from exposed coastal paths to wet mountain trails and the cool, high-elevation conditions of Haleakala National Park, so prepare for changing weather and trail conditions.