Have to Hikes in Maui
- LaShai H
- Jun 1, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2023
Don't Miss these Hikes on Your Trip to Maui
Hiking is one of my favorite activities. I love waking up early in the morning and starting the day outside in fresh air and foliage. While it can be hard to drag yourself away from the pool or the beach on a vacation to Maui, trust me when I say the hikes are well worth the change of scenery. We sometimes make a day of it by packing lunch so we can really take our time and not be too stressed by complaints of hunger and thirst from the tiny humans. It’s also a great way to explore the island like a local and experience new flowers and plants you won’t find at home. In case you aren’t sure where to start, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Maui hikes below. Be sure to let me know in the comments which is your favorite. For more great Maui activities, check out how to Make the Most of Maui.
A visit to the Haleakalā National Park is a must do on your trip to Maui! You can absolutely spend the entire day there, so pack plenty of snacks and water. The drive up is very windy so be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Reservations are required for sunrise visits but are not required for sunset or night sky viewing. Check the weather before you go. They have trails that are easy walks and some intermediate hikes with a little more vigor.
The Ke’anae Arboretum is less of a hike and more of a nature walk through a botanical garden but it’s my
favorite place to see Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. The walk is easy enough that all ages can do it and there’s a huge variety of plant life so it’s a great learning activity for the kids. It’s also one of the stops on the Road to Hana.
The Nakalele Blowhole can be seen from the top of the road, but it’s absolutely worth the hike down to get a better view. There are a few different trails that navigate down to the blowhole. It erupts every few minutes or so. Once you’ve hiked down to the bottom you can also check out the Heart Shaped Rock which has become an attraction in its own right.
My daughter bamboozled me (pun intended) into this hike on our last trip to Maui. She literally saw cars pulled over on the side of the road and in true explorer spirit asked that we stop to see what the other cars were there for. After parking the car across the street, a little bit away from the trailhead, we safely crossed the road and ventured through what quickly became one of my new favorite places to go in Maui. The bamboo towered over us and carefully navigating through this luscious path was so cool. To make matters even more exciting, we stumbled on a waterfall at the end with a stream shallow enough to take a quick dip in. Water shoes are highly recommended if you do decide to explore this trail.
Fellow planners, hear me out on this one. While I don’t often elect to wander without a sense of where I’m going, Maui is truly the exception to that rule. As I shared with the trail above, sometimes as you’re driving around the island, you’ll see a pack of cars pulled over to the side of the road and that’s when you should let curiosity take over. Hubby and I have found super cool snorkeling spots, new hikes and quiet seemingly untouched beaches. Now if you’re wondering, how will I know how to get back to my car or what if I want to return on a different day- I’ve got a solution to that. Open your google maps or preferred directional app and drop a pin. It will ease your anxiety over being potentially lost and allow you to return.
When you’re planning your trip to Maui and looking through the options for surfing, snorkeling and beaches to explore, make sure you add a few of these hikes in your plans. Check the weather, dress appropriately, and don’t forget your water. Let me know in the comments if your favorite Maui Hike is missing from the list. For more great Maui activities, check out how to Make the Most of Maui and subscribe for more travel tips tricks and helpful advice.
Happy Exploring!
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