Favorite Trails
La Perouse Bay Trails
(South Maui)
Our owner's favorite hike!
Haleakala's last display can be seen on Maui's southeast shore at La Perouse Bay. Scientists estimate that in 1790 Haleakala erupted to form the jagged lava rock coastline. Now there is a monument and ruins of Hawaiian natives who made their home on the sharp a'a lava rock.
Here you can walk through the lava and explore the sea estuaries. This is a favorite place for dolphins and local fishermen. Make sure to take water, wear sunscreen and be prepared for wind.
'Iao Valley State Park
(Central Maui)
While not necessarily a traditional hike' the 'Iao Valley offers a great place to walk around and explore incredible scenery. Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle.
The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor.
The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants. Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history.
Waihee Ridge Trail
(West Maui)
Waihee Ridge Trail, located in northwest Maui, takes you along a journey up the spine of Waihee Valley, and while it can be quite a climb (especially at first--it's REALLY steep), the views are surreal.
If it’s clear of clouds when you reach the top, it's amazing. Even if the clouds do sock you in, it’s a mystic experience to sit there in silence and focus on the energy of Maui.
(photo credit: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons)
Nakalele Point and Blowhole
(West Maui)
This natural spout shoots up to 100 feet in the air—the view from the hilltop is impressive enough, but a hike down a rocky trail will let you get up close and personal. Approaching from the island’s west side is a lot easier than the drive from the east, and you may find the descent down to the geyser challenging. Wear appropriate footwear, as the area can be slippery and dangerous, and time your visit during high tide when the water spouts are at their most impressive. While you’re there, don’t miss checking out the Nakalele Point lighthouse, a short walk away.
Pipiwai Trail
(Hana Highway)
The Pipiwai Trail is located at the Oheo Gulch (7 Sacred Pools), in northeast Maui. This four-mile (round trip) trail takes you through some incredible sights, including a mysterious bamboo forest that’s sure to delight, and concludes at the impressive horseshoe-shaped valley with 400’ Waimoiku Falls cascading down the walls.
Be sure to take your camera or phone. The impressive Waimoku Falls are usually flowing, even when it has been dry on Maui – so it’s always worth the hike.
Wai'anapanapa State Park Trails (Hana Highway)
The black sand beach here garners most of the attention, but the park also features sculpted lava rocks, wind-twisted foliage, a sea arch, lava caves and tubes, and even a blowhole in the lava rocks near the shoreline. The area around the park is also very interesting to hike through. There are a few wet caves and lava tubes with fresh water running through them.
More hiking is available to the southeast via the Wai'anapanapa Coastal Trail, where you could technically hike all the way to Hana town.
(photo: Ekrem Canli, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)