Maui is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. Whether you’re in sunny Lahaina, in the jungle on the road to Hana or cooling down in the crisp, clean air on top of Haleakala, Maui’s resident volcano. There are many hikes that allow you to fully experience the beauty that nature is capable of. We have put together a list of 7 Hikes on Maui You Shouldn’t Miss. Want to see waterfalls? Or towering Redwood trees? Hidden pools in the rainforest? These places will immerse you in the beauty of Maui.
Honolua Bay
Starting out short and sweet, this is less of a hike and more of a walk in the woods. On Maui’s western coast, Honolua Bay offers some of the island’s most pristine snorkeling. Here, you’ll find some of Maui’s most vibrant color and marine life. Cross your fingers and maybe you’ll see a Hawaiian Sea Turtle. They’re pretty active here too, so you’ll probably see them without crossing your fingers.
To get to the bay from the road, you’ll do a short hike through a wooded area. While walking through here, you’ll get the feeling of getting lost somewhere without actually getting lost. This hike is short and sweet, but showcases that the beauty of Maui can be found just about anywhere on the island and many of the places you don’t have to hike five miles to find it.
Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is another easy hike that showcases West Maui’s beauty. The blowhole can launch a spout as high as sixty feet in the air, depending on the day. Hiking down to the blowhole isn’t especially treacherous, but you should take your time and pay attention not to kick rocks, as there are likely people down below on their way back from the hike.
13 Crossings (Makamakaole)
13 Crossings (also known as Makamakaole) is a hike that is on the northern side of Maui’s west loop. The quickest way to get to this is by driving from the center of the island, but it is also a great place to check out after driving Maui’s western loop, starting from Kaanapali and going north.
13 Crossings is a hike that puts you into the lush, green rainforest where you cross the Makamakaole stream thirteen times, hence 13 Crossings. On this hike, you’re likely to get wet and a little dirty, so don’t expect to come out of this hike clean. It also isn’t maintained as an official hike by the state or county. You’ll be parking on the side of the road when you start this hike (also, don’t forget these tips when hiking on Maui).
Map
Links
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/hawaii/makamakaole-stream-13-crossings
http://www.alohafrom808.com/2013/12/lower-makamakaole-stream-west-maui/
http://www.alohafrom808.com/2013/12/upper-makamakaole-stream-west-maui/
http://kenjisaito.com/13-crossings-makamakaole-trail/
Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu)
One of the prettiest beaches you’ll find on Maui (and probably anywhere), the Red Sand Beach is a cove hidden off of the beaten track. This beach alone makes the drive to Hana worth the time and you’ll be happy you added this place to your Maui list.
Kapalua
Waihee Ridge Trail
One of Maui’s greatest hikes, the Waihee Ridge Trail shows majestic views of the northern faces of the West Maui Mountains, bringing along the ridge of a portion of the West Maui mountains. The trail isn’t the easiest hike you’ll find on Maui, so come prepared. You’ll be hiking mostly on an incline for two miles, but the return trip is a nice easy downhill stroll. Trekking poles really come in handy on this hike.
Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail will take you through Hana’s bamboo forest, neighboring Oheo Gulch, to the 200-ft Waimoku Falls.
Sliding Sands to Switchbacks
The longest hike on this list, the Sliding Sands to Switchbacks trail takes you through the crater of Maui’s dormant volcano, Haleakala.
