I’m always looking for easy hikes on Maui because let’s be honest, I’m not a hardcore outdoorsy person. Give me a more casual hike and I’m all for taking in the scenery, but anytime I do a hike with even the littlest of effort I’m like, “Do I really like this?” 😂
If you’re like me and prefer more of a pretty walk than a hike, I’ve got the best easy hikes on Maui for you. I go to Maui every year and am constantly scouring for new places to explore that give great views without breaking a sweat.
So here are my top 15 easy Maui hikes. Get ready to be blown away by the Hawaiian landscape!
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Easy Hikes on Maui
Here are my favorite easy hikes on Maui, in descending order. I’ll add more as I discover them, so pin this for later!
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Hoapili Trail
website | get directions | area: Wailea | distance: ~35 miles one way | elevation gain: ~104 feet
This is probably my favorite easy hike on Maui. It’s located near the south tip of Maui in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.
You’ll find a trail weaving along rocky black and red terrain made by lava during one of Maui’s last eruptions in 1790. It follows the path of the King’s Trail (Ala Loa) built by King Pi’ilani back in the day, but it was modernized in 1824 by Governor Hoapili.
The trail continues for nearly 10 miles, but most people take it a few miles and turn back. You can access the trailhead parking lot by taking Makena Road all the way south to where it becomes gravel.
While some sites rate this as a moderately challenging hike, I’d say it’s quite easy compared to other hikes. What makes it not as easy is the craggy rocks, but there’s barely any elevation gain. If you wear hiking shoes, you’ll be fine.
Within a mile of the parking lot the trail will meander into a forest full of kiawe trees and feral goats. However, the majority of the hike is free of shade so make sure to have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
On your hike you’ll pass various little beaches and May’s Trumpets, a formation in the rocks that makes for a big gush of water from the waves. If you have your bathing suit on you can take a dip, but be mindful of coral and avoid the rocks.
Pro tip:
A little bit before the parking lot for Hoapili Trail is Kanahena Cove (also called Ahihi Cove by locals). Park in the parking lot just past the cove and walk to this small cove for some of the best snorkeling in Maui. It can get rougher in the afternoons, so go in the morning when the waters are calmer.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
website | get directions | area: Hana | distance: ~4.5 miles roundtrip | elevation gain: ~144 feet
I obviously have a thing for lava because this is my second favorite easy Maui hike. It’s along the Road to Hana and makes for an excellent stop to stretch your legs.
The main hiking trail is called Ke Ala Loa O Maui / Piilani Trail. It takes you past the famous Black Sand Beach, where you’ll likely see throngs of tourists snapping pictures along the shore and the little cave to the right of the beach.
Don’t be discouraged. The crowds really thin out once you start embarking on the trail that weaves along the coast. It’ll take you along uneven terrain through gorgeous trees with vibrant green foliage that starkly contrasts the black lava rock.
My niece doesn’t really like hiking, but she said she likes this kind of hiking when we did this trail, so get ready for breathtaking photo opps.
Pro tip:
Reservations are required to visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Tourists can expect to pay $10 in parking and $5 per person to enter.
Pīpīwai Stream Trail (Bamboo Forest)
website | get directions | area: Hana | distance: ~3.4 miles roundtrip | elevation gain: ~1,000 feet
If you heard that one of the best easy hikes on Maui is the bamboo forest hike, this is it. The Pīpīwai Stream Trail is accessed via the Kīpahulu Visitor Center on the Road to Hana. Most people don’t realize it’s actually located at the southernmost edge of Haleakalā National Park, which means a state park fee of $30 is required.
The trail crosses the highway and begins through overgrown forest. You’ll pass an impressive banyan tree that makes for excellent photos (don’t climb it) before seeing the stunning Waimoku Falls in the distance.
A couple miles in you’ll start hearing a stream. The bamboo forest follows the stream and covers the trail from either side, making you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to Japan.
Pro tips:
The popular Seven Sacred Pools (‘Ohe’o Gulch) is accessed via the Kīpahulu Visitor Center as well. It’s about a 0.6 mile loop trail that brings you to pretty waterfalls.
One of the special things about Road to Hana is all the fruit stands. My favorite is a few miles before the Kīpahulu Visitor Center called Laulima Farms. They have the most epic fruit selection and make a ton of home goods from their farm ingredients, such as salves, cleaning products, and more.
Grab some fresh coconut, coffee, and a fruit platter and take it to their back garden before or after your hike. They have a little nook surrounded by bamboo that makes for a magical setting.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
website | get directions | area: Lahaina | distance: ~2.5 miles out and back | elevation gain: ~250 feet
The Kapalua Beach Trail connects Kapalua Beach and Fleming Beach. Kapalua Bay is one of my favorite spots for snorkeling, so hopefully you’ll be in the area on a quest to see some oceanic wildlife.
This trail is mostly flat on a trail with a few areas that have you walking over rock along the shore. It’s a popular running and walking trail, so chances are it’ll be crowded. Visit during the off times to explore with less people.
Dragon’s Teeth
get directions | area: Lahaina | distance: ~0.2 miles one way | elevation gain: ~157 feet
A lot of people think that the Dragon’s Teeth trail is a part of the Kapalua Coastal Trail, but it’s not. To be honest, I’m one of those people who got confused at first.
The trails are close to each other so adding Dragon’s Teeth to your hike is worth it. The coast along the trail was formed when lava rushed into the see, resulting in an interesting spiky formation that looks like dragon’s teeth. While this is a short hike, the terrain is rocky so wear proper shoes.
The trail takes you to Makaluapuna Point for a grand view of the ocean. On the way you’ll pass a golf course and the sacred Honokahua Burial Site separated by a hedge. Be respectful and don’t go in there.
Pro tip:
You can technically keep going to Kapalua Labyrinth a short distance from Makaluapuna Point, but this too is a sacred place for Native Hawaiians so avoid it.
Haleakalā National Park
website | get directions | area: Kula | distance: various options | elevation gain: varies
Haleakalā National Park is home to a dormant volcano that looms over 10,000 feet above sea level. The word Haleakalā means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian. The legend is that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from the volcano’s summit to slow its descent and make the days last longer.
The name is fitting because it’s a super popular spot to see sunrise. In fact, it draws so many people each year that reservations are required months in advance.
I think the national park is worth visiting any time of day, particularly at the summit. The red rocks make for a martian-like landscape that is absolutely breathtaking.
You have a lot of options for taking in the views. One option is to just walk around the Haleakalā Observatory or Haleakalā Visitors Center. Another option is taking one of the many hiking trails in the park.
Sliding Sands Trail (also known as Keoneheʻeheʻe) is probably the most popular trail leaving from the visitors center, but it’s considered challenging because of the route’s ~11.5 miles and ~2,800 elevation gain. If you decide to embark on it though, you’ll see colorful rock formations, the crater floor, and more.
Pa Ka’oao Trail is one of the best easy hikes on Maui leaving from the visitors center. It’s a short ~0.5 mile, 108-foot elevation trail that offers unbeatable views of almost the whole west side of the island on a sunny day.
Nakalele Blowhole
website | get directions | area: Wailuku | distance: ~1.2 miles roundtrip | elevation gain: ~275 feet
I love driving the rugged northeast coast of Maui. Besides being a great excuse to visit Julia’s Best Banana Bread, the winding highway has a bunch of scenic viewpoints and short hikes.
Nakalele Blowhole is one of those destinations. The trailhead isn’t super well marked, but you’ll see a small parking lot right along the highway where Google Maps says the destination is. You take a relatively steep hike/scramble down some rocks to the blowhole, but it’s fairly easy thanks to the short distance.
The blowhole is exactly what it sounds like: water shoots up like a whale’s blowhole thanks to the way the waves crash against the unique rock formations. The rocks will be wet, so be careful of your footing and camera.
You can also access Nakalele Blowhole via the Acid War Zone Trail. This ~1.3-mile hike goes through barren and rocky terrain that aptly looks like its been eaten away by acid.
‘Ohai Trail
website | get directions | area: Wailuku | distance: ~1.2 roundtrip | elevation gain: ~177 feet
‘Ohai Trail is another easy Maui hike along the northwest coast of Maui. Since it’s near Nakalele Blowhole and the Acid War Zone trail, you can easily tack on this hike while exploring the coast.
This hike is a gentle loop that meanders along the coast. At some points you feel like you’re in a meadow surrounded by grass waving in the breeze. Other times you’re smacked over the head with incredible coastal views. The variety makes this a nice way to stretch your legs without working up too much of a sweat.
Pro tip:
Head to the left at the trailhead for a short detour to a lookout over the ocean.
Iao Needle Lookout Trail
website | get directions | area: Wailuku | distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip | elevation gain: 200 feet
This trail takes you to the Iao Needle, a looming, lush green rock formation surrounded by a 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park that visitors can explore.
The significance of the needle dates back to 1790 when King Kamehameha I fought Maui’s army at the Battle of Kepaniwai on a quest to unite the islands. Even though Maui had the advantage of a lookout from the needle, Kamehameha defeated Maui’s army.
The Iao Needle Lookout Trail is a paved path taking you from the parking lot to a lookout with breathtaking views of the valley and Iao Stream. You may see locals swimming, but it’s not recommended for tourists given the area’s sacred meaning.
Pro tip:
Reservations are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance. Visitors can expect to pay $10 for parking and a $5 per person entrance fee. Book in advance to make sure the time you want is available!
Waihee Ridge Trail
website | get directions | area: Wailuku | distance: ~4 miles roundtrip | elevation gain: ~1,450 feet
Everyone’s fitness level is different, so I want to share this hike even though I personally found it difficult. Many websites say it’s rated “moderate-easy”, but depending on your abilities it may be more challenging.
I highly recommend stretching in the parking lot if you’re out of shape because the walk up the paved walkway to the trailhead is like a 90-degree angle (I’m exaggerating, but it’s steep). I actually pulled a muscle in my calf before we even started. But if you make it up, you’ll have been through the worst of it. While the rest of the hike has a decent elevation gain, it’s way more gradual than that steep bit!
The trail weaves through gorgeous and lush mountains. It feels as if you’re walking through Jurassic Park, just waiting for a pterodactyl to zoom out of the foliage. If it’s a clear day keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls and beautiful views for miles.
Other Maui hikes to try
Above are my favorite easy hikes, but here are more easy Maui hikes you may want to try.
- Kapalua Village Walking Trail– Loop trail near the Ritz Carlton
- Twin Falls Trail – Easy stroll on a private property on the Road to Hana
- Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area – Easy forest trails shared with bikers
- Pali Trail – This one is actually difficult, but looks beautfiul
More to do in Hawaii
You’re going to have to do things besides hiking in Maui! See my other guides to the area after you check out these easy hikes on Maui.
- Where the Locals Eat in Maui
- The Perfect 5 Day Maui Itinerary
- Best Snorkeling Spots on Maui
- Where to Stay in Maui
- Best Maui Souvenirs from Locals
- My Favorite Shopping Spots in Maui
- The Ultimate Road to Hana Itinerary
- Kauai Itinerary: The Perfect Maui Trip Add-On
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