Top Hikes on the Valley Isle

6. Kapalua Coastal Trail

Location: West Maui

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 kms) one-way

Time: 1 - 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

This super easy coastal track is flat and has great views of the Kapalua area.  The hike starts at Kapalua Bay and ends at D.T. Flemming Beach Park. Our favorite part of the hike was Dragon's Teeth.  The jagged rocks protrude in a sinister way and the crashing waves make for an excellent photo opportunity. Be aware the hike is one way.  You can each catch a shuttle or hike back the way you came.  This walk is easy for the entire family. The walk is very exposed, so don't forget sunblock.

5. Twin Falls

Location: Mile Marker #2 on Hana Highway

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 kms)

Time: 30 - 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

While the name is Twin Falls, there are three waterfalls on this trail. The first two waterfalls are scenic and can easily be reached. There is a good swimming area at the second falls. The most picturesque of the three waterfalls is the last one. It is roughly a 10-15 minute walk from the second waterfall. There is a gate and sign warning tourists that it is a difficult hike. The hike is NOT difficult. Anyone reasonably fit will be able to complete this hike without a problem. You have to walk through a shallow stream on the way but again it is not difficult. There is a big swimming hole at the end, so don't forget a swimsuit.

4. Lahaina Pali West Trail

Location: Southwest Maui

Distance: 4 miles (6.4 kms)

Time: 2 - 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from a small car park on the side of the Honoapiilani highway, this exposed hike has some of the best coastal views on Maui. The hike passes through several gullies until climbing up to a windmill farm. At the top, there are same panoramic viewpoints. From here, you can return the same direction to the car park, or continue hiking the trail down to road near Maalaea. To complete the full hike, it is best to have two cars to park at each end of the trail.

3. Pipiwai Trail

Location: Haleakala National Park, Hana Highway

Distance: 4 miles (6.4 kms)

Time: 2.5 - 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Head to mile marker #42 on the Hana Highway for the Pipiwai Trail. It is part of the Haleakala National Park. After an epic road trip on the Road to Hana, finish it off with an easy hike to the Seven Sacred Pools. The hike continues through an amazing bamboo forest. The end of the hike finishes with views of Waimoku Falls.

National park entry options: $12 per person single day, $25 vehicle pass for three days, $30 for an annual park pass for Hawaii parks, or $80 for an annual park pass to every US National Park.

2. Waihe'e Ridge Trail

Location: Northwest Maui

Distance: 5 miles (8 kms)

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

The Waihee Ridge is the perfect place for epic views of rocky ridges and the Maui coastline. The trail begins off the Kahekili Highway going towards West Maui from Kahului. There is a car park just opposite the Mendes Ranch. The beginning of the hike is through a forest which can get muddy at times. After leaving the tree line, this exposed hike is an uphill climb to the summit. Views of the Waihe'e Valley are stunning and worth the effort. After the rain, there are beautiful waterfalls in the valley. Weather for this hike is really touch and go. Many times, the ridge is cloudy with no views. Only go on a clear day.

1. Sliding Sands

Location: Haleakala Summit

Distance: 5 - 8 miles (8 - 13 kms)

Time: 2 - 6 hours

Difficulty: Hard

The BEST hike on Maui explores the crater of Haleakala. Stunning and unique scenery make this our favorite hike. The trail begins near the Summit Visitor Center and descends into the crater. The hike down leads to small cinder cones within the crater with vibrant colors and amazing topography. If planning to see the sunrise before the hike, which is a great option, don't forget to make reservations. The trail descends steeply 2,800 feet to the crater valley in just 4 miles. There is a good turn-around point at one of the cinder cones roughly 2.5 miles in. Make sure to take enough water, sun protection, and cold weather clothes depending on the time of year and weather.

National park entry options: $12 per person single day, $25 vehicle pass for three days, $30 for an annual park pass for Hawaii parks (includes Volcano's), or $80 for an annual park pass to every US National Park.