Maui No Ka Oi Series – Hiking
By: @alohaimzane
Hiking in Maui is as beautiful as you would imagine. Some hikes showing the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, some leading to breathtaking waterfalls, and some just showing the majesty of Haleakala. In this blog I will be sharing some safety tips, hiking trail tips, and sharing some businesses that can take you on guided hikes while you’re visiting Maui. Just remember, before you leave on your flight, get all the tests you need to avoid quarantining here on maui. Also, make sure you upload everything to the safe travels hawaii website at least the day before your flight.
Here are some suggested hiking essentials that we recommend you have with you on your hikes:
- Good hiking shoes with tread
- Light pants to keep cool or shorts (but beware that you may get scratches from branches)
- Light shirt to keep cool
- Light rain jacket and mosquito repellent (especially if you are going into rainforests or valleys)
- Backpack with enough water, lunch and sunscreen (depending on length and intensity of hike)
- Cell phone
For longer, tougher hikes you may want to also include:
- Work gloves
- Sweater
- First Aid Kit
- Additional water and food
- Flashlight
- Compass
- Map
The first hike we suggest is the Iao Valley Hike (1 mile-ish)
Itʻs a easy hike that is known for its “needle” sharped-ridge, 1,200-foot rock formation (ʻIao Needle), ʻIao Valley’s walking path winds its way up the volcanic hillsides, across a river, and through the jungle, with great valley views and tall, jagged peaks above. The park also has plaques that tell the story of a bloody battle between King Kamehameha and Kalanikupule (maui chief at the time).
Directions: Park in the main lot for ʻIao Valley State Park. Head to the start of the walking path near the main entrance. Go early for the best chance at clear skies, less crowds, and parking.
Our next suggested hike is an intermediate level hike called Waiheʻe Ridge (5 miles-ish).
The Waiheʻe Ridge Trail is only 5 miles in and out and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean and the northwest coast of Maui. The trail seems short, but it can be steep at times, about 1,500 vertical feet. Personally, that first paved hill from the parking lot was the hardest to get though. After that the trail is well traveled and so youʻll be able to make the path out no problem. You’ll go though pastures and forests, see the Makamakaole Falls, and as you reach the top, a picture perfect view of the north shore of maui.
Directions: From Wailuku go onto Kahekili Highway (340), turn up Maluhia Road and go 0.9 miles. A sign on a fence marks the trail head. Follow right-of-way markers through pasture before entering forest.
The last trail is for you expert hikers, itʻs the Sliding Sands Trail (10/11 miles-ish).
This hike is a part of a network of other trails that explore the crater. This 10/11-mile trail is similar to a hike in the Grand Canyon as you will start from the top and hike down, then back up. Most hikers only do the first 3-5 miles, but the trail can go a lot further than that. Youʻll also be hiking down an extinct volcano. So many colors and rock formations can have you forgetting youʻre in Maui.
Directions: The Sliding Sands Trail leaves from the main parking lot at the top of Haleakalā in the summit area of Haleakalā National Park. Park your car, make sure you have everything you need for the hike, lock the doors (donʻt leave valuables in the car), and walk towards the signs saying where the trail starts.
If youʻre wanting a guided hiking tour we do have the perfect activity for you. We can provide you a great deal with @hikemaui. Their East Maui Waterfall and Rainforest hike is an incredible hike that will take you to an amazing valley that boasts some of them most majestic waterfalls ranging from 10 to 40 feet! You’ll get the opportunity to swim, explore the lush green territory and learn about Maui’s vegetation, history and much more, from your naturalist guide!