10 Easy Hikes in Maui for Beginners: Complete Guide 2024

Preparation is key to a comfortable hike. Before you hit the trails, get some gear.

For most trails, a good pair of hiking shoes is a must for muddy and wet trails, which are common on Maui’s diverse landscapes.

Waterproof features will keep your feet happy whether you’re crossing streams or caught in a sudden rain shower.

Also, the Hawaii sun is strong, and you’ll want to protect your skin with sunscreen. We recommend picking an SPF 50 sun protection.

Stay hydrated with water and pack snacks to keep your energy up. Don’t forget a hat, and sunglasses and always bring a map. It’s always a good idea to have a map, whether it’s downloaded or printed, so you’re never really lost.

Let’s get into the best beginner-friendly hikes on Maui and find some secret spots to add to your trip. Here you’ll find an easy hike, a coastal trail, a ridge trail, and more.

The Kapalua Coastal Trail on West Maui is a 2.5-mile roundtrip with ocean views every step of the way. Flat with some rocky sections so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Starts at Kapalua Bay where snorkeling is famous and passes by lava rock formations along the shore.

Then the trail takes you all the way to Fleming Beach another gem of Maui. Easy access, paved paths, and varied scenery make it a crowd-pleaser for hikers and runners.

Want to see more of it? Make sure to check out the scenic helicopter ride over Maui, and you’re guaranteed incredible views and a lot of fun.

This rugged trail is steeped in history and is 35 miles long along Maui’s southwest coast near Wailea. Yes, 35 miles is very long. However, you don’t need to complete the whole trail when coming.

Even beginners can do parts of this trail which follows a path carved through lava flows from an eruption in 1790.

This was part of the King’s Highway or Ala Loa built by King Piʻilani centuries ago. While the whole trail is long, even doing a mile or two will give you some great views.

You’ll be walking on black sand and red rock and little beaches, which is great for a dip. However, pay attention to the coral and do not step on it.

Also, remember it’s exposed to the sun for most of the hike so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Trade the ocean air for a peaceful walk in the forest on the Waihou Spring Trail Loop. This easy 1.8-mile loop in upcountry Maui winds through the coolness of Haleakala volcano’s slopes with eucalyptus, cypress, and koa trees shading your way.

Despite being on a volcano, the 600-foot elevation gain is gradual. The well-compacted path winds through meadows and pockets of bamboo forest and is a great hike for beginners.

There’s even free parking near the entrance, which is a great way to get started. All in all, it’s one of the best hikes in Maui!

Great for beginners! Easy and scenic walk in the heart of Maui. Located in Iao Valley State Park, this trail offers views of the famous Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot-tall volcanic spire.

Less than a mile long (0.6 miles) and paved, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy the greenery of the valley, the sound of the Iao Stream, and the educational exhibits about the valley’s history and culture.

Restrooms and picnic areas are available and parking is $5 per person, which is reasonable. We recommend going in the morning to avoid crowds and cooler temperatures.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park, on the Road to Hana, is a beginner’s paradise with several short and easy hikes.

The park is famous for its black sand beach, sea caves, and coastal trails. The Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Pi’ilani Trail is an easy hike that follows the rugged coastline, with stunning ocean views and opportunities to see native seabirds and marine life.

The 4.5-mile trail is well-marked and has plenty of photo ops, including lava fields and natural stone arches. Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and camping sites so it’s a great spot for a day trip or overnight stay.

As always, bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes to make the most of your tour of the Road to Hana.

The Dragon’s Teeth trail in Kapalua is an easy short hike for beginners to see Maui’s unique geological formations. Less than a mile long (0.2 mile), the trail leads to an area where sharp, jagged rock formations look like the teeth of a dragon.

These formations were created by lava flows that were hardened by the wind and ocean waves. The path is flat and has great views of the coastline and the islands of Molokai and Lanai.

You might also see sea turtles, whales, and other marine life! There are no facilities on the trail so bring water and wear sturdy shoes to navigate the rocky terrain.

The Nakalele Blowhole trail is an easy hike to see a natural wonder. On Maui’s northwest coast, this short hike is only a 1.2-mile round trip and leads to a blowhole that can shoot water up to 100 feet in the air.

The trail is unmarked and rocky so wear sturdy shoes. You’ll have great views of the coastline and the powerful Pacific waves crashing against the rocks.

Be sure to keep a safe distance from the blowhole as the area is slippery and the waves are powerful. Parking is at the trailhead and you’ll find plenty of spots to leave your car.

The Waihee Ridge Trail is a moderate hike with some of the best views on Maui. In West Maui, this 4-mile round-trip trail takes you through the forest and along a ridgeline with views of the Waihee Valley and coastline.

The trail starts with a steep but short climb then levels out to a more gradual ascent. Note that, while it’s one of the best beginner-friendly hikes on Maui, it’s harder than other paths.

The trail is well maintained but can be muddy so wear proper footwear. You’ll see native flora and if you’re lucky, wildlife like birds and wild pigs.

The summit has panoramic views worth the effort – There are several platforms to enjoy the views on the trail, so you can always go back if you find it too challenging.

The Pīpīwai Stream Trail, also known as the Bamboo Forest Trail, is in Haleakalā National Park’s Kipahulu District (one of the best state parks in Maui) and is for beginners to see a unique hike.

This 3 to 4-mile roundtrip hike takes you through a dense bamboo forest, and it’s flat and well-maintained so most hikers can do it.

You’ll see several small waterfalls and scenic views and end at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The bamboo swaying and clacking in the wind is an added bonus. Facilities at the trailhead are restrooms and a visitor center.

Note that the trail is actually within the Haleakalā National Park, and that means you need to pay a state park fee of $30. Still worth it? Yes, 100%. However, it’s best to go early morning to avoid crowds. What to say, it’s simply one of the best waterfall hikes in Maui.

Haleakalā National Park has several beginner-friendly trails to see the park’s different landscapes. One of the most accessible trails is the Sliding Sands Trail which starts at the summit and goes down into the crater.

While the full trail is challenging, beginners can do a shorter section to see the scenery and take great photos.

Another easy option is the Hosmer Grove Loop trail, a short forested trail near the entrance of the park. This trail is a gentle walk through native Hawaiian vegetation and great birdwatching.

The summit area also has short trails to scenic viewpoints of the crater and surrounding islands.

We already mentioned it before, but you’ll want to remember that the park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, good for 3 days.

Dress in layers as the temperature can change quickly, and bring water and snacks. That said, it’s one of the best national parks in Maui, and we recommend you spend some time here!