The 9 Best Hiking Trails With Ocean Views On Maui

Let’s get right into the main topic, the best trails in Maui with ocean views. If you’re a hiker or simply love adventure, this is a great place for a trip, and you’ll easily understand why here below!

Before starting, if you’re an experienced hiker or just want to have an active trip around the island, check out this complete guide about the best hikes in Maui.

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a beautiful hike along Maui’s northwest coast. This easy 2.4-mile trail has stunning ocean, cliff, and landscape views.

Starting at Kapalua Bay and ending at DT Fleming Beach, you’ll pass by Kapalua Bay and the Dragon’s Teeth. You’ll see native plants, wildlife, and tide pools along the way, which is great.

The well-maintained trail is a great walk for all ages and abilities. With its natural beauty and accessibility, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is a must-do when in the Kapalua area.

The Kā‘anapali Beach Walk is a beautiful beachfront path along one of Maui’s most famous and beautiful beaches. This easy and paved 4.2-mile trail is perfect for a stroll, jog, or bike ride.

The walkway has ocean, sand, and greenery views of the surrounding resorts and gardens. You’ll pass by many shops, restaurants, and hotels so there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a meal or some shopping.

The beach walk also has access to great snorkeling spots, especially near Black Rock. All in all, an incredible trail with ocean views in Maui.

It’s worth noting that the best way to see Kā‘anapali Beach is from above, and we highly recommend the ultimate tour of Maui by helicopter to have incredible views from above! That said, this tour always sells out, and we suggest booking now.

Another Maui trail with ocean views is the Lāhainā Pali Trail, a tough but rewarding hike with great views of Maui’s coast, central valley, and neighboring islands.

This 5-mile trail goes through the West Maui Mountains from Mā‘alaea to Lāhainā. The hike has steep ups and downs and rocky terrain that can be rough.

You will see panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Haleakalā, and on clear days, Kaho‘olawe, Lana‘i, and Moloka‘i.

Due to the difficulty of this trail, it’s best for experienced hikers with proper footwear and plenty of water. We do not recommend this trail if you’re a beginner.

The Waiheʻe Ridge Trail is a popular hike on Maui’s northwest side with great views of the island’s valleys and coastline. This 3.9-mile trail goes up 1443ft and is a moderately challenging hike due to the steady climb and occasional mud.

The trailhead is near Wailuku and the hike takes you through forest and open ridges. You’ll see the Waiheʻe Valley, Makamaka‘ole Falls, and distant ocean views along the way. The summit is a great spot to take in the island’s natural beauty.

This trail is for those who want to experience Maui’s interior and scenery and want a challenge while vacationing in Maui.

The Mahana Ridge Trail is a beautiful and varied hike through the West Maui Mountains. This 10.8-mile trail is challenging and has a mix of rainforest, bamboo groves, and ocean views.

This is definitely not a beginner trail and arguably the most challenging of the hiking trails with ocean views on Maui.

Starting near Fleming Beach, the trail is a gradual climb with glimpses of native plants and wildlife. As you go higher, you’ll see stunning views of the coastline and on clear days, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i.

The trail is well-marked but can be muddy, slippery, and overgrown in sections so proper footwear is a must. The Mahana Ridge Trail is for those who want a more difficult hike with great scenery.

The ʻĪao Valley State Monument Trail is a short and easy hike in one of Maui’s most historic and beautiful areas.

The trail is less than a mile (0.6 mile) long and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and that’s great for a family outing.

It goes through the tropical valley and offers great views of the ʻĪao Needle, a 1,200-foot-tall volcanic spire. The trail has interpretive signs that provide information on the valley’s cultural and natural history and its significance in Hawaiian history.

The surroundings and ease of the trail make it a popular spot for those who want to experience Maui’s natural beauty without a long hike.

All in all, it’s one of the easy hikes in Maui you should definitely consider.

The Kapalua Village Walking Trail is a scenic and easy walk that gives you a taste of Maui’s beauty. It’s a 3.9-mile loop trail that goes around the former Kapalua Village Golf Course and has great views of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

The well-maintained trail is good for walking, jogging and even biking. It goes through rolling hills, greenery, and Norfolk pines and is a peaceful setting without the crowds.

All in all, it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and that’s a great hiking trail in Maui with ocean views.

Lastly, if you’re willing to enjoy the day even more after the hike, make sure to take a Maui sunset dinner cruise, which is not only a great way to enjoy the sun setting on the island, but also a good activity to make memories with your partner or family.

Next on this list of best hiking trails with ocean views on Maui – The Pīpīwai Trail.

This 3.4-mile roundtrip trail goes through a beautiful bamboo forest past several waterfalls (making it one of the best waterfall hikes in Maui) and ends at the stunning 400ft Waimoku Falls.

The trail is somewhat difficult with some steep and rocky sections but the scenery is well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll get to see the impressive Waimoku Falls, the tall bamboo groves, and the tropical flora and fauna.

Last but not least, there are boardwalks, and they massively help on the wet sections of the trail, making it more accessible.

The Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakalā National Park is a unique hike through a volcanic landscape. The trail starts at the summit of Haleakalā at over 3,000m (10,000ft) elevation and descends into the crater.

The full trail is 11 miles round trip but you can go as far as you feel comfortable. The terrain is just as impressive as it gets with lava fields and mineral deposits, and you can’t go wrong coming here.

Yes, the hike is challenging due to the high altitude and steep descent followed by a tough climb back up, but you’ll have some of the best views on the entire island. Proper preparation is essential for this demanding but rewarding hike, bring plenty of water and warm clothing.

Hiking new terrain can be tricky, so take note of these safety tips before you hit the trail on Maui. Remember safety first when hiking these trails.

Before you head out, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear layers and bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated – Especially if you join a tour on the Road to Hana. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Wear closed-toe shoes with good ankle support. Pack a map, compass, flashlight, and whistle. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also important, Maui’s weather can be unpredictable.

Watch out on the trail, it’s easy to get caught up in the views. Stay on the marked trails and let someone know if you deviate.