6 Best Maui Hiking Tours

The second island in the archipelago is one of the best destinations in the world for hiking. Its strong point is the diversity of its landscape: lush tropical forests alternate with bamboo forests and landscapes marked by volcanic activity.

If you love nature and are looking for things to see and do in Maui, a hiking trail should be on your agenda. In this article, I'll summarise all the information you need.

This excursion will take you to the summit of Haleakala, a volcano surrounded by a protected park covering more than 100 square kilometres. The natives believed that the demigod Maui trapped the sun in this place and released it in exchange for it staying in the sky longer.

An air-conditioned vehicle will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the visitor centre. There, the climb to the crater will begin. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to see local wildlife. Rare birds such as the 'Ua'u (Hawaiian petrel) and the Nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, nest here.

Haleakala is characterised by its variety of landscapes, from lush forests to arid valleys that look like something out of a science fiction film. The panoramic views are breathtaking and reward the effort. The itinerary includes the following locations:

• Makawao, a small town known for its paniolos, the cowboys of Hawaii. In the early 19th century, King Kamehameha III brought Californian ranchers to the island to teach the locals how to ride horses and herd cattle. The cowboy past is evident both on the main street (Makawao Avenue) and on the farms surrounding it.

This stage usually includes a stop for lunch. Personally, I recommend Makawao Garden Café or Polli's Mexican restaurant.

• Wailuku, a former sugar cane growing centre converted into a tourist destination. Its most iconic buildings are the Gothic Ka'ahumanu Church, the theatre reminiscent of a Spanish mission and the Bailey House museum.
• Iao Needle, large rocks covered with lush tropical vegetation. They are located in the Iao Valley, a natural park covering some 4,000 hectares

This route is very popular, so it is advisable to book well in advance. In my opinion, the climb to the Haleakala crater is one of the best activities and tours in Maui.

• Price: between £150 and £170
• Duration: approximately 10 hours

The eastern coastline of Maui is an unspoilt area dotted with waterfalls, tropical forests and large cliffs. This is where the famous Road to Hana runs, an 85-kilometre road famous for its splendid views and colourful food stalls offering tourists water and fresh fruit.

This excursion takes you along a stretch of motorway and, after a few kilometres, stops so you can enjoy a short hike. The guide will lead you through the jungle until you reach some waterfalls that form natural pools. Once there, you can recharge your batteries with a dip. Don't forget your swimsuit at the hotel!

There is also a version that includes abseiling, a technique for descending vertical walls. In both cases, the routes are designed for small groups and do not involve more than 10 participants.

• Price: around £150. For abseiling, the price exceeds £200.
• Duration: 5 hours or a little more

A short but comprehensive option. The tour begins at King's Garden, a private garden near the famous Road to Hana. Inside the grounds, you will find several waterfalls and, of course, you can enjoy a refreshing dip.

During the tour, the guide will point out the most beautiful plants and show you a cave linked to a Mo'o, mythological beings that can appear as beautiful maidens or water dragons.

At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a delicious chocolate tasting. By the way, if you like this delicacy, I also recommend the following places/activities:

• Maui Chocolate Tour, a guided tour of a farm in Lahaina. Its history is relatively recent - it opened in 2019 - but its products are incredibly delicious (78 Ulupono St Suite 1, Lahaina).

• Maui Specialty Chocolates, a delicious shop in Kahului. I recommend trying their peanut butter and chocolate mochi (180 East Wakea Avenue, Suite E, Kahului)

• Maui Chocolate & Coffee Tour, a route that combines two gastronomic classics. It is located in the centre of the island, not far from the Kula Botanical Garden (1886 Naalae Road, Kula)

• Price: just under £130

• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours

Honolua Bay is located in northwestern Maui and is a prime destination for surfers. Not everyone knows that a few metres above it is a nature reserve where all the species of the Hawaiian rainforest grow. The trails usually start in nearby Napili and are just over 3 kilometres long.

The trail passes through one of the rainiest places on the planet. Thanks to the abundant rainfall, banyan trees, ferns and other plants grow luxuriantly, and the guides will explain their characteristics and the history of the place. An intermediate level is required to complete this route.

• Price: just under £130
• Duration: between 3 and 4 hours

The perfect option for those who want to forget about everything and focus solely on the route. The price is a little high - over £350 - but it includes transport in an air-conditioned minivan, hiking sticks, insect repellent, ponchos and bottles of water.

If you want the vehicle to pick you up at your hotel or resort, you can request this service for an additional fee (only from Kaanapali, Lahaina, Wailea, Kihei and Kapalua).

The activity takes place in the mountains of western Maui, an unspoilt area that is home to many historical and sacred sites of Hawaiian culture.

• Price: approximately £350
• Duration: 7 hours or slightly less

Waihee Ridge is an 8-kilometre (round trip) trail that winds through forests of kukui, guava and ferns. It is located in the west of the island, an area characterised by heavy rainfall and rapid vegetation growth. This trail is one of the few that has been able to withstand the inexorable advance of trees and shrubs.

The guide will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the area. The route usually starts early in the morning (between 7:00 and 8:00) and the price includes a few bottles of water.

Bring binoculars, as you may see endemic birds such as the iiwi (small with bright red feathers) or the Amakihi with its characteristic yellow colour.

• Price: just over £70

• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours

Thanks to its warm climate, you can go hiking in Maui every month of the year. However, it is best to avoid winter, as this is the rainiest season and heavy rainfall can cause some trails to close or become impassable. For some alternatives, I recommend reading the post that explains what to do in Maui in winter.

On any trekking excursion, footwear is the fundamental starting point. If you are planning to do some easy routes, a pair of trainers is sufficient. However, if you are looking for a challenge, I recommend wearing hiking boots. You can complete your outfit with:

• Breathable shorts
• A quick-dry T-shirt is your best ally against humidity and sweat. It washes quickly and dries in less than an hour, so you can take one or two and save space in your suitcase.
• A cap to protect you from the sun
• Rain jacket, an essential accessory for your suitcase. In a tropical environment, rain is common, although in most cases it only lasts a few minutes. If this is not the case, I recommend considering another activity. You can find several options in the post explaining what to do in Maui when it rains
• Sunglasses
• Hiking underwear. Made of synthetic material, usually polyester or Lycra, it prevents chafing and odours.
• Swimsuit: you may find a lake at the foot of a waterfall or an irresistible stretch of coastline. A refreshing dip is always welcome.
• Sports socks
• Backpack, preferably a sports backpack. It will be useful for carrying a change of clothes, water bottles, handkerchiefs and anything else you may need during the excursion. In any case, try to travel as light as possible.

Fortunately not. The Hawaiian archipelago is home to no lethal wildlife, and the only "danger" comes from insects. Giant centipedes and red velvet ants can sting humans, but their bites are not fatal. They are quite scary, but harmless.

Especially in the northern part of the island, it is not uncommon to encounter the pua'a, or Polynesian pig. It is probably the first non-native species to arrive in Hawaii, and its numbers are steadily increasing.

If you see a herd, do not approach them. They may interpret it as an attack, especially if there are young pigs. Their bite can transmit diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.

Yes, but I don't recommend it. As you know, it's not because of the local wildlife, but for other safety reasons. It's always advisable to go with someone else. After all, you'll be in the middle of nature.

If you can't resist the call of the mountains and forests, I recommend these easy trails:

• Kapalua Coastal Trail, a 4-kilometre (round trip) route between Kapalua and Honokahua bays. It is located near a hotel area and parking is easy. It runs alongside the ocean and the views are breathtaking.
• Waihou Spring Trail, a walk in the inland area (Upcountry Maui). This is a perfect route if you are visiting the island in summer.
• Seven Sacred Pools, a circular route of just one kilometre, perfect for enjoying a snack in the Maui countryside. The waterfalls form small lakes where swimming is allowed (weather permitting).
• Waimoku Falls, a 6-kilometre (round trip) trail through Haleakala National Park. Its main attractions are the large Waimoku waterfall and a splendid bamboo forest. There is an entrance fee to the natural area (about £15 if you go on foot).
• Nakalele Blowhole, a short excursion (about 2 kilometres) that follows the coast in the town of the same name. Its main attraction is the blowhole, a hole in the ground that connects to an ocean cave. When the tide rises or the waves increase in intensity, a strong jet of water shoots out of the cavity, creating the effect of a geyser.

Yes, it's the best option. Maui is very large and public transport does not cover all parts of the island. What's more, you can put everything you need in the boot and travel with peace of mind. Before you get behind the wheel, here are some useful tips:

• Be careful when it rains. After all, you are on a tropical island and downpours require very careful driving. If it rains heavily, return to your hotel.
• Parking is difficult. Apart from hotels and resorts, you won't find many areas where you can park for free.
• Try to avoid traffic. In Maui, rush hour is at 4 p.m.
• Don't wait too long to refuel. Before setting off on your hiking route, make sure you have a full tank. In inland areas, petrol stations are hard to find.

Unfortunately, yes. When the first Westerners arrived here, there were none on the archipelago. It is believed that Aedes aegypti, the most common species, arrived here on whaling ships.

Their numbers usually increase in the morning and shortly before dusk. Fortunately, Maui has fewer mosquitoes than other islands, and the insects do not carry any diseases.

Of course! If you want to go faster, I recommend checking out the best bike tours in Maui. On the other hand, if you prefer to reach the most secluded coves by sea, you can rent a kayak or book a catamaran ride. Finally, the island of Hawaii offers a very adrenaline-filled experience: swimming with sharks in Maui.

It is not mandatory, but I recommend taking it out before you leave. First of all, if your trip is cancelled for any reason, you will be refunded the cost of your flights and hotel. If your luggage is left at the departure airport, you will also be entitled to a refund.

In addition, Hawaii is part of the United States, a country known for its high healthcare costs. Insurance covers you for any unforeseen events and eliminates (or significantly reduces) the amounts you will have to spend in the event of illness or other medical problems.

You're almost ready to travel to the archipelago. Here are a few last tips to help you plan the perfect itinerary:

• Do not drink water from springs and streams along the way. After all, you are in a tropical country! Keep in mind that tap water in Maui is completely safe.
• If you decide to go on an excursion on your own, make sure you return before sunset. You can easily check the sunset time online
• Do not stray from the markedtrails or you risk getting lost.
• In the most isolated areas, mobile phone coverage is poor. If you are travelling alone, download the map in advance
• Do not enter private property.
• To stay up to date on any weather or emergency developments, you can call the automated number 808-986-1200, extension 1. A robotic voice will give you all the information you need.