Top 5 Maui Hiking Tours

Top 5 Maui Hiking Tours

Any outdoor enthusiast will agree, Maui is a paradise for hiking. Not particularly outdoorsy? Well, Maui just might convert ya! The Valley Isle is home to a myriad of climates, from high elevation deserts to lush native forests, and there’s a hiking trail that runs through just about each one of them.

Consider taking a hiking tour if you’re interested in learning more about Maui’s unique ecosystems, geography, and history. We’ve broken down what we regard as Maui’s top five hiking excursions.

Hana Hiking Adventure

 

 

The famed Road to Hana is dotted with hiking trails, from the famous bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail, to the lava-studded trails at Waianapanapa State Park; there are many things to be discovered in east Maui. If you’re feeling a little lost, this private Hana hiking adventure can point you in the right direction.

This fully customizable day can show you not only the best hiking trails but also the finest stops on the road to Hana. Whether you’d prefer a moderate stroll through a botanical garden, or a decent workout at Waikamoi Ridge Trail, this tour can take you there.

This fully customizable experience includes luxury transportation, free digital photos, lunch, and snacks. This is a full-day excursion, running 10-12 hours.

Know Before You Go:

● Want to hit Waikamoi Ridge Trail, Keanae Arboretum, and The Garden of Eden? Let your tour guide know! The day is yours to customize.
● Get ready for a full day on the road. This tour typically runs 10-12 hours.
● Don’t worry about packing sandwiches. Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included on this tour.

BOOK HIKING TOUR

 

East Maui Waterfall Hike

 

 

Part hiking tour, part cultural experience, this hike heads into one of East Maui’s most beautiful valleys, dotted with waterfalls and swimming ponds. Under the cover of lush rainforest, you’ll follow a trail to several waterfalls ranging from 10 to 40 feet high. Your naturalist guide will point out the many plants and fruits you’ll see growing along the way, as well as their uses and cultural significance.

For any adrenaline junkies out there, your guide will show you to the safest pools for cliff jumping, with ledges reaching up to 15 feet high. To top off the day, the tour ends with a Hawaiian “shower” under a waterfall.

Know Before You Go:

● Get ready to adventure. This trek is a moderate hike that travels through some densely forested areas. It can get muddy!
● Tip: you’ll be happy to have some bug spray on hand, just in case.
● Kids ages 6 and up are welcome.

BOOK HIKING TOUR

Private Puʻu Kukui Watershed Hike

 

 

This eco-tour takes guests along what is arguably one of the most exclusive trails on the island. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, this excursion is centered around exploration and education. First, you’ll travel into the heart of the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve, an area typically unseen by locals and visitors alike. The two-mile trail winds through an undisturbed rainforest dotted with native flora and fauna. The path then leads to a lookout that offers sweeping views of the rainforest-covered West Maui Mountains. After descending back down to sea level, the hike concludes with a dip in the crystalline waters at Honolua Bay.

This experience will showcase Hawaiians’ sacred connection to water as well as the biodiversity in the area. Conservation is the focal point of this excursion and aims to inspire locals and visitors to preserve and protect the aina for generations to come.

Know Before You Go:

● On a tight schedule? This tour offers twice-daily excursions at 9 am and 1 pm.
● This tour runs about three hours from start to finish.
● After the hike, enjoy a fresh Maui pineapple on the shore at Honolua Bay.
● This tour can accommodate a maximum of ten guests.

West Maui Hiking Tour

 

Duel Haleakala Crater Hike

 

 

Haleakala Crater is home to a network of hiking trails varying in elevation and climate. This tour hits two trails in the park: a portion of the Sliding Sands Trail in the summit area and the Halemau’u trail. Sliding Sands and Halemau’u are separated by about 2,000 feet in elevation, and their climates could not be more different.

The first hike on this dual hiking adventure descends a mile down into the crater from the 10,000-foot summit. You’ll experience firsthand the Mars-like landscape and the deafening silence that the crater is known for. You’ll also learn interesting facts about the crater’s fascinating cultural and geological history from your naturalist guide.

After your first two miles are done and dusted, you’ll head to Halemau’u trailhead and meander the stony trail lined with low-lying native shrubs. The Halemauu trail leads up to the rim of the crater and a ridge known as the “rainbow bridge.” From this vantage point, you’ll see an entirely different perspective on the crater.

Know Before You Go:

● Get your hiking boots laced up; this tour is a full 7-hour day.
● Gotta stay fueled up on a long day of hiking! Lunch and snacks are included.
● The weather at Haleakala can change in the blink of an eye. Dressing in layers is recommended, but warm jackets are provided as well.
● Too much to carry? Don’t worry about it. Backpacks are provided.
● This tour can accommodate up to seven guests.

 

Private Haleakala Crater Hiking Experience

 

 

This full-day tour treks through both the sands in the high-elevation desert of Haleakala and through the native shrubland around Halemau’u. Departing at 8:30 am from Kahului park and ride, this tour safely navigates the windy road to the summit. From there, you’ll head into the interior of the crater via the Sliding Sands Trail while taking in the grandeur of the summit district.

After a moderate two-mile hike, you’ll hop in the van and head down to the Halemau’u Trail. This trek travels through an entirely different climate and offers views of Haleakala that few visitors get to experience. On clear days, you can peer down the Koolau Gap to the Keanae Coast, as well as take in the glory of Hanakauhi, an 8,000′ peak adjacent to the trail.

Know Before You Go:

● This tour traverses about four miles total at elevations ranging from 8,000′ to 10,000′.
● Any junior trekkers out there? Kids age 8 and up are welcome.
● Lunch and snacks are provided to all guests.

Still can’t decide?

Here is some more information on things to do on Maui.