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Panoramic views of Central Maui and Kahakuloa await at the top of this 3-mile, moderately difficult trail through a guava grove and native scrub forest.

This is a great walk for the family with well-maintained, paved paths, and easy to reach pools. Climb the steps to the top of the path for a better view of the ’Īao Needle. Allow at least an hour and a half to explore all the park’s trails.

’Īao Valley Trail

A rather difficult hike that follows Maui’s southern coastline through rugged lava fields for 6 miles, passing archaeological sites. Be sure to bring plenty of water and plan to spend about six hours if you want to hike the entire trail.

This sanctuary for many rare and endangered Hawaiian plants and animals includes koa and ’ōhi’a trees, and forest birds such as the pueo (Hawaian owl).

A moderately difficult and hilly mile-long trail that takes about an hour to hike. The trail follows the Waihou Springs Forest Reserve tree plantation road, heading south to a gulch below.

The trail meanders from Polipoli Springs State Park through stands of redwood trees. About 2 miles long, this moderately difficult trail begins at the 6,200-ft elevation and is a part of a network of three trails: Haleakalā Ridge, Plum Trail, and Redwood Trail.

There are two trails that begin in the summit area. Sliding Sands takes about half a day, descending to the valley floor before returning to the peak. Halemau’u Trail is a more difficult hike: the first mile gradually descends through shrub land to the valley rim, then 2 miles of switchbacks descend 1,400 ft to the valley floor. Both trails join up after about 9 miles.

Easy beach trail hikes (1–4 miles long), with spires of black lava, caves, freshwater pools, and archaeological sites to explore.

A 4-mile hike that takes about two hours, beginning at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center of Haleakalā National Park (the Ranger’s Station) and climbing through tropical rain forest and a dense bamboo forest to the 400-ft Waimoku Falls. The trail is maintained but can be muddy.

Kaupō Trail is a long and rough trek that starts at the east end of Haleakalā crater and follows along the park boundary across private ranchland. The steep and rocky trail descends through rain forest to the isolated town of Kaupō. It is a challenging hike, recommended for advanced hikers only; most hike only one way and have transportation waiting in Kaupō.