Best Maui Hikes
For our non-running friends who still like to get out in the wilderness of the Valley Isle; here is a list of the Best Maui Hikes
#1 Waihee Ridge Trail
#2 Pipiwai Trail
#3 Makawao Forest Reserve Hike
Description: The Makawao Forest Reserve hike is a beautiful trail that will make you think you have been transported to the Pacific Northwest or New England. It consists of a leaf and pine needle covered dirt path through
thick forest, which provides shade throughout the run. From the parking lot, pass through the yellow fence/gate and follow the short entry trail for 4/10ths of a mile. I recommend heading left to follow the West Loop as the switchbacks on this side make for better climbing and the East Loop makes for a faster descent.
Follow the main trail till you get to the highest point where you will again see “West Loop” and “East Loop” signs. Continue down on the East loop. Do not go off on smaller singletracks or on the Fong Trail (unless you want to explore and add on). The main trail will be obvious, marked with blue and silver arrows nailed into the trees. Chances of getting lost are moderate.
Length: 5.4 mile loop with a .4 entry section.
One loop = 6.2 miles
Two loops = 11.6 miles
Three loops = 17 miles
Elevation: Parking lot is at approx 3000ft, highest point of trail is 3700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate Winding uphills, nothing too steep .
Directions: Drive to the center of Makawao, the intersection of Makawao and Baldwin Ave.
Reset your trip odometer here.
Head north towards Haiku.
At 0.3 turn right on Piiholo Rd
At 1.8 turn left onto a road marked with a sign for “Piiholo Ranch”
At 2.3 turn right on Kahakapao Rd
At 3.7 you’ll see a parking lot on your left. Park here.
(note: sometimes the gate is closed on the road to the parking lot.
You can still run here, you’ll just have to add on a few tenths to run to get to the parking lot
and a very steep hill )
Apres Run:
Coffee and breakfast at Casanova’s in Makawao, or drive on down to
the many restaurants in Paia.
#4 Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Description: Polipoli offers a mixture of high elevation vegetation that may remind you of Colorado, as well as some ocean views and even sight of the Big Island of Hawaii on a clear day. The surface is a mix of of dirt road and single-track trail.
Length: 4.7 mile loop with a 2.3 mile entry section.
One loop = 9.3 miles
Two loops = 14.0 miles
Elevation: Parking area is at approx 6400ft, highest point of trail is 7200 feet
Difficulty: Hard. One really tough uphill section. High elevation = less oxygen.
Directions: Drive to Rice Park in Kula (intersection of Kula Highway and Kekaulike Highway)
Exiting the parking lot of Rice Park, turn left, and take an almost immediate right
on Waipoli Road. Drive up this steep uphill road for about 20min until you cannot drive any further without a 4WD. Park here.
Apres Run: Coffee and breakfast at Casanova’s in Makawao, or drive on down to the many restaurants in Paia.
#5 Olinda Forest - Waihou Springs Trail
Description: leaf and pine needle covered dirt path through thick forest.
Length: 0.6 mile loop with 1.1 mile entry section
One loop = 2.8 miles
Two loops = 3.4 miles
Three loops = 4.0 miles
Elevation: approx 3800ft
Difficulty: Easy. No major hills. Tree roots might trip you.
Directions: Drive to the center of Makawao, the intersection of Makawao and Baldwin/Olinda Ave.
Reset your trip odometer here.
Head East (uphill) towards Olinda/Haleakala on Olinda Road
At 12.4miles pull over and park at the trailhead sign
Apres Run: Coffee and breakfast at Casanova’s in Makawao, or drive on down to the many restaurants in Paia.
For our non-running friends who still like to get out in the wilderness of the Valley Isle; here is a list of the Best Maui Hikes
#1 Waihee Ridge Trail
#2 Pipiwai Trail
#3 Makawao Forest Reserve Hike
Description: The Makawao Forest Reserve hike is a beautiful trail that will make you think you have been transported to the Pacific Northwest or New England. It consists of a leaf and pine needle covered dirt path through
thick forest, which provides shade throughout the run. From the parking lot, pass through the yellow fence/gate and follow the short entry trail for 4/10ths of a mile. I recommend heading left to follow the West Loop as the switchbacks on this side make for better climbing and the East Loop makes for a faster descent.
Follow the main trail till you get to the highest point where you will again see “West Loop” and “East Loop” signs. Continue down on the East loop. Do not go off on smaller singletracks or on the Fong Trail (unless you want to explore and add on). The main trail will be obvious, marked with blue and silver arrows nailed into the trees. Chances of getting lost are moderate.
Length: 5.4 mile loop with a .4 entry section.
One loop = 6.2 miles
Two loops = 11.6 miles
Three loops = 17 miles
Elevation: Parking lot is at approx 3000ft, highest point of trail is 3700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate Winding uphills, nothing too steep .
Directions: Drive to the center of Makawao, the intersection of Makawao and Baldwin Ave.
Reset your trip odometer here.
Head north towards Haiku.
At 0.3 turn right on Piiholo Rd
At 1.8 turn left onto a road marked with a sign for “Piiholo Ranch”
At 2.3 turn right on Kahakapao Rd
At 3.7 you’ll see a parking lot on your left. Park here.
(note: sometimes the gate is closed on the road to the parking lot.
You can still run here, you’ll just have to add on a few tenths to run to get to the parking lot
and a very steep hill )
Apres Run:
Coffee and breakfast at Casanova’s in Makawao, or drive on down to
the many restaurants in Paia.
#4 Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Description: Polipoli offers a mixture of high elevation vegetation that may remind you of Colorado, as well as some ocean views and even sight of the Big Island of Hawaii on a clear day. The surface is a mix of of dirt road and single-track trail.
Length: 4.7 mile loop with a 2.3 mile entry section.
One loop = 9.3 miles
Two loops = 14.0 miles
Elevation: Parking area is at approx 6400ft, highest point of trail is 7200 feet
Difficulty: Hard. One really tough uphill section. High elevation = less oxygen.
Directions: Drive to Rice Park in Kula (intersection of Kula Highway and Kekaulike Highway)
Exiting the parking lot of Rice Park, turn left, and take an almost immediate right
on Waipoli Road. Drive up this steep uphill road for about 20min until you cannot drive any further without a 4WD. Park here.
Apres Run: Coffee and breakfast at Casanova’s in Makawao, or drive on down to the many restaurants in Paia.
#5 Olinda Forest - Waihou Springs Trail
Description: leaf and pine needle covered dirt path through thick forest.
Length: 0.6 mile loop with 1.1 mile entry section
One loop = 2.8 miles
Two loops = 3.4 miles
Three loops = 4.0 miles
Elevation: approx 3800ft
Difficulty: Easy. No major hills. Tree roots might trip you.
Directions: Drive to the center of Makawao, the intersection of Makawao and Baldwin/Olinda Ave.
Reset your trip odometer here.
Head East (uphill) towards Olinda/Haleakala on Olinda Road
At 12.4miles pull over and park at the trailhead sign
Apres Run: Coffee and breakfast at Casanova’s in Makawao, or drive on down to the many restaurants in Paia.
