• Olinda Forest
• Waihou Springs Forest Reserve Trail (south from Makawao)
• This trail is great if you want a relaxed trail. The simple loop is relatively easy to navigate. Waihou Spring Trail is dog friendly and many elderly residents regularly enjoy the trail. If you decide to walk to the springs, pay heed. The trail to the springs is more difficult than the rest of the trail.
• You will not likely be able to see the sunset from this trail so it’s best to avoid coming too late, or even too early. If your priority is to bring your dog, this trail is the best choice of the spots listed on this blog.
• Distance: 2 to 5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy, Moderate if you decided walk down the trail to the springs.
• https://goo.gl/maps/ZZCRXfDhaqyb992D6

Thompson Road (in Keokea, a few mi past Upper Kula in Haleakala foothills)

• Thomspon Road is world famous because of some real estate toward the end of the trail is owned by Oprah Winfrey. Thompson is more of a walk than a hike. Its road terrain is great for strollers, wagons, skateboards, roller skates, and street bikes. Many regard Thompson as one of the best sunset walks on the island, as you can see the West Maui Mountains. Of the spots featured on this list, Thompson road is the winner for most romantic. Especially during sunset.
• Distance: 3 miles (1.5 each way)
• Difficulty: Easy
• https://goo.gl/maps/WNQiSoy5Jb1CSupK6

Kahakapao Trail Loop

• The Makawao Forest Reserve sits at nearly 4000 feet evasion. This trail is remarkably well maintained. There are many dirt bike paths, which are not intended for hikers so be careful to stay on the main trail. The trail has an elevation gain of nearly 1000 feet fo be careful to plan accordingly. This trail is a bit harder to find than the others discussed thus far.
• Discover this 9.3-km loop trail near Makawao, Maui. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This is a well-maintained trail looping through the forest in Makawao Forest Reserve. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The area is popular with several user groups, so expect to see hikers along with bikers on the trail. If you're a wildflower enthusiast, there are plenty of beautiful flowers to see along the trail.
• Distance: 5.75 Miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

• https://goo.gl/maps/XLVVBp2CCB9Hdmm9A

Frisbee Golf Trail

Poli Poli … check out the DLNR website (below) before venturing out

• While a frisbee golf trail is not a traditional hike, playing the actual course is optional. At 6000 feet elevation, this course is unique because it features radical elevation changes, which is unusual in frisbee golf. It’s also complemented by the panoramic view of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. It’s said to be private, but I have never had to make reservations to use the course. Let us know if you have an issue.
• Distance: 3ish miles
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/maui/polipoli-trail/

• Twin Falls (Off Hana Hwy near Haiku)
• Discover this 9.3-km loop trail near Makawao, Maui. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This is a well-maintained trail looping through the forest in Makawao Forest Reserve. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The area is popular with several user groups, so expect to see hikers along with bikers on the trail. If you're a wildflower enthusiast, there are plenty of beautiful flowers to see along the trail.
• Over the years, Twin Falls has become more and more commercialized. Occasionally parking comes at a cost, and nearby areas no longer allow public parking. The trail and waterfalls are as beautiful as they have ever been. Just be prepared to pay a bit when parking at this legendary spot.
• There are multiple ways to enjoy Twin falls, but at a minimum, it’s a bit under 2 miles out-and-back. Depending on the weather, this trail can have a fair share of mud. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed. Be careful not to stray from the path.
• As a child, I remember the parking lot had issues with vandalism and theft. While I prefer the parking to be free, at least paying decreases the chance of vehicular damage. The area is also subject to seasonal closure due to heavy rains.

Distance: 1.8+ miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Garden of Eden Arboretum (midway between Paia and Hana on Hana Hwy)

• This trail is not free. It comes at a $15 per person cost. It’s very short, taking about 20 minutes. It’s great for hiking or walking. Dogs are not allowed.
• The trial is included in this list because I wanted to ensure that people know the course is not free. It’s also worth noting that the trail is an Arboretum, thus indicating that there is a level of upkeep afforded to the track.

Distance: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Waikamoi Ridge Nature Trail (just north of Garden of Eden Arboretum midway to Hana)

• This is a beautiful trail that includes stunning scenery and pristine waterfalls. It’s less than a mile out and back. Dogs welcome. Some bird watching here, so please be considerate.

Distance: 0.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Ke’anae Arboretum (also midway between Paia and Hana on Hana Hwy)

• No dogs allowed. This trail features a few paved areas. Like many tracks on this list, it’s a brief walk, usually taking less than a half-hour to complete. Trail is open year-round and beautiful anytime.

Distance: 1.0 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Pā Kaʻoao and Pu’ U’ Ula’ Ula’ Trails (White Hill and Red Hill Trails)

• Near Kula and within the Haleakala State Park… check before you go as it may be closed due to private property
• Pā Kaʻoao is a short 0.2 mile (0.32 km) hike up the hill next to Haleakalā Visitor Center. This small hike allows you to see a different view of the crater and some cultural resources of the park.
• Trailers will witness lots of cattle and reservoirs. The trail also goes very near the shore, offering a variety of scenery.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Private Trails

Bamboo Forest and Wailua Iki Trails (slightly beyond Hana)

• While these hikes are commonly visited, tread carefully if you attempt one of these popular trails. They are not public, so it stands to reason that visitors would need permission to hike them. It’s necessary to mention these two hikes in this post because they are two of the most popular hikes in the area.

• Secluded Bamboo forest, and waterfall hike right out of a tropical movie scene. Must do!
• Directions: Take Hana Hwy from Paia (heading toward Hana) and drive about 15miles half way between mile marker # 6 and 7 (NOTE: the mile marker counts up to 16 I think, and then starts at 1 again – you want the second mile marker 6 – 7… i.e. from Paia you will count up to 16 then reset and go till 6.5miles). The entry will be on your right side (inland side), across from an open grazing field with cows… you’ll know it because you will see bamboo lining the right side of the road and there should be cars parked on the side of the road.
• There are 2 small openings with a small wire fence trampled down.
• o The hike is ~3hrs round trip
• o Wear shoes and bathing suit
• o If it’s wet the terrain will be challenging because of mud and slippery lava rocks that you need to hike over
• o There are 4 waterfalls, you need to climb up each one ~15ft high and hike to the next, until you get to the 2^nd to last one… here you need to hop in and swim across the pool and climb out the other side up some lava rock… this will take you to the last pool and a 40ft water fall.

NORTH SIDE OF MAUI

• Waihee Ridge Trail ( Back side of West Maui Mtn… beyond Wailuku and Waiehu)
• I took someone special to this trail this year. Many have made this trail a daily hike for themselves. Thus, Waihee ridge is very popular and populated, which makes it a bit safer. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
• If you are trying to find this location, there is a red sign that says ‘Camp Maluhia,’ off of Kahekili Highway. Camp Maluhia and the Waihee Ridge Trail are both located in the West Maui Forest Reserve.
• The dramatic scenery is great on a clear day but beware of the muddiness that comes with recent rain. Be prepared for moderate sun exposure. The trail is suited both for running and walking alike.
• If bringing children, make sure to be careful as there are a few places with steep cliffs just off the trail. Parts of the path do go through private property so make sure to stay on the trail and respect the agreement from local landowners which provides public access to the trail.
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• 
  

Olivine Pools Trail

• This trail is just over a third of a mile, and starts about 40 minutes from Wailuku (just north of Kahakuloa). While the trail is short, it is considered moderately challenging, taking roughly 15 minutes each way. A few visitors enjoy birdwatching in this general location.
• The pools are more of a swimming spot than a trail. Dogs are not allowed.
• Warning: The pools can be extremely dangerous during the winter swell season, specifically in the backmost pool. Please use caution in this location as fatal accidents have occurred at this location in the past.

Distance: 0.37 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Makamakaole Stream: 13 Crossings

• This trail is just after the turnoff for the Waihee Ridge Trail (see above) if you are coming from Wailuku. It is considered moderately challenging and is usually quite muddy. This area is very popular for hiking so you will encounter others.
• Distance: 2 mile
• Difficulty: Moderate / Easy
• ʻOhai Trail Loop (continuing north beyond Waihee Ridge and Makamakaole)
• Of all the trails on this list, the ‘Ohai Trail Loop is closest to Lahaina. This is a quick and fun trail, which is also great for sunsets. Minimal elevation changes are nice. Dogs are welcome with leash. Open year round.
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Acid War Zone Trail / Nakalele Blowhole (again continuing north beyond Ohai Trail; Waihee Ridge and Makamakaole )
• This trail is two miles out and back. Most will complete in under two hours, this trail is very popular. Trail is open year round and dogs are welcome to be off leash in appropriate parts of the trail.
• It’s worth noting that there is a trail a bit further down the road, which is closer to Nakalele Blowhole, which you are welcome to try if you’d like.
• Distance: 1.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

• the drive to top of Haleakala crater is popular .... about 2 1/2 hrs... most popular time is sunrise because that's when it is reliably clear. If you want to go in the daytime, check the local weather before hand to ensure it won't be overcast because you can't see dick if it is www.mauiweathertoday.com
• aquarium at Maalaea harbor.... 20 min north is very good... about $20+ entry. In 2019 they introduced a new amazing 3D feature film (20 min) on humpbacks that everyone is raving about.
• the drive around the north section of the island is quite neat and only takes about 2 - 3 hrs instead of all day if you go to Hana in the SE corner
• best vegetation is enroute to Hana.... you only have to go an hour or so past Paia to see the rain & bamboo forests and there is not much you are missing if you don't go further.
• best surfer watching is Hookipa Pt about 2 mi beyond Paia (west of the airport and cruise ship harbor).....can't miss it. Good destination is breakfast in Paia (main street just after the light on your right) then on to watch the surf at Hookipa and then further exploring for 1/2 to 1 hr onwards toward Hana