Best trails in Hana, Maui

A unique and very special waterfall hike where your adventures begin even before you reach the trailhead. A favorite Maui hike, yet for some people the drive to the trailhead alone is excitement enough. The Hana Highway is sixty miles of scenic but curvy coastal road, reportedly featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are single-lane bridges. If you relish your driving experiences then the Hana Highway alone is a "must-do". The round trip to the falls and back takes in several great waterfalls before reaching the spectacular Waimoku Falls, and a boardwalk journey through dense, dark bamboo forest that you're unlikely to forget. Show more

Please note: there are temporary closures in this area of the pools due to flash flood warning. Please consult the park's website before visiting. Seven Sacred Pools Oheo Gulch, also known as the Kuloa Point Trail, features beautiful ocean views, lush vegetation, pools and a waterfall. It leaves from the Kpahulu Visitor Center and continues past a Hawaiian cultural demonstration area to Kuloa Point at the mouth of 'Ohe'o Gulch (take the right fork downhill and hike the loop counter-clockwise). The ocean can surprise you with rogue waves and can be very rough. Next hike the south side of the gulch area up along the beautiful pools and back to the visitor center and parking lot. Swimming is possible in the Kpahulu District of the park - but only when conditions allow. The freshwater pools at Oheo Gulch are prone to very dangerous flash floods caused by heavy rains high on the mountain. Injuries and deaths have occurred. Always check at the visitor center for current conditions before entering the water, obey all posted signs, and use your best judgment. Park rules: Diving and jumping are prohibited. Do not bring glass into the 'Ohe'o Gulch area. Due to rough conditions, there is no safe ocean entry in Kpahulu.Show more

NOTE: This track will pass along cliffs, make sure to wear proper footwear.Show more

For reservation information, see the park page here: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/waianapanapa-state-park/Show more

Starting from Wai`anapanapa State Park the trail follows a portion of the ancient Hawaiian Kings Highway from Pailoa Bay to Pakaulua Point. The path crosses Pailoa Black Sand Beach and parallels the volcanic coastline above the sea. Going north (left) from the sand beach, this section of the Kings Trail is called Kipapa O Kihapiilani Trail. The full trail is somewhat demanding and 2.75 miles round-trip. Noted sites on this portion of trail: Kapukaulua burial site, two black rock coves, a large lava tube, ruins, and Pukaulua Point which is the site of a heiau and burial mounds. Two small cobblestone beach pockets are revealed along the way. The original trail passed through the area that is now Hana Airport; as such, the trail ends abruptly at the airport security fence. To begin this trail, start at the North (far) end of the black sand beach, look for the trail, and continue to the black-stone cove just adjacent. A bit further the trail will fork, the right fork soon takes you to the Kapukaulua burial site. Backtracking to take the left fork continues the trail. The trail continues on to a second cove. The cove itself is part of the trail, and the trail picks up toward the other side. Wai`anapanapa State Park: Remote, wild, low-cliffed volcanic coastline offering solitude and respite from urban life. Lodging, camping, picnicking and hardy family hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail which leads to Hana. Excellent opportunity to view a seabird colony and anchialine pools. Other features include native hala forest, legendary cave, natural stone arch, sea stacks, blow holes and small black sand beach. Show more

Access to Venus Pool is across private property. This site is open to the public although it is on privately owned land.Show more

The turn-off for the lava tube is at mile marker 31. This is the largest and most accessible lava tube in Maui. A must-see for those interested in caves and geology. You will encounter rare lava stalagmites, and stalactites that almost seem to be dripping chocolate from the cave ceiling. This is the largest and most accessible lava tube in Maui. A must-see for those interested in caves and geology. You will encounter rare lava stalagmites, and stalactites that almost seem to be dripping chocolate from the cave ceiling. While the lava tube is much longer, visitors are only allowed to hike 1/3 of a mile into it which is the edge of the property above. It is open year round, seven days a week, between the hours of 10:30am - 4pm. $12.50 per person. There is also a one-of-a-kind Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze that is quite interesting.Show more

This is hike along the stream bed of Kopiliula Stream. It is one of the lesser known falls along Hana highway. From the highway bridge, you cannot miss the water pumping station and the Nahiku Ditch that runs along the highway for a short distance. Follow the stream mauka, as it twists its way up hill. You will have to scramble along the rocky bed and up along deep water channels craved into the old lava that makes the water way look like large pools with water slides between them. Prepare to get wet as the only way to the larger fall is to climb the watery smaller falls to it. The water was incredibly clear, cool, and not muddy at all. As always, heed flash fold warnings in this area. Hikers noticed that the water line during the rain will be above your heads and that there was a large tree swept down stream like twigs. Note: The very beginning of the trail to the waterfall is steep and slick with almost no handholds.Show more