Easy Hikes

Question

Hoping someone can make some suggestions. We’ll be traveling with family who would like to do some easy hiking (flat). Suggestions? Hoping to do part of RTH with them too. Thank you!

Answer

Hi there! Maui offers several easy and scenic hikes that are perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. Here are some of the best flat, easy hikes on the island that you can enjoy with your family:

Wailea Beach Path – This is a lovely, paved walking path that runs along the coastline in Wailea. It’s mostly flat and offers beautiful views of the ocean, beaches, and resorts. It’s great for a leisurely stroll, and you can stop at several beaches along the way to relax or take in the scenery. The path is around 1.5 miles long, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all ages.
Sliding Sands Trail (Part of Haleakalā Crater) – While Haleakalā's Sliding Sands Trail is often used for more serious hikes, you can choose to walk just a portion of it, which offers an easy, relatively flat hike with stunning views of the crater. It's a great option if you want to experience the unique landscape of Haleakalā without tackling the entire trail. Keep in mind, the elevation can be high, so it's best to start early in the day to avoid heat.
Pipiwai Trail (Hāna Highway) – This trail is known for its lush environment and scenic beauty, including a visit to the famous Waimoku Falls. While the full Pipiwai Trail is around 4 miles, you can opt to walk just the first part of the trail, which is flat and leads you through bamboo forests and a beautiful stream. It’s a great option for an easy hike with a bit of natural beauty.
Iao Needle Lookout Trail – This is a short, paved path located in the Iao Valley State Park. It’s an easy 0.6-mile hike that leads you to a lookout point with great views of the Iao Needle, the valley, and surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect spot for family-friendly hiking and an excellent introduction to the lush scenery of the island.
Road to Hana (RTH) - Short Hikes – Along the famous Road to Hana, there are several easy, flat hikes that you can explore. The most popular ones include short walks to waterfalls or overlooks, such as the Twin Falls hike or the hike to the bamboo forest (which is relatively flat and easy). If you want to tackle part of the Road to Hana, there are plenty of scenic stops where you can take short, easy hikes that the whole family will enjoy.

These hikes should provide an excellent variety of scenic, easy-to-moderate trails for your family to enjoy. They’re mostly flat, so you won’t have to worry about steep climbs or difficult terrain. Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and take your time to soak in the beautiful views! Enjoy your trip!