Iao Valley State Park
Towering emerald peaks guard the lush valley floor of Iao Valley State Park. Located in Central Maui just west of Wailuku, this peaceful park is home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle.
There is a well-marked, paved pedestrian path leading from the parking lot to view Iao Needle and the ridge-top lookout provides incredible views of the valley. The needle is sometimes covered in clouds, so an early start is your best bet for a good view. Families can also take a rainforest walk or explore interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center, which is also located within Iao Valley. Restroom facilities are available.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. There are two main falls tourists visit on this hike: Ho’olawa li’ili’i and Ho’olawa nui.
It is easy to end up wondering where “it” is if you stay on the main trail without following the small foot paths down to the stream. “It”, is everywhere, and if you haven’t seen many different pools, multiple waterfalls of all different sizes, caves, water diversion ditches and stunning jungle wonders on your hike, then you haven’t been off the trail! There really is so much to do here that you can spend an entire day here if you want.
Waihee Ridge Trail
Located in the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahalawai, the 5-mile round-trip trail ascends 1,500 ft. through a lush forest of kukui, guava, ohia, and ferns. Birdwatchers will also want to keep an eye out for the apapane, Hawaii amakihi, and maybe even an iiwi. The earlier you start the trail the better chance you'll have of viewing the Waihee Valley without clouds. When you arrive at the trailhead it may not seem like much of a trail, but do not be fooled. The Waihee Ridge Trail is straightforward, well marked, and provides nice intervals of steep inclines and areas of flat terrain; making it a relatively moderate hike.
Haleakala Crater
At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes. Many visitors wake up early to drive to the Haleakala Visitor Center, the best spot to watch what may be the most spectacular sunrise on earth. As the sun peeks over the horizon, an ever-changing swirl of color and light dance across the vast sea of clouds—a sight described by Mark Twain as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.” Perhaps just as impressive are Haleakala’s sunsets and the bright, starry skies revealed at night.
Important: Please note that the national park service requires a reservation for personal and rental vehicles to view the sunrise from the summit district. If you would like to camp over night, there is a campground and cabins available on the park's website.
Waimoku Falls
This trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is the tallest falls on Maui.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Muddy conditions are also probable. Use extreme caution when crossing the stream(s) as well.