West Maui Hiking Trails

If you spend any time at all on Maui, you'll notice there are two very different sides to the island. The north-east, or Windward side is lush, green, and wet. Opposite the Windward side is Leeward; dry, sunny, and usually where you'll find the best beaches. What you are seeing are the effects of the normal north-east trade winds blowing onto the Windward side, blowing up the mountain slopes, creating clouds, and rain. So one side of the island creates weather, and the other is naturally protected from it. This is called the rain shadow effect, and is the reason you can find beautiful sunny beaches, and lush tropical waterfalls only a few miles apart.

If you'd like to get a closer look at the two personalities of Maui, get some exercise, and like the idea of an affordable Maui vacation, then West Maui has two great hiking trails for you. Moreover, if you are staying in a Kaanapali condo rental, or Lahaina home, they are both just a short drive away.

The Pali Trail.
Only a 10 or 20 minute drive from the Lahaina - Kaanapali area is the start of the Pali Trail. If you're coming from Lahaina, it's a left into the parking area just before the road rises up to travel along the cliffs around West Maui. If you are going to hike the whole trail, you'll need to get a ride back from the other end. But you can also just hike up to the top, and come back the same way.

Along the way are beautiful views of West Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and East Maui. If you make it to the top, you can look down into Maalaea Bay, and all the way across the island to North Maui. The entire trail is 5.5 miles, has an elevation change of over 1500 feet, and is considered Difficult. So come prepared. And, as this is a good example of the dry side of the island, bring plenty of water.