5 Best Sights in Maui, Hawaii

This popular 4-mile trek offers two spectacular waterfalls: the first, Makahiku Falls, appears about 0.5 miles in, and the trail culminates at the majestic 400-foot Waimoku Falls, where water cascades down in full force. From the parking lot, follow signs across the road and uphill into the lush forest. The trail hugs a dramatic gorge before leading you onto a boardwalk that winds through the enchanting bamboo forest—a hiking highlight. Expect to encounter muddy and rocky terrain, and plan for around three hours to enjoy the experience fully. Though this trail rarely feels overcrowded, starting your hike early in the morning is ideal to beat the tour groups. Remember to bring mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay. Moderate.

A 1½-mile-long paved beach walk allows you to stroll among Wailea's prettiest properties, restaurants, and rocky coves. The trail, teeming with joggers in the morning and late afternoon, is landscaped with rare native plants like the silvery hinahina, named after the Hawaiian moon goddess. In winter, keep an eye out for whales. The trail is accessible from Polo Beach as well as from the many Wailea beachfront resorts. Bring your wallet for a treat like banana bread or iced coffee at the resorts' casual eateries along the path.

This ½-mile trail takes you from the Kipahulu Visitor Center down to the pools of Oheo at Kuloa Point, where the freshwater pools and ocean meet. On the trail, you pass native trees and precontact Hawaiian sites. Easy. Tempting as it is, swimming in the ocean is strongly discouraged. While it may seem calm near sea level, unpredictable conditions at higher elevations cause flash flooding and other dangers.

Hiking with a view doesn’t get much better than along the 2.5-mile (round-trip) Waihee Ridge Trail. The catch: You’ll have to work for it. This out-and-back trail is steep, climbing more than 1,500 feet before rewarding you with a panorama of the central valley and curtains of emerald vegetation. Smart hikers go early to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Don't forget to stop at the 1-mile mark and enjoy the best view of Makamakaole Falls. The trail is open 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Slightly after the town of Huelo, the Hana Highway enters the Koolau Forest Reserve. Vines wrap around street signs, and waterfalls are so abundant that you don't know which direction to look. A good start is between mile markers 9 and 10, where the Waikamoi Nature Trail sign beckons you to stretch your car-weary limbs. A short (if muddy) trail leads through tall eucalyptus trees to a coastal vantage point with a picnic table. Awapuhi, or Hawaiian shampoo ginger, sends up fragrant shoots along the trail. Signage with messages such as "Quiet, Trees at Work" and "Bamboo Picking Permit Required" keeps you, figuratively speaking, on the straight and narrow.