There are plenty of family friendly hikes in Maui and it is one of the most kid-friendly islands in Hawaii for outdoor adventures, offering an incredible mix of coastal walks, rainforest trails, and scenic mountain paths. For parents visiting the Valley Isle with kids, hiking is a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty, stay active, and create unforgettable memories together.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers in a stroller or adventurous teens, this guide covers the best family-friendly hikes in Maui — chosen for safety, scenery, and accessibility. Each trail offers something unique: from whale-watching lookouts to lava fields, redwood forests, and cultural landmarks.
For more ideas on outdoor fun, check out our guides to snorkeling beaches in Maui.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
1. Kapalua Coastal Trail (West Maui)
Trail Length: 1.76 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Stroller-friendly walks, ocean views, whale-watching
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a scenic, flat path that stretches along Maui’s northwestern coastline, starting from Kapalua Bay and heading toward D.T. Fleming Beach. It’s one of the most stroller-accessible hikes on the island, making it one of the perfect family friendly hikes in Maui, especially with young kids or anyone looking for a relaxed stroll with minimal elevation.
Along the way, families will enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged lava rock formations, tidepools, and lush coastal vegetation. From November to May, it’s also a great place for spotting humpback whales breaching offshore.
Safety Tip: The trail is mostly exposed with little shade. Pack hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and water. The lava rock sections can be uneven—closed-toed shoes are recommended.
2. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail (Northwest Maui)
Trail Length: 4.2 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Older kids, panoramic mountain and ocean views
If your family is up for more of a challenge, the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail offers one of the most rewarding family friendly hikes in Maui. Set in the West Maui Mountains, this trail offers incredible views of lush valleys, waterfalls, and the coastline below. It’s especially stunning on a clear morning when clouds haven’t yet rolled in.
The trail begins with a steep uphill climb, but the path levels out periodically and offers plenty of photo-worthy stops. Teens and active kids will love the adventure, and the dramatic landscape makes the effort worth it.
Safety Tip: The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are essential. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
3. Iao Valley State Park & Iao Needle Lookout Trail (Central Maui)
Trail Length: 0.6 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Young kids, cultural sites, shaded rainforest walk
Iao Valley State Park offers a short and scenic paved path through a lush rainforest valley to a lookout over the famous ʻIao Needle, a towering 1,200-foot rock formation rich in cultural and historical significance.
The trail is ideal for toddlers and grandparents alike, with easy access, shaded paths, and a nearby stream that’s perfect for a peaceful picnic. Educational signs along the way explain the valley’s importance in Hawaiian history, making this a great cultural stop for families.
Safety Tip: Stay on designated paths to avoid slippery areas and preserve the fragile ecosystem. Be mindful of flash flood warnings during heavy rain.
4. Hoapili Trail (La Perouse Bay, South Maui)
Trail Length: 3.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Unique landscapes, older kids, volcanic terrain
The Hoapili Trail, also known as the King’s Highway, takes hikers across Maui’s youngest lava fields along the coastline of La Perouse Bay. This fascinating hike feels like stepping into another world — with stark lava rock, crashing waves, and the possibility of spotting spinner dolphins or humpback whales offshore.
Older children will love the sense of discovery, and parents will appreciate the historic feel of the ancient Hawaiian footpath that winds through the rugged terrain.
Safety Tip: There’s minimal shade along the trail, and the lava rock is uneven and sharp. Wear closed-toed shoes and bring more water than you think you’ll need.
5. Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area (Upcountry Maui)
Trail Length: Varies (Redwood Trail is ~1.7 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best For: Cooler climate, redwood forest, quiet nature walks
For a complete change of scenery, head to the misty forests of Polipoli Springs on the slopes of Haleakalā. The Redwood Trail is a family favorite, offering a peaceful loop through towering redwood trees — a surprising sight on a tropical island. The cool, high-elevation climate is a refreshing break from the beach, especially in the summer.
This spot is less crowded and ideal for families who want to immerse themselves in nature at a slower pace. Bring a camera — the tree-lined trails are perfect for photos.
Safety Tip: It can get cold and foggy in this area, especially early or late in the day. Dress in layers and drive carefully on the steep access road.
6. Dragon’s Teeth Trail (West Maui)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Unique rock formations, short scenic stops
Located near Kapalua, the Dragon’s Teeth Trail is short but dramatic. It leads to Makaluapuna Point, where wind and water have shaped jagged lava rocks into formations that resemble dragon’s teeth.
The coastline views are incredible, and this spot makes for a quick stop before or after exploring nearby beaches.
Safety Tip: The rocks near the cliff edge can be slippery. Stay back from dangerous areas and avoid sandals.
7. Ohai Trail (Northwest Maui)
Trail Length: 1.2 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Whale watching, scenic lookouts, wildflowers
The Ohai Trail offers a wide, well-maintained path through native shrubland along Maui’s rugged northern coastline. Families will enjoy the sweeping ocean views, especially in winter when whales are frequently visible just offshore.
The loop format means no backtracking, and the trail is easy enough for most ages, though there are a few inclines.
Safety Tip: Bring binoculars for whale-watching and wear sun protection, as there is limited shade.
8. Honolua Bay Access Trail (West Maui)
Trail Length: 0.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Rainforest experience, access to snorkeling beach
This short trail through a shaded, tropical rainforest leads to Honolua Bay, a popular snorkeling destination. The walk is filled with lush greenery, banyan trees, and birdsong, giving kids a true jungle experience.
Families can pair the hike with a snorkel adventure (conditions permitting) or just enjoy the peaceful vibe and scenic bay views.
Safety Tip: The trail can be muddy and slippery — water shoes or grippy sandals are best. Check ocean conditions before swimming.
9. Napili Bay Beach Trail (West Maui)
Trail Length: 0.7 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Quick stroll, coastal views, beach access
This paved trail in Napili Bay is an easy, breezy walk suitable for all ages and strollers. While short, it offers lovely views over the bay, and you’ll often see local birds or families out enjoying the day.
It’s a great trail to pair with a beach visit or a casual morning walk before breakfast.
Safety Tip: It’s a smooth and safe trail, but still bring water and sun protection, especially midday.
10. Kapalua Village Walking Trails (West Maui)
Trail Length: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best For: Stroller walks, duck pond, open space
Once part of an old golf course, the Kapalua Village Trails are now open to the public for walking, jogging, and birdwatching. These paved and unpaved paths loop around a serene duck pond and through groves of Cook pine trees, offering a tranquil place for families to stretch their legs.
The multiple route options make it easy to tailor the walk to your family’s needs.
Safety Tip: Some portions are uphill and may not be fully paved — choose routes based on your comfort level and age of your children.
Plan Your Family Hike on Maui
Before setting off, here are some quick tips for hiking with kids on Maui:
- Start early to avoid the heat and get the best light.
- Pack essentials: sunscreen, hats, snacks, refillable water bottles, and closed-toe shoes.
- Check weather conditions — flash floods and high surf can affect some trails.
- Respect the land: Stay on trails, pack out trash, and leave natural items untouched.
Looking for more outdoor activities? Check out our guides to the best snorkeling spots on Maui for kids
Planning more of your family trip to Maui? You might also like these helpful guides:
- Visiting Haleakalā Crater with Kids
- Whale Watching in Maui with Kids
- Road to Hana Itinerary for Families
- Maui Bucket List for Kids and Families
- Best Snorkeling Beaches in Maui for Families
- Family-Friendly Beaches in Maui
You can also browse our ranked lists:
- Best Family Beaches in Maui (Ranked)
- Best Things to Do in Maui with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Maui (Ranked)
For more background on the island, see the Wikivoyage page on Maui.
