Makawao Forest Reserve: How to Go For A Short Hike Off The Beaten Path

If you are looking for a great place to take a hike or get on a bike through the lush Hawaiian forest, check out Makawao Forest Reserve! This is a great activity to complete after watching the sunrise on Haleakala.

Grab a delicious breakfast in Makawao and head to Makawao Forest Reserve for a nice 5-mile hike through the woods. Single and double-track mountain biking trails also await those who want to hit the trails on a bike. Get the details below on what to expect during your visit to this somewhat hidden oasis.

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Need to Know Info

Makawao Forest Reserve is a free-to-visit park with hiking and mountain biking options. If you hike along the trails, please yield to all mountain bikers. If you are looking to rent a bike, check out Krank Cycles. Overall, there are 9 miles of trails here for hiking and biking.

Getting to Makawao Forest Reserve

Located just a few miles southeast of Makawao, Hawaii, winding roads lead you to a parking lot where you’ll begin your hike. There are some narrow and steep sections of road here, and always be on the lookout and yield to bicyclists. If you rent a bike in Makawao, you can ride over to the park to reach the trails at Makawao Forest Reserve.

Weather in Makawao Forest Reserve

The elevation at Makawao Forest Reserve is around 2,800-3,600 feet. Temperatures are much cooler than at sea level, which could be a welcome reprieve from the heat. That being said, it could still be humid. You are in Maui after all!

🏖️ Read next: Visit the most scenic beach on Maui after your hike!

Kahakapao Loop Trail – 5-6 miles, moderate, loop

First, start your hike on one of the Kahakapao Trails. Begin on either trail (West or East), and they will meet up at the midpoint, creating a nice loop through the forest.

As you hike through the forest, enjoy the tall trees and the amazing canopy overhead. Some of these trees have been here quite a long time! There is a good amount of elevation gain on the trail, totaling about 800 feet, so this trail is no walk in the park. However, the elevation gain is gradual as you wind your way up the hills.

Looking for more fun in Upcountry? Reserve a spot and take a Maui Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile. Maui Gold pineapples are THE BEST, and this tour is recommended by 95% of travelers! 🍍

Be on the lookout for flowering plants and eucalyptus trees. You could even spot a chameleon and cute, colorful birds. On our hike, we spotted one as well as some cute and playful Leiothrix birds.

➡️ Read next: The Ultimate 7 Days In Maui Itinerary You Need

If you are looking for another great hike nearby, check out the Waihou Spring Trail. This trail is just up the road along Olinda Road. The Waihou Spring Trail is about 1-1.5 miles through a forested canopy that will keep you cool in the summer. That being said, much of this area burned in a recent fire, so please check the status of the trail before visiting.

Where to Stay

There isn’t a bad place to stay while visiting Maui! We actually chose to stay in Upcountry, away from most of the popular tourist destinations. It was so peaceful and relaxing with outstanding views.

We really enjoyed our home base right near the entrance to Haleakalā National Park. Check out some of the options to stay in Upcountry, here.

If you want to be closer to the action and beaches, stay in Kihei or Lahaina/Ka’anapali. Here are some excellent options below:

Kihei’s best accommodations:

• Maui Coast Hotel – best seller, white sand beaches just across the street, nearby dining & entertainment with a free shuttle. Book your room now on Expedia or check it out on Booking.com.
• Kohea Kai Hotel Maui – beachfront hotel 15 minutes from the airport, rooftop lounge, and nearby beaches! Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com.
• AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea – breakfast buffet available along with an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, and amazing ocean views. Check it out and book it on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Aston Maui Hill – ocean views near Wailea offering spacious condos and nearby beaches and activities. Compare prices and rates on Expedia or Booking.com and reserve your stay now.

Here are some great properties to stay near and north of Lahaina:

• Napili Kai Beach Resort – top-rated and far from the high-rise hotels, this resort is located on the shores of Napili Bay. Perfect for snorkelers and swimmers! Get your stay reserved on Expedia or Booking.com now.
• OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort – oceanfront on the golden sands of Kaanapali Beach, one of the best in Maui for a reason! Premium rooms, upgraded features, and open-air dining. Don’t miss out – book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Kaanapali Alii – looking for a bigger place to stay? Expansive one and two-bedroom condos await at the Kaanapali Alii. Book your condo on Expedia.
• The Mauian – Boutique Beach Studios on Napili Bay – a beachside haven that will feel more like your home than a resort. Ocean views and beach access. Discover paradise at this epic beach location and reserve your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.

🧭 Loving this itinerary? Check out our other trips and itineraries right here!

Final Thoughts

Exploring the Makawao Forest Reserve was a great late-morning activity after watching the sunrise on Haleakala. We enjoyed our time away from the crowds in this somewhat secluded forest.

The trails were great for hiking, but it also appeared the mountain bikers were having a really fun ride as well. After our 5-mile hike in Upcountry, we decided to check out one of the most scenic beaches in Maui – Makena Cove!