What To Wear Hiking In Maui?

To get the most out of a trip to Maui, make time to hike the Valley Isle’s greatest trails. In addition to hiking and camping, hikers can explore the island’s various eco-zones.

The coolest thing about hiking in Maui? There are numerous landscapes to explore in this area. When most people think of Maui, they picture lush trails dotted with waterfalls and tropical greenery, and they’d be right. However, you’ll also find trails that descend into volcanic moonscapes, wind through bamboo woods, bump over lava beds, and ribbon beside golden beaches.

What should you keep in mind? Keep an eye out for flash floods in steep valleys and ravines in Maui, and keep in mind that nightfall comes swiftly. Observe all warning signs, especially those posted at historically noteworthy or dangerous locations. Aside from that, enjoy the lack of snakes and poison ivy on Maui.

We’ve compiled a list of the finest gear to bring on a hiking trip to Maui:

1. Hiking Sandals Or Trail Running Shoes

Hiking sandals or trail running shoes are your best bet for exploring the island of Hawaii on foot. Owing to their versatility, hiking sandals are an excellent choice for a trip to Hawaii.

Compared to normal sandals or flip flops, these shoes provide a little more traction. Hiking in Hawaii can be challenging, so a little more traction is always a good idea!

You can get a little bit of a tripping hazard on some of the trails because they’re made of loose gravel or dry dirt. This is not to imply that you won’t slip in any shoes, but the grip may be able to help a little. You could prefer sandals to shoes in Hawaii, too, due to the extreme heat! REI Co-op Shop, a prominent outdoor brand, is known for its high-quality hiking sandals and other outdoor gear.

Our Recommendation:

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals (4.4 / 5 ratings)

With padded heel straps and robust, grippy soles, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 shoes for men are the perfect footwear for any outdoor adventure or daily commute.

Key Features:

• The uppers made from REPREVE® recycled polyester webbing are incredibly strong and dry very rapidly. Recycling plastic bottles yields REPREVE polyester.
• It is possible to quickly and easily modify the length of the straps thanks to the injection-moulded ends.
• Hook-and-loop closures are fast and easy to put on and take off, ensuring a perfect fit.
• lightweight cushioning is provided by EVA foam midsoles.
• Foot stability and support are provided by nylon shanks when walking on rough terrain.
• In addition to their durability, Durabrasion RubberTM’s outsoles provide outstanding traction.

Where to purchase Teva Hurricane Sandals?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

2. Should I Take Hiking Shoes To Maui?

Regardless of how you feel about it, this is a vital challenge. Hike Maui’s waterfall and jungle adventures might be undone by the inappropriate footwear. If this is your first time joining us on a trek, you may be unsure of what to anticipate, but we want you to be prepared for whatever may come your way. So, what’s effective and what isn’t in these situations?

Consider that some of the waterfalls need you to wade through water to get there. It all depends on how much rain we’ve had. In some cases, it’s just a few inches, but in others, it’s up to your thighs.

Wet and muddy shoes are the most important thing to know about footwear! Shoes with good tread and a firm sole are recommended for our paths because of the rough and muddy terrain, as well as the slippery rocks that must be crossed at the waterfalls. To get to the ledges above the waterfalls, you’ll need boots with a good foothold.

Our Recommendation:

La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoes (4.6 / 5 ratings)

The men’s La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 GTX hiking shoes feature a lightweight, adaptable, and flex-friendly foundation that makes them excellent for extended day walks in any condition.

Key Features:

• Recycled EVA makes up 15% of the midsoles.
• Nubuck and synthetic leather uppers with recycled nylon mesh panels for long-lasting flexibility and breathability.
• Flex Control design places flexible materials in strategic locations to enhance mobility and energy transmission, reducing the strain on your muscles as you stride.
• EVA midsoles provide lightweight, long-lasting cushioning and stress absorption on difficult trails; nylon laces are 100% recycled.
• Torsion rigidity, stability, and protection are provided by lightweight TPU and polyurethane shanks, even while carrying heavy loads over rough terrain.
• Both wet and dry paths are no problem for Vibram® rubber outsoles equipped with the Impact Brake SystemTM. 30% of the rubber in the outsoles is reclaimed.

Where to purchase La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 GTX hiking shoes?

You can purchase these here on REI.

3. Compass Hiking Hats

It is possible to keep the glare out of your face while also preventing heat from building up in your head by wearing a lightweight hat. It’s best to protect yourself from the sun while trekking in the desert or other areas that are constantly exposed to it by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap with an attached sun cape. If a rainy prediction dictates packing a waterproof hat, a wide brim can help keep the rain out of your eyes. Pack a woollen or synthetic hat to keep your head warm in cold weather.

Our Recommendation:

Sunday Afternoons (Compass Hats)

Anywhere your free-spirited nature may go, the Sunday Afternoons Compass gear will help guide you. When the temperature rises, its Convertible Ventilation panels open up to let in some fresh air.

Key Features:

• Designed with a 3.75-inch brim in front and a 4-inch brim in the back, this hat provides a good amount of shade in the front while also protecting your neck.
• UPF 50+ sun protection is provided by a nylon fabric, which is water and stain resistant; mesh ventilation is not rated.
• The dark under the brim of the hat helps to minimise reflected light.
• Water doesn’t sink this hat.
• For added comfort, an inside sweatband pulls perspiration away from the skin.

Where to purchase Sunday Afternoons?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

4. Hiking Pants

Comfort, lightness, and speed of drying make hiking pants an excellent investment. About 60% of hikers prefer hiking pants to any other form of pants, according to a survey conducted among the hiking community.

If you expect the temperature to decrease or there to be a lot of foliage along the trail, you should wear pants made of sturdy, quick-drying fabrics like spandex or nylon (as with your upper body, avoid cotton).

Regardless of whether you like pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses, quick-drying materials are essential. In determining the most feasible length and thickness for bottoms, environmental risks (such as ticks, poison ivy, and sharp pebbles) play an important influence. While a trail requiring some rock scrambling can tear up a thin pair of yoga pants, a stroll through dense grass might necessitate long pants to keep sand fleas and ticks from sticking to your lower legs.

Our Recommendation:

Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants

While they seem casual, the Outdoor Research VOODOO Pants are all business when it comes to their moisture-wicking stretch and ability to keep you cool in the heat.

Key Features:

• Stretches that mirror movement and articulated knees that increase range of motion
• Fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly is wind, water, and abrasion-resistant.
• A zippered thigh pocket, two front jean-style pockets, and two back pockets.
• Belt loops, a tricot-lined waistband with zipping and snap closure

Where to purchase Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

5. Soul Insoles

For hiking and jogging, it’s not always possible to find shoes that fit well. As a result, it’s important to select the perfect pair of insoles to ensure optimal foot movement, alleviate discomfort, and enhance your overall experience on the trail. You can keep your feet happy no matter where you are with these excellent hiking and running insoles.

Our Recommendation:

Soul Insoles

There are many insoles out there but one of the best ones is Soul Insole. The comfort and cushioning that you get from these are almost unparrarrel compared to most other insoles. You can check out a more in-depth review of SoulInsoles here.

Where to purchase Soul Insoles?

You can purchase these here on their official website.

6. Sunglasses / Sunscreen / Sun Protection:

Hawaii’s blistering heat is no joke. A wide-brimmed hat and liberally applied sunscreen should always be included in every hiker’s list of ten must-haves.

Our Recommendation:

Zeal Optics Incline Polarized Sunglasses (4.9 / 5 ratings)

The Zeal Optics Incline polarised sunglasses include a Z-Lite injection frame and a traditional keyhole bridge that make them ideal for outdoor use. The temple tips and nose pads are held in place with ProFlex rubber.

Key Features:

• Less colour confusion with Ellume plant-based lenses that are impact-resistant and suitable for outdoor activities.
• 95% HEV light reduction supports clarity and long-term eye health; minimises intense sun and glare for richer, truer colour.
• 100% UVA/B/C protection from the sun’s damaging rays
• Polarized lenses reduce glare from water, snow, sand, and concrete.
• ProFlex rubber nose and temple tips secure sunglasses
• The lightweight Z-Lite frame combines plant-based Z-Resin and a thin injection method.
• Z-Resin is created from the castor plant, replacing traditional polymers and reducing CO2 emissions.
• If you buy a pair from REI, Zeal will plant a tree in your honour in our national forests.

Where to purchase Zeal Optics Incline Polarized Sunglasses?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

Is Hiking In Hawaii Cold?

If you’re trekking early in the morning, through shady bamboo woods or at high altitudes, it can feel chilly in Hawaii. Snowshoeing or a wet hike necessitates waterproof, durable footwear, but a short summer hike could be done in sneakers or sandals.

However, it’s worth the extra effort to see the beauty of nature in winter by hiking. Wool or synthetic fabrics with good insulation capabilities serve as the foundation for a three-layer system: a removable middle layer that provides further insulation, and an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof. Comfortable winter hiking requires the right gear: hiking boots, woolen or synthetic beanie or synthetic glove, and warm socks.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts!

Hiking does not necessitate an extensive gear list. It is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, and you don’t need any special gear. This is true for hiking on your local trails back home, and it may also be true for your Hawaiian vacation!

However, if you want to increase your level of comfort when hiking in Hawaii, keep the following ideas in mind while planning what to take and what to wear.