Lihau Natural Area Reserve is a protected region within the West Maui Natural Area Reserve, characterized by its rugged volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. This area features steep-sloped volcanic remnants that transition from dry lowlands to a wet summit, supporting a range of native communities from grasslands to 'ōhi'a forests. The varied terrain makes it suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling.
Lihau Natural Area Reserve offers…
22
Routes
4.1
(11)
Average rating
348
People visited

3.5
(2)
52
hikers
7.12km
02:35
450m
450m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
21
hikers
1.48km
00:25
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
hikers
3.89km
01:07
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
15
hikers
2.79km
00:48
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15
runners
7.10km
01:10
450m
450m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.02km
00:27
100m
90m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

23
runners
15.4km
01:37
70m
70m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
21.4km
02:17
70m
70m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9.11km
00:34
40m
30m
Moderate bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

14.3km
01:03
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9.05km
00:33
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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73
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

26
riders
45.7km
02:12
220m
220m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

23
riders
38.1km
01:40
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Lihau Natural Area Reserve offers opportunities for Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Road cycling. The region features varied terrain, from volcanic ridges to coastal trails. More than 1,000 visitors have shared experiences, resulting in an average rating of 3.92 out of 5 stars for activities.
Yes, Lihau Natural Area Reserve and the broader West Maui Natural Area Reserve offer various hiking trails. Options range from easy strolls to challenging mountain climbs. For detailed information, consult the Hiking in Lihau Natural Area Reserve guide.
The Lahaina Pali Trail is a popular option, offering rugged terrain and ocean views, with routes up to 12.1 miles. The ʻĪao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop is an easier 0.9-mile path with views of the iconic ʻĪao Needle. The ʻĪao Tableland Trail is another easy 2.5-mile route.
While the core Lihau Natural Area Reserve has limited direct cycling, the broader West Maui region provides excellent cycling opportunities. The 60-mile West Maui Loop is known for climbs and diverse landscapes. Coastal routes like Launiupoko Beach Park via Lahaina also offer scenic rides. Find more details in the Cycling in Lihau Natural Area Reserve guide.
Yes, the ʻĪao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop is an easy 0.9-mile trail suitable for families. The ʻĪao Tableland Trail is another easy 2.5-mile option. For more choices, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Lihau Natural Area Reserve and Easy hikes in Lihau Natural Area Reserve guides.
Lihau Natural Area Reserve features rugged volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It transitions from dry lowlands to a wet summit with cliffs. Notable features include the iconic ʻĪao Needle and areas preserving rare flora like the federally endangered Gouania hillebrandii.
Trail difficulties vary within the reserve and surrounding areas. The Lahaina Pali Trail offers moderate to difficult routes with significant elevation gain. Easier options include the ʻĪao Needle Lookout Trail. The West Maui Forest Reserve also has challenging climbs like the Waihee Ridge Trail.
Information regarding dog access specifically for Lihau Natural Area Reserve trails is not readily available. Visitors should check with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources for current regulations on pet access within Natural Area Reserves.
Lihau Natural Area Reserve is a recognized destination on komoot, with more than 1,000 visitors sharing their experiences. Activities in the region have received an average rating of 3.92 out of 5 stars from 47 ratings.
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including Hiking in Lihau Natural Area Reserve, Cycling in Lihau Natural Area Reserve, and Running Trails in Lihau Natural Area Reserve. There are also guides for family-friendly and easy hikes.
Lihau Natural Area Reserve is part of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve, managed by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. Information can be found on the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
For inquiries regarding Lihau Natural Area Reserve, contact the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Maui Branch. The general phone number for this division is +1-808-984-8100.

