Hiking & Camping

In the past 3 decades, Maui has grown from a rural island to a fast-paced resort destination, but its natural beauty remains largely inviolate; there are still many places that can be explored only on foot. Those interested in seeing the backcountry -- complete with virgin waterfalls; remote wilderness trails; and quiet, meditative settings -- should head for Haleakala's upcountry or the tropical Hana Coast.

Camping on Maui can be extreme (inside a volcano) or benign (by the sea in Hana). It can be wet, cold, and rainy, or hot, dry, and windy -- often all on the same day. If you're heading for Haleakala, remember that U.S. astronauts trained for the moon inside the volcano: Bring survival gear. Don't forget both your swimsuit and your rain gear if you're bound for Waianapanapa. Bring your own gear, as there are no places to rent camping equipment on Maui.

For more information on Maui camping and hiking trails, and to obtain free maps, contact Haleakala National Park, PO Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 (tel. 808/572-4400; www.nps.gov/hale); or the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 54 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 808/984-8100; www.hawaiistateparks.org). For information on trails, hikes, camping, and permits for state parks, contact the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, State Parks Division, 54 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 808/984-8109; www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/fees.cfm). Note: You can get information from the state's website but you cannot obtain permits there. For Maui County Parks, contact the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation, 200 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 808/270-7230; www.co.maui.hi.us/departments/parks).

Tips on Safe Hiking & Camping

Water might be everywhere in Hawaii, but it more than likely isn't safe to drink. Most stream water must be treated because cattle, pigs, and goats have probably contaminated the water upstream. The Department of Health continually warns campers of bacterium leptospirosis, which is found in freshwater streams throughout the state and enters the body through breaks in the skin or through the mucous membranes. It produces flulike symptoms and can be fatal. Make sure that your drinking water is safe by vigorously boiling it, or if boiling is not an option, use tablets with hydroperiodide; portable water filters will not screen out bacterium leptospirosis. Firewood isn't always available, so it's a good idea to carry a small, light backpacking stove, which you can use both to boil water and to cook meals.

Remember, the island is not crime free: Never leave your valuables (wallet, airline ticket, and so on) unprotected. Carry a day pack if you have a campsite, and never camp alone. Some more do's and don'ts: Do bury personal waste away from streams. Don't eat unknown fruit. Do carry your trash out. And don't forget there is very little twilight in Maui when the sun sets -- it gets dark quickly.

Guided Hikes

If you'd like a knowledgeable guide to accompany you on a hike, call Maui Hiking Safaris (tel. 888/445-3963 or 808/573-0168; www.mauihikingsafaris.com). Owner Randy Warner takes visitors on half- and full-day hikes into valleys, rainforests, and coastal areas. Randy's been hiking around Maui for more than 29 years and is wise in the ways of Hawaiian history, native flora and fauna, and volcanology. His rates are $69 to $99 for a half-day and $120 to $159 for a full day, which include day packs, rain parkas, snacks, water, and, on full-day hikes, sandwiches.

Maui's oldest hiking-guide company is Hike Maui (tel. 866/324-6284 or 808/879-5270; www.hikemaui.com), headed by Ken Schmitt, who pioneered guided hikes on the Valley Isle. Hike Maui offers five different hikes a day, ranging from an easy 1-mile, 3-hour hike to a waterfall ($75) to a strenuous full-day waterfall and rainforest hike ($150). All prices include equipment and transportation.

For information on hikes given by the Hawaii Sierra Club on Maui, call tel. 206/426-5535 or go to www.hawaii.sierraclub.org/maui.