Honokowai Natural Area Reserve is a 750-acre section of the larger West Maui Natural Area Reserve, situated on the wet upper northern slopes of the West Maui Mountains in Hawaii. This reserve features diverse ecosystems, including rare bogs, wet forests, and shrublands, shaped by ancient volcanic activity with dramatic ridges and lush rainforests. The area serves as a crucial watershed, containing headwaters of perennial streams and supporting many rare plants. It offers varied terrain suitable for several sports like jogging,…
73
Routes
4.3
(57)
Average rating
2704
People visited

4.6
(5)
188
runners
8.79km
00:54
40m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
98
runners
6.87km
01:06
430m
430m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
98
runners
4.60km
00:29
30m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

24
runners
4.17km
00:29
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
135
hikers
5.13km
01:19
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

41
hikers
4.17km
01:04
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
23
hikers
1.48km
00:25
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(23)
171
hikers
5.12km
01:51
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
6
riders
16.3km
01:04
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
9.37km
00:36
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
9.43km
00:41
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
20.5km
01:37
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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137
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

74
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
12.3km
00:36
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
The Honokowai Natural Area Reserve is a 750-acre section of the larger West Maui Natural Area Reserve. It is located on the wet upper northern slopes of the West Maui Mountains and protects diverse ecosystems, including rare bogs, wet forests, and shrublands. The reserve is a crucial watershed site, containing headwaters of perennial streams and supporting many rare plants.
Honokowai Natural Area Reserve offers various outdoor activities, including jogging, touring cycling, hiking, and road cycling. The area features diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to montane forests and elevated tablelands. Visitors have rated activities in this region an average of 4.38 out of 5 stars.
Yes, the reserve provides a network of hiking trails suitable for various ability levels. Popular routes include paths leading to the ʻĪao Needle Viewpoint and Quarter-Mile Falls. More information can be found in the Hiking in Honokowai Natural Area Reserve guide.
Jogging routes are available in the Honokowai area, offering varied terrain such as coastal paths, elevated tablelands, and ridge trails. The ʻĪao Tableland Trail is a popular jogging route. Details on suitable routes are provided in the Running Trails in Honokowai Natural Area Reserve guide.
The broader Honokowai region and West Maui offer opportunities for touring and road cycling. Routes feature coastal paths, scenic views of the West Maui Mountains, and connections between towns. Cyclists can explore diverse terrain, from flat coastal rides to more challenging climbs. Refer to the Cycling in Honokowai Natural Area Reserve guide for options.
Yes, there are family-friendly hiking options available in the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve area. These trails are designed to be accessible for a wider range of ages and abilities. The Family-friendly hikes in Honokowai Natural Area Reserve guide provides specific recommendations.
The reserve features a rich tapestry of natural communities, including rare bogs, wet forests, and shrublands. Its terrain includes dramatic ridges and lush rainforests, a montane lake, and the headwaters of perennial streams. The iconic ʻĪao Needle, a pointed lava rock formation, is a prominent natural landmark in the vicinity.
Komoot offers several guides for activities in the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve. These include guides for Hiking, Running Trails, and Cycling. Additional guides cover specific interests like family-friendly hikes and easy trails.
Activities in the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve region have received an average rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on experiences shared by more than 8,000 visitors. The community has contributed 222 ratings for routes and highlights in the area.
Information regarding specific dog policies for the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve is not directly provided. As a Natural Area Reserve managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), it is advisable to consult the DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife for current regulations on pet access.
Access to Natural Area Reserves in Hawaii, including Honokowai, is managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Specific permit requirements for public access may vary and should be confirmed directly with the DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife. There is no specific official website solely for the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve.
Official information for the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve, as part of the Natural Area Reserves System, is available through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The official website for the Natural Area Reserves System is dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/protected-areas/natural-area-reserve-system/. For general inquiries, the Maui Branch of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife can be reached at (808) 984-8100.
Yes, the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve area offers trails suitable for beginners and those seeking easier routes. These paths provide an accessible way to experience the natural beauty of the region. The Easy hikes in Honokowai Natural Area Reserve guide lists specific options.
The terrain in Honokowai Natural Area Reserve is diverse, ranging from ancient volcanic landscapes with dramatic ridges to lush rainforests. It includes rare bogs, wet forests, and shrublands. Outdoor activities may traverse coastal paths, elevated tablelands, and montane forests.
The ʻĪao Needle is a prominent natural landmark located in the vicinity of the Honokowai Natural Area Reserve. It is a striking pointed lava rock formation that rises 1,200 feet (366 meters) above the valley floor. The formation is surrounded by tropical rainforest and offers notable views along some trails.

