(Above: Here’s a little video of my recent trip, starting at the crater summit and ending at Kaupo on Maui’s remote east side.)
If you ask me, the best way to see Maui is one foot at a time. And if you’re a hiking junkie like me, you’re in luck. Maui has trails to fit your every mood. Wanna stroll through a bamboo forest? Check. Looking to chase waterfalls? Check. Or my favorite—feel like trekking through a dormant volcano (that would be Haleakala). CHECK!
I’ve hiked and camped inside Haleakala more times than I can even recall. Still, there was always one trail that I just never got around to: Kaupo Gap. It’s one of those bucket list hikes that I always meant to do, but never actually made the commitment. The fact that it’s one of the most strenuous trails on Maui probably had something to do with it. Well, I’m proud to report that I finally did it—all 18 miles of it!
If anyone is planning on doing this hike and has questions, shoot me an email. Warning, though, it’s not for the faint of heart or weak of knees. This mostly downhill trek is not kind on the legs.
While your body will hate you, everything else about this experience trumps the sore legs and blistered toes. If you’re a hiker, this sound be on your bucket list.
If you have a favorite hike on Maui, I wanna hear it!
Let me know in the comments section!
