The best running trails around Makawao

The running trails in Makawao, particularly within the Makawao Forest Reserve, offer a varied terrain. You'll find heavily forested areas, scenic clearings, gentle inclines, descents, and switchbacks. Many paths have a 'springy surface' due to pine needles, which can be beneficial for your joints. The dense canopy provides ample shade, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Yes, while many routes are moderate, there is at least one easy option available. For a less strenuous path, consider the Baldwin Beach Park loop from Paia, which is approximately 3.8 kilometers long with minimal elevation gain.

For a longer run, the Baldwin & Holomua loop run is a great choice, spanning about 12.4 kilometers. Another excellent option is the Kahakapao Loop Trail, which is approximately 9.6 kilometers and offers a moderate challenge through lush greenery.

Absolutely! From certain points within the Makawao Forest Reserve, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the island and the ocean. The reserve itself is a natural feature, with diverse flora including flowering ginger, eucalyptus, pine trees, and native Hawaiian species. You might also encounter highlights like First Falls or sections of the Hāna Highway that feature waterfalls.

Makawao, situated at around 2,500 feet above sea level, offers cooler temperatures compared to Maui's beaches. The dense canopy of the Makawao Forest Reserve provides ample shade. This makes it ideal for running throughout the day, especially during mornings or late afternoons when temperatures are generally most comfortable, even in warmer seasons.

There are over 10 dedicated running routes around Makawao documented on komoot, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore.

The running routes in Makawao are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Runners often praise the lush forests, varied terrain, and the tranquil, shaded environment provided by the Makawao Forest Reserve.

Yes, several routes in Makawao are circular, providing a convenient way to start and end your run at the same point. A popular example is the Kahakapao Loop Trail, which offers a scenic loop through the forest.

If you prefer routes with less elevation gain, the North Shore Greenway is a good option, featuring minimal elevation changes. The Baldwin Beach Park loop from Paia also offers a relatively flat experience.

The Makawao Forest Reserve is known for its diverse flora. As you run, you'll encounter fragrant eucalyptus trees, towering pine trees, and native Hawaiian species like ohia lehua. You might also spot flowering ginger plants, adding to the lush and vibrant atmosphere of the trails.

While most routes are classified as moderate, the varied terrain with inclines, descents, and switchbacks, especially on longer trails like the Kahakapao Loop Trail (with over 280 meters of elevation gain), can provide a good challenge for experienced runners. The extensive network within Makawao Forest Reserve also allows for combining trails for longer, more demanding runs.

Yes, Makawao is particularly well-suited for running during the summer months. Its higher elevation (around 2,500 feet) provides cooler temperatures than coastal areas, and the dense canopy of the Makawao Forest Reserve offers significant shade, making it a comfortable environment even on warmer days.